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The CA-0251 Discrete Opamp is a fully assembled and rigorously tested discrete operational amplifier. The CA-0251 Discrete Opamp is based on our fan favorite CA-0252. The concept is to provide the best sounding fully assembled discrete opamp possible for those on a shoe-string budget. This is done by utilizing CNC pick-and-place machines to "place" the SMD or surface-mount devices. In our extensive listening tests we have found the CA-0251 to be the best sounding current production 2520 style opamp with the exception of the CA-0252. Output Transistors The OG output transistor pair were metal can TO-39s, specifically BC141-16 and BC161-16. These are unobtainium and have been for years so we have them custom manufactured. These are thru-hole parts. They are outstanding components and a very big part of the tone. The CA-0251 Discrete Opamp only ships with the longer terminal pins so there is no issue in a 2500 etc that may have other components under the opamp footprint. These longer pins impose no issues when used in a situation with no components under the amp. Just leave them long. If you have an old school situation where the amps are soldered directly to the PCB, just solder them in and cut the pins off. The clearance to the PCB underneath is exactly the same as with our potted CA-0252 opamp. Some of the applications the CA-0251 Discrete Opamp can be used for: Microphone Preamplifiers Line or Booster Amplifiers Lossless Combining Amplifiers Balanced Transformerless Amplifiers Equalizers and Compressors Additional features and specs: Industry standard 2520 footprint for plug-in or PC mount connections Low noise, high power output Low distortion Minimum load impedance is 75 ohms for full output voltage Power supply voltage is bi-polar +/- 12 VDC to +/- 20 VDC The CA-0251 Discrete Opamp is sold here to be used in CAPI modules or to replace failed or upgrade 2520 style opamps in other gear. OEM and/or commercial use is prohibited. Meaning that we do not want manufacturers buying these to use in their gear without written consent from CAPI. We reserve the right to refuse service if we feel this restriction is being violated.

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