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Anyone experience any Op amp rolling?

More and more devices (DAC's /Amps) are being offered the ability to change out different Op amps. Easy as changing a tube. Op amp can alter the sounds noticeably. 

In an effort to keep the cost of an item lower the manufacturer frequently uses very inexpensive IC op amp chips. Many less than a dollar. It would seem a good upgrade could be had using a more expensive discreet op amp running in class 'A'.

Anyone have any experience with the newest Burson V7 Vivid or the Sparkos ss2590 pro? Both units run in class 'A' mode. Two top tier units, both run over $80 and I find the improvement in sound remarkable and greatly improved and well worth the $ spent.

gdaddy1
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
976 posts
 

About two years ago I was doing some mods to my Hagerman Bugle 3 phono stage, and definitely experimented with several in different op amp positions of that circuit.

Other than upgrading the single op amp in a cheap Pyle phono section, the Hagerman is my first and only foray into OA rolling. It’s not so different than tube rolling in that there are subtle differences, and they can sound different in different circuits. Like tubes, they all have a range of voltages and functions that they excel and waiver in. It was fun and educational, and not as expensive as tube rolling!

bbarten
67 posts
 

The reply thing isn't working.  gdaddy1...are you saying you actually rolled yours?  One thing I've wondered about is power.  Is it affected by being in class A mode?  Can you comment on differences in the ones you tried?  I've seen those you mentioned and was curious if worth it.  Thanks for the post and in advance for a reply.  :-)

 

gdaddy1 OP
146 posts
 

@bbarten   Yes, currently experimenting. I find class 'A' mode to be the most dynamic and punchy. In January, at the audio show in Tampa, there was quite a buzz about Geshelli labs having a socketed DAC the J2. Easy plug in and out.

I recently came across a video where iiWi put a Sparkos ss3602 an Aune X8 DAC and reported that it boosted the performance to the level of $1000 DACS. My curiosity was peaked. I purchased an Aune X8 that also has an open socket to easily change op amps.

Yes, the performance is WAY better. I'm curious how the best ss2590 Sparkos performs. Supposed to be even better. Also the new Burson V7 Vivid. These op amps push these modestly priced units into a whole new level.

Check it out...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkO0yG9g1FI

 

 

olds1959special
10 posts
 

I put Sparkos SS3602 op amps (5 of them) into my Fosi Audio ZA3 amp. It made a BIG difference! The stock op-amps made it sound pretty bad.

bbarten
67 posts
 

@gdaddy1  That's awesome on the class A part!  I've heard a lot of good things about Geshelli Labs.  Their stuff is quite different it seems.  I might have to bite the bullet on at least one (pair) of the Sparkos or Burson chips.  Maybe the Sparkos first based on @olds1959special 's comment.  Thanks olds!

Thanks for the link!

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