Circuit Build
The component arrangement used to build a headphone amplifier’s signal-amplifying and output circuitry.
Circuit build distinguishes amplification using separate components, integrated operational amplifiers, a combination of the two, or a named amplifier module. An integrated operational amplifier, often shortened to op-amp, contains its amplifying circuitry within an integrated circuit (IC).
Circuit Build — Headphone Amp
In a headphone amplifier, an op-amp may provide both amplification and headphone drive, or feed a separate transistor output buffer that supplies the load. A discrete design uses individual active components. A named module identifies an amplifier design or block, rather than a guaranteed performance level.
Use the description to understand construction, then compare output power at your headphone impedance, output impedance, noise and distortion. Discrete construction is not automatically better than an IC. The DAC chip and amplifier operating class describe different aspects and cannot establish circuit build.