Portfolio

MCAudioLab is proud to announce the release of an upgraded version of the 816 Discrete OpAmp, the 816i. This new iteration builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, offering significant improvements in both bandwidth and linearity, ensuring an even higher level of audio performance. The enhanced bandwidth enables a more precise handling of high-frequency signals, delivering cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, the improved linearity guarantees that the audio output remains consistent and true to the original source, preserving the integrity of the sound across the full frequency range.

The updated 816i Discrete OpAmp maintains full compatibility with the previous version, making it an easy upgrade for existing systems. Whether you are looking to replace an old unit or enhance the performance of your current setup, the new 816i offers a seamless transition with improved audio specifications. With this update, you can expect even greater accuracy and consistency, making it the perfect choice for audiophiles and professionals who demand the best in sound quality.

Whether you’re using the 816i in a high-end audio system or for professional audio production, the new version provides the precision and reliability needed for exceptional sound performance. At MCAudioLab, we continue to push the boundaries of audio technology, ensuring our products deliver the highest standards in both innovation and quality. The new 816i Discrete OpAmp is a testament to our commitment to excellence and precision in the world of audio.

The MCAudioLab 816i Discrete Op-Amp is engineered to deliver pristine tone and exceptional performance in the widely used DOA format, making it an ideal choice for those who demand the highest standards of audio fidelity. Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, so each 816i unit is built using only the finest, carefully selected components to ensure unparalleled reliability and consistency.

Designed for audiophiles and professionals alike, the 816i excels in providing a clean, transparent sound with extraordinary clarity, preserving every nuance of your audio signal. Whether you are working with complex, high-frequency material or seeking to enhance the warmth and depth of your sound, the 816i ensures a highly accurate and dynamic audio experience that stays true to the original source.

The 816i is an effortless upgrade. Its common DOA format makes it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment, and it serves as a simple drop-in replacement for your gear’s onboard op-amps. The installation process is quick and hassle-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to elevate their signal path without the need for extensive modifications or technical expertise. Its superior performance, combined with its ease of integration, offers a seamless way to elevate your gear’s capabilities and achieve a more refined, high-performance audio experience.

Op-Amps (Operational Amplifiers) are a key component for amplifying and processing audio signals. “Discrete” is that the audio circuit made up of a large number of small individual components: transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors. The opposite of this design is “monolithic”, which means that everything is contained within a single enclosure, like a normal integrated circuit. An IC Opamp is entirely constructed on a single dice of a silicon wafer. Conversely a discrete design uses individual components to accomplish the same thing that the single chip (IC) does.

Discrete circuits offer some distinct advantages over monolithic design  – when we’re talking about audio. One of the most important benefit is that we choose the best component for every single part in the circuit where monolithic chips have to fit everything on the same single piece of silicon. When a discrete OpAmp, is used in a professional audio gear, we can achieve better audio performance than a monolithic design can.

Our op-amps features a discrete design because it allows us to choose the best audio grade components to provide high headroom. Low noise floor and large bandwidth are improved too. In the 816i every single component is carefully selected and tested to provide top notch sonic audio performance for the most demanding applications.

The 816i Discrete OpAmp is designed for the audio only!

Very good linearity to deliver a natural sound, rich details and an excellent  tonal balance.

The MCAudioLab 816i conforms to the 2520/990 series discrete op-amp footprint, which is very common in both vintage and modern gear. The replacement process is fast and easy, and doesn’t require any soldering or special technical skills. Fitting our op-amps in your gear is a matter of seconds. If you’re interested in the 816i but you’re not sure if it’s compatible with your gear, get in touch with us and we’ll do the research for you.

The 816i operates on a dual rail power supply (up to 20V), and can be used as a direct replacement for any 2520/990 format op-amp. It can handle low and high level signals in input and heavy loads in output; read: more headroom, lower noise floor and distortion.