You want to pick the right chip for your audio amplifier system. If you build a portable speaker or a compact project, the TPA3116 chip gives you solid performance at a low cost. For hi-fi or high-power amplifier needs, the TPA3255 chip stands out with better sound quality and more output. Desktop speaker systems, home theater setups, and DIY amplifier builds all benefit from picking the right chip.
Always match your system to your power, size, and budget needs for the best results.
Key Takeaways
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Pick the TPA3116 chip for small and cheap projects. It works well for portable or desktop speakers. It gives enough power and is easy to set up.
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Choose the TPA3255 chip for systems that need more power. It is good for hi-fi or professional audio. It gives cleaner sound and more features.
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Match your amplifier chip to your system size. Think about how much power you need and your budget. This helps you get the best sound and performance.
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Use the right power supplies and cooling for your amplifier. This keeps it safe and working well. Cooling is extra important for the TPA3255 chip.
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Both chips have modules you can buy for DIY projects. TPA3116 boards are easier and cost less. TPA3255 boards work better but need more planning.
Comparison
Specs
You want to see how the TPA3116 and TPA3255 stack up side by side. The table below gives you a clear look at the main specs for each amplifier chip-set:
| Specification | TPA3116 | TPA3255 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | Up to 50W per channel (4Ω) | Up to 300W per channel |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | About 98 dB | 105 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | Around 0.1% at 1W output | 0.03% at 1W output |
| Efficiency | Around 90% | 92-93% |
| Voltage Requirement | 21V for 50W into 4Ω | Higher voltage range supported |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown, short-circuit | Over-current, clip detection, thermal shutdown |
The TPA3116 amplifier chip gives you solid mid-power output and good efficiency. You can use it for most compact or budget designs. The TPA3255 amplifier chip delivers much higher power output and even better efficiency. This makes it a strong choice for high-power or hi-fi designs.
Features
When you pick an amplifier, you want to match the chip to your project’s needs. The TPA3116 works best for compact, budget, or entry-level designs. You often find it in portable speakers or desktop systems. Some users notice a high-pitched whine or noise gate issues, but it keeps costs low and fits small spaces.
The TPA3255 stands out for high-power, hi-fi, and audiophile-grade projects. You get cleaner sound, higher efficiency, and more reliable performance. Many hi-fi and studio systems use this chip for its strong power output and cool running design. Even though it costs more, you gain better sound and more advanced dsp features.
Tip: If you want a simple, budget-friendly amplifier, choose the TPA3116. If you need more power, better dsp, and higher sound quality, the TPA3255 is the better pick.
You should always consider your design goals, power needs, and dsp requirements before you choose your amplifier chip.
Power
Output
When you choose an audio amplifier chip, you want to know how much output you can get for your project. The TPA3116 and TPA3255 offer very different levels of power. If you use the TPA3116 with a 12V supply and a 4-ohm speaker, you get about 20 watts of output power. This works well for small speakers or portable designs. If you need more, the TPA3116 can reach up to 50 watts per channel with a higher voltage, but you must watch the limits of your circuit.
The TPA3255 gives you much more output. With a 36V supply and a 4-ohm load, you can get up to 125 watts at 1% total harmonic distortion. This makes the TPA3255 a strong choice for home theater, studio monitors, or any design that needs high output and clean sound. You can push the TPA3255 even further with the right circuit and cooling, but you should always follow safe design rules.
| Speaker Impedance | TPA3116 Output (W) | TPA3255 Output (W) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Ω | ~15 | ~70 |
| 4 Ω | ~20-50 | ~125-146 |
Note: Lower speaker impedance gives you more output power, but your circuit must handle the extra current. Always check your design for safe operation.
Supply
The supply voltage you choose has a big effect on both output and efficiency. The TPA3116 works with supply voltages up to 24V. This makes it easy to use in portable or compact designs. You can use simple power supplies, and your circuit stays small. The TPA3116 also offers good efficiency, so your design runs cool and saves energy.
The TPA3255 supports much higher supply voltages, up to 50V or more. This allows for much higher output power and high efficiency, but you need a stronger power supply and careful circuit design. You must plan your circuit to handle the extra voltage and current. Many high-end designs use the TPA3255 for its strong output and advanced dsp features. You can add dsp to your design for better sound control and more options.
