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I am a complete novice with electronics...but i'm looking to build a replica of a discontinued TC Electronic Integrated Preamp. Its a basic line booster with Volume, Bass and Treble but sounds great when you feed it with 18-32volts. The schematics are out there and i'm looking to just copy it and try to build a basic one using a breadboard to begin with. I was wondering though would it be possible to use an op amp from something of much higher quality. I wondered if it would be possible to experiment with putting an op-amp from hi end audio gear into it. Something like this for example: http://www.sonicimagerylabs.com/products/product_images_docs/990Enh_Ticha_Docs/990Enh_Ticha_Datasheet.pdf

Heres the details for the TC Preamp:

Schematic of circuit

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/slackers-stuff/tcpreboardfinal.jpg.html

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Discrete op-amps are a scam to separate audiophools from their money. If you want a very nice low-noise, low-distortion op-amp, put in an LM4562. Or a very nice inexpensive op-amp that is almost as good NE5532. I'm afraid all of this is pointless in the designed device, with its pointless single-ended BJT front end that negates the use of a low-noise, low-distortion op-amp. Not to mention the single-voltage supply that destroys common-mode rejection. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kaz
    Commented Jun 5, 2014 at 14:23

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I don't know where the LM741 reference came from. The schematic you link to shows a TL071, which is a much more appropriate opamp for audio use. I would stick to the TL071 as designed.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ The LM741 came from the second schematic link. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Laplante
    Commented Mar 3, 2012 at 16:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Simple: No, the second schematic, the one you call the "TC Preamp" clearly shows the opamp being a TL071. I thought that's what you want to build, so I don't see the relevance of the first link anyway. In any case, build the preamp as designed. The TL071 should be able to do this job. \$\endgroup\$
    – Olin Lathrop
    Commented Mar 3, 2012 at 19:19
  • \$\begingroup\$ I'm not the OP. And that would be the first schematic, but the second link. The second schematic is not hyperlinked, but is just below it. I've hyperlinked it now. \$\endgroup\$
    – Chris Laplante
    Commented Mar 3, 2012 at 19:40
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The components were chosen with the LM741 in mind. They would have to change, too, with the op amp. I would stick with the LM741 and get a working circuit, which, as you mentioned, sounds great. Improvements would involve studying it to find out why the specific components were chosen, then redesigning the whole thing around a current audio op amp. There are many ways to improve this preamp -- the op amp is just the tip of the iceberg! (Just don't ask me.)

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