🔊 Bridgold LM386N LM386 Low Voltage Audio Power Amplifier 300kHz, 8-Pin PDIP Mono,DIP-8: 20pcs Pack Review

This amplifier seemed like a great fit for my home theater, but after testing it out, I found it fell short. My analysis of this product showed that the quality of the sound was average at best and didn't meet my expectations for the price. While the compact size is a plus, the overall functionality leaves much to be desired. Electronics enthusiasts might appreciate this item, but for the average consumer, there are better options available.

Ok after testing these LM386-1 chips 3 of them turned out to be faulty (popcorn sound noise) and some of them oscillate, I can actually listen to FM radio if I use a variable capacitor as an antenna (laughs, no kidding)

These are (in my opinion) failures (out of spec) on the production line. I tested 10 of these before I found one that worked satisfactorily. The main problem seems to be that the gain is way out of spec; somewhere too high, somewhere too low. A few pieces wouldn't even miss the right signal. All were tested at minimum gain (Av=20). I followed the datasheet with the recommended schemes for testing. Most of them had "popcorn noise", although I was able to tame it by adding a 10kΩ or less resistor