Opera – A first review
Feb 25, 2007 at 8:21 PM Post #361 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by ManAtWork /img/forum/go_quote.gif
It is no need the ASIO, once you plugged to the Opera thought USB; and all digital audio data will be able to convert to analogue signal by the DAC of the Opera instead. ASIO is used only when you are using the D/A of your sound card.


I'm not so sure about that... if you don't use ASIO, the data might be resampled by things like your windows mixer etc - so the signal isn't pure anymore. Can someone verify?
 
Feb 25, 2007 at 10:06 PM Post #362 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by ManAtWork /img/forum/go_quote.gif
It is no need the ASIO, once you plugged to the Opera thought USB; and all digital audio data will be able to convert to analogue signal by the DAC of the Opera instead. ASIO is used only when you are using the D/A of your sound card.


I don't think that's true at all. The main impetus to use ASIO (or kernel streaming) is to avoid having the signal mangled by Window's kmixer, which is something that happens before the sound ever gets to the sound card or device, for analog or digital distribution. Therefore it's preferable to avoid the kmixer if at all possible, no matter the device or mode of transmission (unless of course you're running Linux or OSX, where this is not an issue).
 
Feb 26, 2007 at 12:57 AM Post #363 of 424
When I still had a PC (
evil_smiley.gif
) www.usb-audio.com was the best USB Asio driver. Very easy to set up and very convenient to use. It costs quite a lot though for just an USB driver. The demo version beeps every minute
 
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:11 PM Post #364 of 424
can anyone suggest for which headphones the 120 Ohm output is better for?

everyone seems to prefer the low impedance output for everything.

smily_headphones1.gif
 
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:30 PM Post #365 of 424
There are few headphones where the 120 ohm output is a good alternative as Beyerdynamic DT931, DT831 and some older Beyerdynamic and studio headphones. On most headphones the frequency curve will change when you switch from 0 to 120 ohm, for better or worse.
 
Feb 26, 2007 at 8:36 PM Post #366 of 424
Thanks. As a result of this flexibility, if I buy an Opera, I will probably go with the default rather than ask for two low impedance outputs.
 
Feb 26, 2007 at 9:03 PM Post #367 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzist /img/forum/go_quote.gif
can anyone suggest for which headphones the 120 Ohm output is better for?

everyone seems to prefer the low impedance output for everything.

smily_headphones1.gif



I prefer the 120 Ohm output for AKG K340. The difference is small but noticeable: 120 Ohm produces a fuller sound with a slightly warmer tonal balance that I prefer. OTH using AKG K701 the 120Ohm out is basically unusable: K701 sounds completely dead.
Considering that you can always use a $10 splitter if you ever need to drive two similar headphones at the same time, I'd recommend to go with the default high Z/ low Z configuration, if only for the fun of trying them both...
 
Feb 27, 2007 at 3:32 AM Post #368 of 424
A good thread. Had read parts of it before, but just finished reading it in full. The Opera sounds like a class amp. I think I will hold off for a while and see if Jan decides to sell an Opera sans DAC (the Symphony?). That would interest me more. Should be cheaper as well.

Although the wait could be long , especially if he decides to not release one.
 
Feb 27, 2007 at 9:04 AM Post #369 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I think I will hold off for a while and see if Jan decides to sell an Opera sans DAC (the Symphony?). That would interest me more.


x2! Same here! I'd like an Opera without the DAC - never liked integrated DACs due to upgradability. IMHO, there's room for 1 more amp at the price inbetween the Aria and the Opera. Please keep everything about the amp stage the same, and drop the price only by removing the DAC. I'd be first in line for serial #1!
 
Feb 27, 2007 at 11:04 AM Post #370 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by calaf /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Considering that you can always use a $10 splitter if you ever need to drive two similar headphones at the same time, I'd recommend to go with the default high Z/ low Z configuration, if only for the fun of trying them both...


I have decided for two zero ohm outputs -- because you can always switch an adapter with a built-in resistor between the output and the headphone if need be. Which will rarely be the case.

BTW, I like the Opera better every day. Don't know if it's me adapting to the sound or a still progressing burn-in (after >500 hours).
.
 
Feb 27, 2007 at 1:05 PM Post #371 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by JaZZ /img/forum/go_quote.gif

BTW, I like the Opera better every day. Don't know if it's me adapting to the sound or a still progressing burn-in (after >500 hours).
.


I totally agree. I'm not sure whether it's improved, or I just appreciate it more, but I have a lot of amps around here, and some pretty good ones, and the Opera is the king of the hill. Listening right now with the 600 ohm DT880 (05), and the sound is just astonishingly good.
 
Feb 27, 2007 at 8:44 PM Post #374 of 424
Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I totally agree. I'm not sure whether it's improved, or I just appreciate it more, but I have a lot of amps around here, and some pretty good ones, and the Opera is the king of the hill. Listening right now with the 600 ohm DT880 (05), and the sound is just astonishingly good.


ah, you have too too many amps. maybe you should just sell your aria to me and enjoy the opera at the fullest :p
 
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