CAPI CA-202 Discrete OpAmp (API 2520 Type)

Brand new CAPI CA-202 op-amp, hand built at our studio in Chicago. Soldering is tight and neat and the PCBs are fully cleaned. Op-amps are burned in and tested with a scope and spectrum analyzer.  We also make and have listings for other op-amps such as GAR 2520, CA-0252, and 990 types. 

The CA-202 fits in the standard API 2520 pinout that are used in mic pres, equalizers and compressors. You can use this to replace API 2520 op-amps that are dead or as an upgrade.
-----------------------------------------

Description from CAPI:

The CA-202 is a unique discrete op-amp, that to my knowledge, has never been brought into the modern pro audio market. The CA202 is an accurate recreation of the ADM202 originally produced by Audio Designs & Mfg Inc, aka ADM Technology Inc. ADM was based in the suburbs of Detroit Michigan so a true Motor City discrete muscle car op-amp! The ADM version was 1.4" square and had their own pinout. I have reformatted it into the popular 2520 footprint.

My old friend Norm Druce (RIP) was a big fan of ADM. He's the one that originally piqued my interest. More recently my ribbon mic buddy Matt Stager got the ball really a rolling. I was very curious when I saw some of his modules that use the ADM202. I was immediately drawn to the input pair being a "supermatched" LM394H just like used in the Jensen/Hardy 990.

The Sound:
The CA202 definitely has its own unique sound. It is on the cleaner side tonally but not exactly clean or vanilla. The midrange is excellent. Very rich and reedy sounding. For sure a new color for the toolbox.

Input Transistors
As mentioned above, the OG amp used the super-matched LM394H. We are using the AS194H as found here.

Interstage NPNs
The OG was 2N5376 for these 4 transistors. Since there was no new-old-stock available anywhere, we had them custom made by a US manufacturer.

Interstage PNPs
The OG was 2N5086 for these 2 transistors. Since there was no new-old-stock available anywhere, we had them custom made by a US manufacturer.

Output Transistors
The OG output transistor pair were metal can TO-39s, specifically 2N3053 and 2N4037. These are impossible to find in NOS in any decent quantities. After the search for the CA-0252 output transistors I knew the best path forward was to also have them custom made.

The CA-202 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.

Some of the applications the CA-202 DOA 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

Warranty:  Parts and labor are covered for one year for component level failure due to normal operational use.  

Shipping: We ship op-amps in a USPS flat rate small box. In 2026 thats a little over $10 - we eat the change. If you order more than one, its only an extra dollar for shipping each additional op-amp in the same box (the dollar covers the extra insurance). If you think you need more than one op-amp, you can can save a bit combining on one order for shipping. Also, different op-amps we sell can be combined to save on shipping.