First, I wouldn't blame anybody for ignoring this question because it arises based on an extreme modification. As you may recall, I've been experimenting with subbing 3886 chips into the simpatico for the LM4780. The goal is to get more bass punch with better thermal management. My first attempt was very pleasing but ended with an unlucky ESD event.

Try two has been frustrating. Maybe I've been too clever by half, but I adapted old TPA amp boards with the correct sockets and capacitors to mount and connect the new 3886s. Pix here

Problem: the minus-side 3886s are putting out DC of nearly full input voltage (36 volts), while the plus side circuits seem to be functioning normally. This happens even with the input signal plus and minus pins disconnected from the simpatico board. I've triple-checked all the connections and can find no errors, shorts, polarity crosses, etc. The 3886s have insulated cases. The only grounds to the 3886s are via the sympatico sockets, but plus and minus speaker output is not returned to the sympatico board. I carefully replaced the two chips that were putting out huge DC, but no change. There is no heat or other worrying signs.

Clearly, I'm overlooking something major. Thoughts?

Frank

OY!!!

We researchers learn by our mistakes!
I brought the plus outputs through the sympatico board for a more convenient wire connection, but not the minus outputs. Will fix.

BTW, the mistake on the original sympatico-3886 was taking the green plastic shell off of the power terminal blocks so that they would solder in more firmly. The metal corners barely overlapped the ground plane and it seems the ESD cut through the varnish and shorted one minus voltage.

Thanks, Amigo