MAX98357A 3.2W mono audio amplifier

MAX98357A mono audio amplifier / Class D I2S amplifier module

A compact, highly efficient mono audio amplifier for your projects!

This mono audio amplifier module is a Class D amplifier, offering high efficiency in a small form factor with a speaker connection.
The default gain is 9dB. As shown in the specifications, other gain levels can be set using pull-up or pull-down resistors. The module works well with Raspberry Pi, Arduino Zero and other microcontrollers with I2S audio output. 

Audio enthusiasts often have opinions on which amplifier class is best. Here are the most common classes and their advantages and disadvantages:

Class A
A transistor always conducts; in other words, no transistor switches off at any point. This gives low distortion but also low efficiency.

Class B
Typically, a transistor conducts only when passing a signal. Two transistors usually handle the positive and negative half-cycles respectively. At low signal levels, crossover distortion can occur.

Class AB
Class AB provides much lower distortion than Class B while offering higher efficiency than Class A. 

Class D
Transistors switch fully on or off and the signal is PWM-encoded, giving efficiency above 90%. This highly efficient class is also used in hearing aids and headsets. 

Technical specifications

What's in the package?

• 1 MAX98357A 3.2W mono audio amplifier

Warranty and shipping

We do our best to test all electronics before sending them to you.

This helps us deliver good work and saves you unnecessary trouble during development. Faults can occur, but we see them very rarely. If there is a problem with the equipment you ordered, you can always contact us, and we will be happy to help resolve it. 

We dispatch from Aarhus to Denmark and Sweden. Shipping options and prices are shown at checkout. Delivery time depends on availability, destination and shipping method; contact us before ordering if you need an item by a specific date.

3.2W is a datasheet value at 5V supply, a 4Ω load and 10% THD+N; cleaner audio or lower supply voltage gives less power. Connect the speaker between the amplifier’s two outputs, not between one output and ground.