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DAC Opamp Upgrade

I'm considering upgrading the Opamps in my MusicHall 25.3 DAC. Burson Media from Australia seems to make a good fit. Anyone has any experience doing this and what was the outcome ? I have replaced the original tube with a 1965 Mullard 6922 and I feel that was an improvement. 
zipiv
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
Hi zipiv,

I've had a positive experience with Burson upgrades. I had an old Rotel RCD-991 which I couldn't listen to, (I have 7 spinners). After doing some research about 3 or 4 year ago I took the player to CVE (Melbourne, Aust.)who do the Burson mods/upgrades. They replaced the Op-Amps/Clock/Crystal. The improvement was staggering. I can now listen and enjoy the Rotel. All up it cost me $350, which I considered a bargain.
zipiv OP
8 posts
 
I will be trying this for sure. Traveling at the moment but will give it a go when I get home and report back with my findings.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I just replaced the Dexa output buffer op amps with some remaining Sparkos I still have. So now I have all Sparkos in both DAC and preamp. (3 stages in DAC and 2 stages in preamp). The sound is now the best I have heard it. I think it may need just a little bit more snap, but 5 stages of Sparkos definitely sounds great!

One thing I would advise, if you had the ability :

http://s824.photobucket.com/user/ainami/media/electronics/AD797_Sparkos.jpg.html

I have found that soldering a 47uf Nichicon Muse (50V) plus a 0.1uf MKP directly to the +/- power pins of the op amp significantly improves the sound quality. It gives more punch, smoother response, and removes the frizzy highs. It just sounds better.

zipiv OP
8 posts
 
Hey Auxinput 

Pardon my tardiness. I have and not to my surprise decided to keep the OpAmps. I feel I gained so much more soundstage up and to both sides. I have also spent a couple of bucks on treating my room. Curtains and DIY panels. I would almost go as far as saying as I feel I have a new system. Thanks for your input.
decoryder
1 posts
 
I specifically created this account to be able to thank auxinput for sharing his experiences on the topic of opamps. I've been using his comments as a 'guide' of sorts and have been using it for the last 1.5 years. His comments are spot-on, and have saved me a lot of time and aggravation. Anyone looking to swap opamps should look to his post for guidance.
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