If you want a simple design with good output and easy supply needs, the TPA3116 is a smart pick. If you want maximum power, high efficiency, and advanced dsp, the TPA3255 gives you more options for your circuit and design.
Sound Quality
Fidelity
You want your amplifier to make music sound clear. Both TPA3116 and TPA3255 chips give good sound. They make music feel different when you listen. The TPA3116 chip makes music sound bright and detailed. You hear high notes clearly, like hi-hats in songs. This chip helps you notice small sounds in your music. It adds sparkle and shows tiny details.
The TPA3255 chip gives a smoother and softer sound. Many people say it feels easy to listen to for a long time. The sound is balanced and feels like old, high quality audio gear. If you want music that does not tire your ears, the TPA3255 is a good choice. Both chips give strong frequency response. Your choice depends on if you want more detail or a smoother sound.
Tip: If you like bright and detailed sound, pick the TPA3116. If you want relaxed and musical sound, try the TPA3255.
Noise
Noise can change how you hear music, especially when it is quiet. The TPA3116 chip usually keeps noise low. It works well with preamplifier ICs. Most people find it stops unwanted sounds, so you can enjoy music without problems. The frequency response stays clean, even when the volume is low.
The TPA3255 chip also keeps noise down, but you must plan your system well. Extra parts like fans or DC-DC converters can add noise if you do not set them up right. Some people use separate power supplies or battery packs to lower noise. If you plan carefully, you get good sound and wide frequency response from the TPA3255.
Note: Always check your power supply and system setup. This helps you get the best sound and frequency response from your amplifier.
Pick the Right Chip
Applications
You want to pick the right chip for your amplifier project. Each chip fits different types of audio systems and acoustic needs. The TPA3116 and TPA3255 both work well, but you should match them to your design goals.
Here is a table to help you see which chip works best for each type of system:
| Audio Project Type | TPA3116 Typical Use Cases | TPA3255 Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Speakers | Ideal for portable sound systems, battery-powered speakers, and IoT devices due to low power consumption and compact size. | Not suitable due to high power consumption and size. |
| Desktop Speakers | Commonly used in desktop speakers, bookshelf speakers, and small soundbars. | Less common, as it is designed for higher power applications. |
| Home Theater Systems | Less suitable, limited power output and cooling requirements. | Preferred choice for home theater systems with large speakers, delivering high power and high-fidelity sound. |
| Audiophile / High-End Systems | Used in basic professional audio setups and car audio systems with moderate power needs. | Favored for high-end stereos, subwoofer amplifiers, professional audio equipment, and high-end car audio installations requiring high power and sound quality. |
You should use the TPA3116 when you want a compact amplifier for portable speakers, desktop systems, or smart acoustic devices. This chip gives you good sound and saves battery life. It fits well in small designs and keeps your system simple.
If you need more power and better acoustic performance, the TPA3255 is the better pick. You will find this chip in home theater systems, audiophile setups, and professional audio gear. It gives you strong bass, clear sound, and works well in larger rooms. You can use it for high-end car audio or studio monitors when you want the best sound quality.
Tip: Always match your amplifier chip to your system size, power needs, and acoustic goals. This helps you get the best results for your project.
DIY
When you build your own amplifier, you want a chip that is easy to use and fits your design. Both TPA3116 and TPA3255 have ready-made modules that make DIY projects easier.
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TPA3116 modules come as simple stereo boards. You can find options like the VIRE DC 12V-24V TPA3116D2 Class D Stereo Digital Audio Amplifier Module. This board gives you up to 2x50W output and works well for home audio or portable designs. You can power it with batteries, which helps you keep your system clean and quiet. Many people like this chip because it is easy to use and fits in small spaces.
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TPA3255 modules are more powerful and often come as 4-channel boards. You can buy these boards online, and they usually have good soldering quality. Some boards need small fixes, like adding a capacitor to remove startup noise. You should check the connectors and cooling before you finish your design. The TPA3255 gives you better audio detail and dynamic range, but you must plan for higher voltage and more heat.
You will find that both chips have many module options on sites like Amazon and Alibaba. This makes it easy to start your DIY amplifier project. TPA3116 boards are cheaper and simpler, while TPA3255 boards cost more but give you higher performance.
Note: If you want a simple, low-cost DIY design, pick the right chip like TPA3116. If you want more power and better acoustic quality, the TPA3255 is worth the extra effort.
