Phil from Cimmaron Technology sent me a list of approved Opamps for respective positions on the board of the EE Minimax DAC Plus; prices include the Brown Dog Adapters provided by Cimmaron. I have been using in the U1/U2 position the OPA2604 and in the U6/U7 position the OPA827. I have not Opamp rolled this unit much, as I have been busied with other components for review. I attest that the DAC Plus in SS output with the tube removed and these opamps is sensational.
(NOTE CAREFULLY the warning at the bottom NOT to use the AD 8620 in the U1/U2 positions!) Also note that the positioning of the opamps/adapter is always with the small square solder point on the topside of the Opamp at the upper right hand when the unit is facing the installer. Finally, it is recommended that an opamp extraction tool and an anti-static device be used when removing/installing Opamps.
Is it "worth it"? YES! YES! YES! :)
RECOMMENDATIONS OF OPAMPS FROM CIMMARON TECHNOLOGY: For U1/U2 Single-channel op-amps mounted on the 020302 SO8-to-DIP8 single-to-dual channel adapter: qty 2 each required
020302-OPA627 $48.00 x 2 = $96.00 020302-OPA827 $38.00 x 2 = $76.00 020302-AD797B $48.00 x 2 = $96.00
. . . also for U1/U2 Dual-channel op-amps mounted on the 970601A SO8-to-DIP8 adapter qty 2 each required
970601A-AD8620 $23.00 x 2 = $46.00 970601A-OPA2604 $13.00 x 2 = $26.00 970601A-OPA2134 $10.00 x 2 = $20.00
For U6/U7 Single-channel op-amps mounted on the 970601A SO8-to-DIP8 adapter qty 2 each required
970601A-OPA627 $28.00 x 2 = $56.00 970601A-OPA827 $23.00 x 2 = $46.00 970601A-AD797B $23.00 x 2 = $46.00
The AD 8620 should not be used in the DAC PLUS. "On some forum there was a suggestion to use the AD8620. for positions U1 and U2. While this is a dual op-amp, it is only rated to use up to plus/minus 13 volts. The circuit in the EE Mini Max DAC and DAC Plus is plus/minus 15 volts."
@Morningstaraudio, you're right the DIP versions do not fit with the lid on. However, the flylead version fits but you need to bend the legs. I think the sound difference is worth it :)
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