Both the Sparkos and the Burson op amps are very demanding on the power supply. The newest Burson are less demanding, but still require a good amount of capacitance around them and good strong and smooth voltage from main power supply. This is something that the computer PS just cannot provide. I'm not sure why so many people think that Bursons sound good on this card -- maybe a placebo affect?? Without a good power supply and closely mounted larger size capacitors, these discrete Class A op amps can sound bright/thin.
I once tried one of the MUSE op amps and the sound was very full, but a bit dull on the high frequencies. (can't remember if it was MUSE01 or MUSE02) I attributed this to the very slow slew rate. It may work out in some situations, but not others.
The best op amp I would recommend for a card like that are the single channel OPA827 SMD opamps mounted on a "single-to-dual" adapter. Cimarron Technologies will sell these with the op amps already mounted/soldered onto the adapter for $33.50 each. Just make sure you choose the "Pins are installed" option.
https://www.cimarrontechnology.com/browndog-020302-single-to-dual-op-amp-adapter
You can have him install other op amps onto the adapter, but I have found the OPA827 is the best compromise of resolution and FET sonic signature. These monolithic op amps are also not as demanding on the power supply and work well on many platforms.
As far as burn in, yes, any electronic component will require a level of burn in.
I once tried one of the MUSE op amps and the sound was very full, but a bit dull on the high frequencies. (can't remember if it was MUSE01 or MUSE02) I attributed this to the very slow slew rate. It may work out in some situations, but not others.
The best op amp I would recommend for a card like that are the single channel OPA827 SMD opamps mounted on a "single-to-dual" adapter. Cimarron Technologies will sell these with the op amps already mounted/soldered onto the adapter for $33.50 each. Just make sure you choose the "Pins are installed" option.
https://www.cimarrontechnology.com/browndog-020302-single-to-dual-op-amp-adapter
You can have him install other op amps onto the adapter, but I have found the OPA827 is the best compromise of resolution and FET sonic signature. These monolithic op amps are also not as demanding on the power supply and work well on many platforms.
As far as burn in, yes, any electronic component will require a level of burn in.