When you design your own acoustic system, you should look at the board layout, connector quality, and cooling. Some TPA3116 boards need small changes to improve sound. TPA3255 boards may need better cooling and power supply planning. Both chips let you build a system that matches your acoustic needs and budget.
You can pick the right chip by thinking about your design, your system size, and your acoustic goals. This helps you get the best sound and value for your amplifier project.
Pros and Cons
TPA3116
You find the TPA3116 chip in many DIY audio projects. People like this chip because it gives you high efficiency and works well in battery-powered devices. You can build simple amplifiers with it, and you do not need advanced skills. The design is easy to understand, so you can start your project quickly.
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You get good power efficiency, which helps your battery last longer.
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The chip works well for small speakers and portable systems.
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You can use it for projects where you do not need maximum power or the lowest noise floor.
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Many users say it is a good starting point for learning about audio amplifiers.
You may notice some drawbacks when you use the TPA3116. The chip has a higher noise floor than newer models, so you might hear more background noise. The sound quality is good, but not the best for audiophile needs. Some boards do not have mounting holes, which makes installation harder. You may need a dual power supply for some preamps, and this adds complexity. You also need to check input and output levels, because they are not always standard.
| Disadvantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No mounting holes on some boards | You may find it hard to install the board in your case. |
| Dual power supply needed for some preamps | You must add extra parts to your system. |
| Input/output levels not standardized | You need to adjust gain and volume for the right power output. |
| Separate power supplies for preamp and amp | You should use two supplies to keep sound quality high. |
Tip: If you want a simple, efficient amplifier for small projects, the TPA3116 gives you enough power and easy setup.
TPA3255
You see the TPA3255 chip in high-end and professional audio systems. This chip gives you much more power and better sound quality. You can use it for home theater, studio monitors, or audiophile setups. The TPA3255 works as a Class D amplifier, so you get high efficiency and strong power output. You do not need a regulated power supply, which makes your build easier.
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You get high power for large speakers and demanding audio projects.
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The chip works well with switching power supplies, so you can keep your system light and simple.
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Many users say the sound quality is smooth and detailed, with low noise.
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You can use ready-made modules, which helps you finish your project faster.
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The chip handles heat well, so you do not worry about overheating.
Some users debate the best power supply type. You can use a switching power supply for easy setup, or a linear supply for possible sound improvements. You should check the actual chip on your board, because some brands use different chips. The TPA3255 costs more than the TPA3116, but you get much higher power and better sound.
Note: If you want maximum power and top sound quality, the TPA3255 is the best choice for your advanced audio projects.
You can use the TPA3116 for portable speakers. It also works for small desktop systems. This chip is good if you want to save money. It gives you enough power for most small projects. The TPA3255 is better for home theater setups. It is also great for audiophile projects. You get more power and better sound with this chip. Many people talk about their DIY experiences online. Some use laptop adapters to power their boards. This helps them get steady and safe power. There are new chips like the TPA324x series. These chips give similar sound but use less power.
Always think about sound quality, cost, and how easy it is to use. You should also check the power you need. Your project goals help you choose the best amplifier chip.
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Think about these things:
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How big your project is and how much power you need
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How much money you want to spend and if you can find the board
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If there are new chips you might want to use later
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FAQ
What power supply do you need for TPA3116 and TPA3255?
You need a 12V–24V supply for TPA3116. TPA3255 works best with 36V–48V. Always check your board’s label before you connect power. Using the right voltage keeps your amplifier safe and working well.
Can you use these chips for car audio projects?
Yes, you can use both chips for car audio. TPA3116 fits small car speakers and simple setups. TPA3255 works better for high-power systems or subwoofers. Make sure your car’s power system matches the chip’s voltage needs.
Do you need extra cooling for these amplifier chips?
TPA3116 usually stays cool with basic airflow. TPA3255 makes more heat at high power. You should add a heatsink or fan for TPA3255 to keep it safe and working longer.
Which chip gives better sound for music?
TPA3255 gives you cleaner, smoother sound with less noise. TPA3116 sounds bright and clear but may have more background noise. If you want the best music quality, pick TPA3255.
Are ready-made amplifier boards easy to find?
You can find many TPA3116 and TPA3255 boards online. Most boards come with connectors and instructions. You can start your project quickly with these modules.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
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