Improving X-Meridian Source. Headphone Amp required? Advice Please - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Silentscope · 07-19-2007, 05:04 PM

I have a pair of Senn HD595's connected to my Yamaha Stereo AX-392 Stereo Amp, RCA Cable to my Auzentech X-Meridian Soundcard.

Is the setup above going to provide me with a good source of sound or should I plug the headphones directly into my X-Meridian?

Now this soundcard kicks serious ass but I still hear a lot of people talking about EMU0404 and Little Dot Amps etc being good for 595's.

Do X-Meridian owners use any other form of Amp or Dac between the X-Med and the Cans?

I am confused by when headphone amps are used and USB DACs etc. Could someone please explain?

Sorry for the silly questions!

spacemanspliff · 07-19-2007, 05:20 PM

I don't like receiver headphone amps. Try the soundcards headphone out and see if you like it better. Adding an amp will tighten things up a bit. Pity that MisterX can no longer make XP amps. Those little suckers were almost as good as a Hornet M for a lot less $$.

ROBSCIX · 07-19-2007, 05:26 PM

Swap out for front channel opamp with a LM4562 if your using headphones only. The outputs on the X-Meridian are HOT ~5 volts so they are able to drive alot of cans on their own so I have been told.

Silentscope · 07-19-2007, 06:08 PM

Thanks so far. I'll try the headphone straight from the card. Has anyone confirmed that using an additional amp with this card helps tighten things up since it has HOT outputs?

I took a look at swapping out the op-amps Robscix but wasn't sure if I had to swap out all 4 or just the 1? Which one is for the front channel? Is it clearly marked? Sorry I havn't removed it to take a look!

I only ever use the Front for stereo output to my speakers/ headphones anyway so do I just require the one opamp. I take it no problems will arise from from having different op-amps on the card if I ever did try 5.1 etc?

I take it its just a case of getting hold of a chip puller and lifting out the correct op-amp for the front channel?

Thanks

ROBSCIX · 07-19-2007, 07:09 PM

If you have the card out of the PC with all the outputs to the left the first Opamp on the left is for the front L&R. You can change just this amp for only stereo operation. There is also a picture of the opamps that is labeled on the Auzen site. No, there will be no issue with the different amps.
I would suggest changing them all in case you ever do decide to go 5.1 or 7.1 but it would still sound great without a full set. This card is great with headphones, you have Dolby Headphone etc. Lately I have been playing alot of COD2 with EAX 3 and Dolby Headphone enabled. Headphone gaming with EAX games is great with Dolby Headphone. Sounds very nice on the X-Meridian.

Silentscope · 07-19-2007, 07:37 PM

ok thanks. Do you know wnay good suppliers for this OpAmp in the UK. It seems quite difficult to get hold of?

Silentscope · 07-20-2007, 02:54 PM

Had a look around and it seems to be difficult to get hold of any decent op-amp for the x-meridian. I only want 1 LM4562! I found Digikey but hoped there was some easy supply here in the uk?

ROBSCIX · 07-20-2007, 08:43 PM

See if you can find
OPA2134's
OPA2227's
OPA2107's

All better then stock XM opamps.

neillmcd · 07-21-2007, 01:32 AM

Normally I only lurk here but I felt I had to register as I was in a similar position recently. I'm also in the UK and was unable to get lm4562s for a reasonable price. After a lot of research I decided to go with analog devices AD823 op-amps. I use them with my DT880s and I also own a pair of HD555s. If you're looking for op-amps then www.rswww.com is an excellent source. They stock ad823s and the whole burr brown range that robscix mentioned The X-meridian has plenty of power to drive the 250ohm dt880s so you should have no trouble with the 50ohm 595s.

ROBSCIX · 07-21-2007, 02:01 AM

The OPA 2134's are used on the new Prelude. The 2227's are nice with a good bass sound. The 2107's are more clear almost analytical. I mentioned ALL sound better then the stock XM opamps which are meant to be replaced really. They would all give a noticeable upgrade in sound quality.
I think everybody is having trouble buying the LM4562's because all the XM guys have been buying up the Dip versions. Auzen has been buying them for the Prelude and you have Asus buying them up for the Xonar. Not to mention other buyers and DIY'ers. The are selling like hot cakes!