- Thread Starter
- #321
It is a large topic to explain quickly. But essentially, an integrate circuit can be much more optimized than discrete signals due to much smaller distances, ability to fine trim components, choice of parts that are not available as stand alone products, etc. Due to high volume, cost is also highly optimized. And the designer may very well be much smarter and capable than whoever is designing the circuit using discrete parts.Could someone explain to me what a discrete amplifier means, and how it differs to an op amp? And does it have any pros or cons other than the differences that can be measured? Like build quality or durability etc.
There are down sides such as thermal modulation where if one part of the IC gets hot, it can impact the rest of the circuit. Or some combination of specs you can't get in an IC.
In general, what you get out of discrete circuits in audio products if 99% marketing where engineering value is not there, nor shown. Lack of measurements should be a warning sign that they may not have achieved anything better.