Improving X-Meridian Source. Headphone Amp required? Advice Please

[Silentscope]

ok thanks for the help guys. The advice around these forums is great. I'll check out that website when I get a minute and see what I fancy!

Theres a couple of different types. Is this the one I want?


Dual audio op-amp,OPA2134PA 10mA DIP8 or

OPA2134UA 10mA SO8?

both made by texus instruments.

[ROBSCIX]

DIP8...Always DIP8 that is a Dual in line Package..8 pin They other are surface mount IC's these are fairly cheap I suggest you get yourself some 2227's also you may like those too. If your going headphones you only need 1 but I suggest you get 3 or 4 of both in case you go 5.1 or 7.1.

[Silentscope]

The only op-amps can find in stock from all the ones you mention are Dual audio op-amp,OPA2134PA 10mA DIP8. Should I just go with those? They are really cheap.

I'm finding my hd-595's quite warm and bassy with the x-med. What do the 2134's offer over the stock op-amps?

Also, do I need a chip puller or some sort of tool to remove the op-amps easily or can they be lifted out by hand or with a scewdriver?

thanks

[ROBSCIX]

Better clarity over all soundstage will get bigger and deeper. You will notice a improvement for sure.

[neillmcd]

I just checked and they do have the ad823anz in stock, which is what I use and I can highly recommend it. It is a fair bit more expensive, but in my opinion, worth it. Actually I use a combination of 823 for the front channels and 2134s for all other channels. That might be a good option if you don't want to spend loads.

As for removing chips I just use a screwdriver. It's pretty easy, so I wouldn't worry about getting a chip puller.

FYI you can find comparisons of various opamps at http://tangentsoft.net/audio/opamps.html

[Silentscope]

Thanks Neillmcd. I've not come across anyone using the ad823anz on the X-med.

I take it they fall under he correct specs for use on the X-Med. How come they are under operational amplifiers and not audio on the website?

I also read this. "The main disadvantage of this chip is that it has a much lower output current than is typical: 15mA for the AD823 vs. around 40mA for most op-amps"

If you confirm that none of this is a problem then I'll probably go ahead and get the AD823.

I'm a bit of an amatuer with this stuff so please bare with me !

[rbui]

Originally Posted by Silentscope

Also, do I need a chip puller or some sort of tool to remove the op-amps easily or can they be lifted out by hand or with a scewdriver?

I believe that you should use a small wirecutter/clipper and cut the legs of the op-amp(s), and use a soldering gun to remove the remaining leg ends. wouldn't using a screwdriver to pry them off have the potential of damaging the PCB, or any adjacent circuitry?

[craigmcg]

The op-amps on the X-meridian are socketed to permit easy swapping- the advice above is more applicable to op-amps that are not in sockets (surface mounted). In this case, a small flat screwdriver may be used (very carefully so you don't bend the legs) but a chip puller is both easier and safer.

[Silentscope]

Managed to order 2 LM4562's so hopefully they should arrive this week.

I'll just change out the front just now and see how I get on since I only use headphones and stereo speakers!

So its the 1 opamp closest to the back plate with the outputs on it.

[ROBSCIX]

Yes. Closet to the back plate.