DIY Amplifier Comparison: Gainclone LM3875 Vs. Elektor Mini Crescendo

I think this post is quite special.

In the past I built discrete Mosfet amplifier that very famous in our local DIY audio group. This is Mini Crescendo amplifier is from Elektor magazine featured circa 1989 and I built that amplifier in early 2000. Why this amplifier is so popular? Simply because it sound wonderful. This Mini Crescendo amplifier is class AB using expensive Mosfet 2SK135 and 2SJ50 together with big transformer.

Unlike Gainclone amplifier, this amplifier is simple and cheap to build because basically it is an IC based amplifier. So I think this is really interesting to find out which one sound better. The expensive and complicated Mini Crescendo or simple and cheap Gainclone amplifier.

The mini Crescendo amplifier that I've built is discrete MOSFET transistors, configure in dual mono design using high quality 250VA Bando transformer on each channel. Those transformer contribute to the total weight of this amplifier to more than 20 kg.

What I can say, this mini Crescendo amplifier is the most expensive amplifier I ever built. This amplifier is run perfectly fine, no hum, no noise from this amplifier when idling or when operating. This amplifier doesn't use any speaker protection circuit and it is operate very stable in long listening session.

The photo for this Mini Crescendo amplifier is not good at all. Please consider in early year 2000, having good quality digital camera is very expensive.

In contrast, the Gainclone amplifier is simple to build.

It doesn't need big power transformer to operate, it is also easy to build and cheap.

The Gainclone amplifier I built here is by point-to-point connection. This easy to do because it require less external components compare to the Elektor Mini Crescendo. I can use high grade and more expensive components when building the Gainclone amplifier with the total price for making this amplifier is far less than the Mini Crescendo amplifier.

With those two different amplifier, how does the sound?

I can say the Gainclone amplifier is superior for channel separation, clear instruments presentation, and extended micro detail. Although the midrange in this amplifier is a little bit thin and soft, but overall sound signature is neutral.

The Mini Cresscendo amplifier is warm and tube like sound amplifier especially when I listen the vocal and most of the midrange frequency. The music presentation with this amplifier is so intimate just like a human voice singing. Although the sound-stage and three dimensional presentation is not superior compare to the Gainclone amplifier, but this amplifier is more enjoyable to listen to the music. It has better midrange presentation and balance on overall musical presentation.

Practically, I am using this Gainclone amplifier more compare to the Mini Crescendo amplifier because it lesser power consume. I can turn it on for 24 hours without worries. it is also light weight, easy to move from one to another place. This Gainclone amplifier deliver excitement and engagement to the complex music arrangement. High dynamic range and rich music presentation is better presenting with this Gainclone amplifier.

While the Mini Crescendo amplifier is mostly sitting nicely in the cabinet not because I don't like the sound from this amplifier, but for simple and vocal oriented music, which I am not to often listen this kin of music, this amplifier is a champ.

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