20pcs LM386N LM386 Low Voltage Audio Power Amplifier 300kHz, 8-Pin PDIP Mono,DIP-8

These are (in my opinion) failures (out of spec) from the production line. I tested 10 of them before finding one that performed satisfactorily. Main problem seems to be that gain is wildly out of spec; some way too high, some way too low. A few pieces would not even pass the desired signal. All were tested at the minimum gain (Av = 20).I adhered to the datasheet using the recommended circuits therein for testing. Most had "popcorn noise", although I was able to tame that by strapping a 10K or less resistor on the signal side of the input coupling capacitor. Some had a stubborn ~5.5 MHz oscillation. The recommended output suppression (.05 uF in series with a 10 ohm resistor) would not suppress it (and in a few cases caused motor-boating), but a .015 uF direct across the output did. You MUST closely bypass the power supply lead with at least 10 uF. Also, if used in a circuit where the load is sometimes removed (e. g. speaker jack), it would be wise to strap the output with some sort of load 22-47 ohms or so. Some of the problems I mentioned may be aggravated by the fact that I need to drive a 16 ohm load (32 ohm headset with elements in parallel). The rating is because, as mentioned, some of the chips were dead on arrival, but if I get 5 good ones out of the bunch, the price is still fair. Just be ready to go through and find the ones that work properly.

I only received 10 peices. Not acceptable.

These lil guys work!