2. amps-preamps
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op amp rolling

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipO7mVKfzW_dSV5rxCvMv4z2gwdtk1cLM3eSFhIy

I have a setup for a send system that I have been playing with to see what I can do on the cheap and I've been quite surprised at the result so far. I've been reading about supposedly major improvements in performance of the Fosi ZA3 amps with op amp swaps. I'm wondering if anyone else has had any experience with the various ones available. I'm running the dual mono with XLR on each speaker bi wired to max the power which means I'll need three per amp which will cost more than the amps so I'd like to get it right the first time if I can. I'd like to take some of the sibilance from the top end which some I reckon comes from the nature of the speakers (Klipsch RPM 600II). Any opinions/advice would be most welcome. I'm looking at the Burson v7 vivid and the sparko but the sparko has been reported as softening the ZA3 too much which the reviewers on youtube seem to like for the V3 mono but not for the ZA3. I have attached a link to the setup because I cand figure out how to attach the photo to this forum. Thanks in advance

johnnybwood
johnnybwood OP
59 posts
 

so you're saying swapping didn't yield any benefit on the balanced input stage, only RCA? Just amplification stage? I was looking at the vivids so I take a shot at those. The za3's have enough height inside the case for those. I didn't the v3's would have room. Shouty is an apt description of those speakers. It's quite a departure from the sound of my electrostats but I like mixing up listening experiences. Hearing things in a different way.

joeycastillo
82 posts
 

@johnnybwood 

yes, swapping the opamp close to the input side of the amp did not (I could not discern a tonal difference). If there was, I was not able to detect it. Note, I am using a balanced XLR. However, the opamps that were close to one another which was more in front of the amp, has most impact. So, in my particular configuration, I find that the Vivid v7 position was closed to the front, while the Sparko was towards the middle of the amp board. Swap it around and listen which best suits you

johnnybwood OP
59 posts
 

if I’m to understand what I’ve been reading the op amp in the back is to convert the RCA input to a balanced signal so I believe it can be removed from the unit if using XLR. I've ordered two pairs of V7 classics to try on the Two amps running dual mono biwired. I'm hoping they will take some of the hard edge off the speakers and give a more analog feal from the system. Will be reporting back next week. Cheers!

audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
260 posts
 

Hey, johnnybwood.

Sorry for the late response.

I hav the V3 Monos. With them, you only need to swap out the opamps in the RCA circuit if you're using RCA. Like others, I paid more for the opamps than I did for the amps. 

But like I said before, the improvements were easily noticeable.

joeycastillo
82 posts
 

@johnnybwood  

if I’m to understand what I’ve been reading the op amp in the back is to convert the RCA input to a balanced signal so I believe it can be removed from the unit if using XLR. I've ordered two pairs of V7 classics to try on the Two amps running dual mono biwired. I'm hoping they will take some of the hard edge off the speakers and give a more analog feal from the system. Will be reporting back next week. Cheers!

 

Yes sir. that is what i also read. but I have not remove it, even if I am using XLR.

Vivid V7 will make the sound more full body, i think hardness will be less.

YMMV

Regards.

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