Where you see V1 and V2, those are inputs, and where you see Vout that's the output. Rf is the feedback value.
Using this gain block one can easily make all sorts of amplifying circuits from balanced inputs, to phase swappers, to buffers, to phono preamplifiers.
(Here's a link to an ancient paper showing how to make 41 audio projects using a chip op-amp. Note: the author uses a 741 op-amp in his designs. The 741 op-amp is perhaps the single worst choice in the entire world for building audio circuits. Perhaps there's something worse, but in my near-50 years, I have yet to find one. Use instead the venerable NE 5532 op-amp, which sounds great).
Many of PS Audio's products are based on op-amp topology though we rarely rely upon the chip versions because for best sound quality, we require more control over the amplifier's performance. Instead, we often build discrete versions of the operational amplifier topology using higher voltage rails and hand-selected devices to best suit our needs.
The point of this post is to set the record straight. Op-amps are not necessarily chips and chips are not necessarily op-amps.
I'm just protecting the good name and reputation of a core fundamental gain block of audio.
Op amps vs. chips
Where you see V1 and V2, those are inputs, and where you see Vout that's the output. Rf is the feedback value.
Using this gain block one can easily make all sorts of amplifying circuits from balanced inputs, to phase swappers, to buffers, to phono preamplifiers.
(Here's a link to an ancient paper showing how to make 41 audio projects using a chip op-amp. Note: the author uses a 741 op-amp in his designs. The 741 op-amp is perhaps the single worst choice in the entire world for building audio circuits. Perhaps there's something worse, but in my near-50 years, I have yet to find one. Use instead the venerable NE 5532 op-amp, which sounds great).
Many of PS Audio's products are based on op-amp topology though we rarely rely upon the chip versions because for best sound quality, we require more control over the amplifier's performance. Instead, we often build discrete versions of the operational amplifier topology using higher voltage rails and hand-selected devices to best suit our needs.
The point of this post is to set the record straight. Op-amps are not necessarily chips and chips are not necessarily op-amps.
I'm just protecting the good name and reputation of a core fundamental gain block of audio.
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