OPamps still inferior to discrete circuits?

Kijanski, that is a funny phrase --> sometimes it is even true! But of course in general cars are much better now in terms of engineering and performance than those from 40 years ago. But with audio sometimes things from the past are better than the contemporary ones, like some power amplifiers (FM Acoustics, JDF Audio) and DAC's (Wadia 9, Goldmund, Krell). It has to do with execution (of course) but also with the implementation of no compromise discrete layouts only (this is at least my opinion). Personally I don't have anything against OPamps, but usually the sound with OPamps in the analog section of let's say a D/A converter the sound is becoming ultra clean (almost sterile, without the minutest dust or bacteria) and a bit bland/lifeless. This is for example what I think of the sound of the Benchmark DAC (which is a great performing DAC on itself).

Chris

Chris - I had a friend who believed that DAC IC should have current output to avoid I/V converter inside and be followed by the tube and discrete transistor circuits to avoid opamp. DAC itself has current sources build using monolithic, opamp like, technology - no escape from that.

I don't have enough experience to judge and my system is very modest, but logic tells me that added distortions add dynamics to the sound (distorted guitar vs clean jazz guitar). Yes, Benchmark sounded lifeless to me at first but it doesn't anymore while it still sounds extremely transparent and clean. I got used to this sound - or learned to listen, if you prefer. I read post where somebody asks how to make sound warmer and less detailed - read "exaggerate even harmonics and add a little distortion" (I advised blanket over speakers).

My small class D amp according to some Audiogon members (with better ears and more experience) has some problems with highs and harmonic structure but I think that for the money it is a great bargain.

Stereophile rated A, couple years ago, amplifier that costs $500k. In my opinion review wasn't necessary because any amplifier with that price tag and company still in business will be rated A. Everything is a matter of money and most of the time people ask for the best bargain and synergy in their systems. Opamps, in my opinion, are very good bargain.

OPA627 is a burr brown sound.. Exactly in its name a color "Brown" sound... Just kidding but its DARKer than other opamps... might be the ticket for a cheaper way to make a system that is over excited settle down, but with that goes a lot of strong bass and clarity..
I have used discretes vs. op amps and the burr browns the discrete will kill it if implemented correctly... I like Analog devices Top dog the AD843 best out of all single chip op amps, however very hard to find.

Undertow - Burr-Brown is Texas Instruments now. Perhaps sound changed from "Brown" to "Instrumental"?

Kijanki
Exactly :-) The burr browns get good reps on headphones, they do produce a certain ambience thats nice.. But if your looking for a raw out rock power with detailed sound they are a bit laid back in many designs.. Again going discrete in fact will take about 20 times the Space as an op amp and way more parts and cost! A good op amp based unit is fine, some cases might be just as good as with some Digital equipment and headphones, so op amps have their place no doubt, and cost effective for sure, a comprable discrete circuit in general the parts alone can cost 100 times the single chip, and just wont even be physically useable in many designs easily. If you can fit it go for it!