For a basic intercom circuit without using the 741 IC, alternatives like the TL 082, LM386, LM358, and LM324 are recommended due to their lower noise levels and adjustable gain. The TL 082, available at Radio Shack, offers a bandwidth of 4 MHz and is considered reliable for audio applications. It's suggested to use multiple op-amps with lower gain for better bandwidth and performance. Care should be taken with pin connections and the absence of offset nulling in these alternatives. Additionally, powering the intercom only when in use can prolong battery life if using batteries.