Counterfeit / Factory Reject LM386s?

[anotherjim]

I was going to ask "Which 386 is supposed to be?". LM386-4 is discontinued (although only recently), and because of it's voltage/power range has been the most popular in 9v projects. Whether the -1 to -3 variants work in your particular project I can't say. I've only ever used the -4. Of course, fakes could be any kind of device in the same package.

Since the LM386-4 is supposed to be gone the way of the Diplodocus, there is still the JRC version NJM386BD which is a -4 and still in production. Hopefully less chance of fakes if you look for the NJM parts instead.

[reddesert]

Digi-key has only 10,411 of the TI LM386N-4 in stock today.  Order now, supplies are limited!

AFAIK the difference between LM386N-4 and LM386N-1 is that the -4 has higher output power.

I bought some LM386 from Tayda within the past year (I don't remember what kind, and they sell both National Semi and a knockoff), and they worked.

[Marcos - Munky]

I got a package of LM386M from China. Worked fine for things like my actual audio probe, which have an signal generator and a little amp with speaker in a battery sized board. But I tried an overdrive, and got low gain. I tried an guitar amp, and got loads of oscillation. They work, but surely not as they should.

[Ice-9]

I general to everybody, buy from reputible sources and all should be good, also always check the latest datasheet for changes just in case of changes. An LM386 form a a good source is only 0.63 UK pounds here in the UK (50 cents USA) There are likely no shortages on most parts that you need to find so why risk buying unknown shite. I have never heard of Jameco but having just checked their website it does look like a proper supplier so they should be good. Remember with ebay you take your own chances and if they are crap then you only have yourself to blame really for trying to save  1cent or so on a part. I'm not trying to sound bad but buy from a truster dealer. Maybe look into Mouser if your in the USA.

[MrStab]

the way of the Diplodocus

those have been discontinued, too?!!! man, this is f***ing bulls**t!

[Ice-9]

Since the LM386-4 is supposed to be gone the way of the Diplodocus, there is still the JRC version NJM386BD which is a -4 and still in production. Hopefully less chance of fakes if you look for the NJM parts instead.

Looking on the Texas Instrument website I can't see any reference to any LM386 being discontinued at all. It's late and I may have missed it but nah ! I can't see it.

[PRR]

> I have never heard of Jameco but...

Jameco has been a force in US parts since the 1970s. For a while they distributed "James-Paks", single parts in bubble-packs on a rack which many small parts-stores put out for impulse purchases. Their paper catalogs were a treat of odd-lots of surplus goods, particularly power supplies. My first IBM PC was a Jameco kit.

I have no idea how they stay alive in the face of DigiKey and Mouser (who started in that same decade).

[Paul Marossy]

Paul... if you are in a bind and need some LM386s, let me know. I am 99% sure I have some around with no plans for use.

(Not sure if they are -1 or -4 though)

I need four of them if you want to make good on that offer.

[Paul Marossy]

Remember with ebay you take your own chances and if they are crap then you only have yourself to blame really for trying to save  1cent or so on a part. I'm not trying to sound bad but buy from a truster dealer. Maybe look into Mouser if your in the USA.

Yes, and until I got the LM386s I've never had a negative experience. I guess times have changed, for the worse. 

[anotherjim]

Some confusion. TI website only lists LM386M-1 and LM386MX-1, both only available in an smd flat pack package. However, the current datasheet pdf continues to list LM386N-4 PDIP as "Active" in addition to some other varieties.
That said, some suppliers have definitely removed the LM386N-4 from their lists and, where able, replaced with the NJM part.