Opamp Resource

[soupbone]

I was curious what folks think is the best place to get the infamous JRC(NJM)4558D opamp?Small bear?

[GibsonGM]

I was curious what folks think is the best place to get the infamous JRC(NJM)4558D opamp?Small bear?

Yup, I've used Small Bear tons of times, and always enjoy knowing that my stuff comes from a small business with big ties to the DIY community.  Service second to none!   Plus, they've already put aside, if you will, the ACTUAL venerable version of the chip...a large corporation will get you a PART number that matches, but knowing what these are used for, Small Bear will get the same or very close to the original stuff for you...he puts thought behind what he stocks. 

[armdnrdy]

I was curious what folks think is the best place to get the infamous JRC(NJM)4558D opamp?Small bear?

http://www.taydaelectronics.com/njm4558-4558-dual-operational-amplifier-general-purpose-ic.html

There are numerous threads about just how the "venerable" version of this IC stands up against other manufacturers of the same chip.

The general consensus from knowledgeable folk seems to be....you get more bang for the buck changing component values to alter the sound rather than changing ICs.

Bottom line.....Trying to source the original Tubescreamer op amp is kind of like sourcing the original clipping diodes (MA150) instead of using 1N4148s or 1N914s. There is really no sonic difference. It's all about the "Mojo".

Mojo makes my wallet thinner. 

[GGBB]

Unless you mean NOS originals, you can get the JRCs from many suppliers although JRC is now run by/has become NJM.  I bought a bunch recently from either Digikey or Mouser and even though the part number is NJM4558D they are stamped JRC4558D just like the originals.  It's essentially the same manufacturer, so I don't see any reason why these would be different than NOS units.

[smallbearelec]

In the case of the JRC4558D, I don't make any special claim for "genuine-ness". This Q does arise occasionally, so I have long posted in the Product FAQ at my store:

1. What is the provenance of the JRC4558D chips that you sell? Is there anything to the reports of superior tone in Tube Screamers from the JRC4558Ds that were manufactured in the 70s and 80s?


"The parts I sell are current production, purchased from an authorized distributor for the manufacturer, New Japan Radio. Knowledgeable professionals who have done A-B tests report no difference in tone between current-production and old-stock chips. Nonetheless, these reports persist. Let your own ears be your guide, and be aware that on-line offers of "NOS" JRC4558D are almost surely Not old-stock."

SD

[zombiwoof]

Unless you mean NOS originals, you can get the JRCs from many suppliers although JRC is now run by/has become NJM.  I bought a bunch recently from either Digikey or Mouser and even though the part number is NJM4558D they are stamped JRC4558D just like the originals.  It's essentially the same manufacturer, so I don't see any reason why these would be different than NOS units.

For some years those 4558's said NJM4558 on them, but lately I've noticed that some new production pedals have JRC4558's in them (like my recent Ibanez Jet Driver), and I found out that the company, seeing that everyone wants the originals that say JRC4558 on them, changed the part number on the chips to JRC4558(D).  That means that it will be even harder to source the vintage chips, but most accounts say there is no difference in them, they have been making them the same all these years, even when they said NJM on them.  The part number only changed because the name of the company changed a few years ago.

Al

[soupbone]

Thanks for all the replies!I bought the last two purchases for the jrc4558d at Digikey.I guess they're all coming from the  place.I also like the T.I. RC4558P,and the s.i. T.L.072.They're a lot harder to find now.