bcarso
Well-known member
Looks interesting. I wonder about the output current capability with that package (note that dissipation is internally limited). The current noise is high, in keeping with rich bias on the input bipolars, which makes it questionable somewhat for one of their listed apps, phono preamps (at least MM, and the voltage noise is not SOTA for MC).
Also, I can't reconcile their FFT data with the stated quad nought eight (0.8 ppm) distortion claim: look at the first graph, with 2nd at -108dB and 3rd at -107dB. But maybe those are really dBu and not dBr (perverse if so). Even if dBu that's more than 4uV against the stated 3V rms.
But, undoubtedly could be a useful part. CF amps are tricky to use but can be fun. At least no one is going to complain about slew rate limiting for audio.
National is taking audio quite seriously these days. I just read an article in which Don Tuite went to their listening room and talked with an audio app guy, and was impressed that he could hear how high quality the system was. He had anticipated that with his old impaired ears he'd be unable to discern quality differences. They did have some fancy Wilson Audio speakers in the setup, which featured signal chains full of the new NS chips. They stated that their aim was to finally get all of the discrete part electronics holdouts to move to their ICs. Good luck.
Also, I can't reconcile their FFT data with the stated quad nought eight (0.8 ppm) distortion claim: look at the first graph, with 2nd at -108dB and 3rd at -107dB. But maybe those are really dBu and not dBr (perverse if so). Even if dBu that's more than 4uV against the stated 3V rms.
But, undoubtedly could be a useful part. CF amps are tricky to use but can be fun. At least no one is going to complain about slew rate limiting for audio.
National is taking audio quite seriously these days. I just read an article in which Don Tuite went to their listening room and talked with an audio app guy, and was impressed that he could hear how high quality the system was. He had anticipated that with his old impaired ears he'd be unable to discern quality differences. They did have some fancy Wilson Audio speakers in the setup, which featured signal chains full of the new NS chips. They stated that their aim was to finally get all of the discrete part electronics holdouts to move to their ICs. Good luck.