Q: How to fix an audio failure on my mid-2012 13"

Just last week the audio stopped working on my Mid 2012 macbook pro.  I was listening to the headphones, there was a very soft pop, and then nothing.

Ive tried every single troubleshooting solution (red light problem, toothpick, midi settings, etc) and am 99% sure its the audio chip on the mother board at this point.  So my question is how to fix it.  Im not opposed to making a component level repair, but I need more info first.  Like what the audio amp looks like and where its located.  Or any other fixes would be good too.