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Upgrade Path???

post #1 of 6
2/16/07 at 10:40pm
Thread Starter 
My portable rig is complete: for now! (laugh!) but it is time to show my PC some love since I am here most of the time that I am home. I will probably snag some hd 590s or some other phones around Xmas but for now ill stick with my k81djs for my dynamic as well. What path would you all go in for my upgrade? It will take me a while to get it all together but I would like to keep each item under $150 and buying from fellow head-fiers IS an option. I am starting completely from the beginning. any chance you all can help me out? It will be for about 80% music and 20% gaming (if that).
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post #2 of 6
2/16/07 at 11:16pm
Just buy an X-Fi and mod the hell out of its DAC. No need for an external DAC. Simply replacing the opamp and shorting the output capacitor will improve the sound quality dramatically. Upgrading the PSU capacitors and adding EMI/RFI shielding should give you surprisingly good results.
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post #3 of 6
2/17/07 at 12:08am
Thread Starter 
How hard is it to replace the opamps? do you know of a guide for this stuff or anything?
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post #4 of 6
2/17/07 at 12:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mminutel View Post
How hard is it to replace the opamps? do you know of a guide for this stuff or anything?
It's very easy if you know how to solder. I think it's common sense. you can remove the cheap JRC opamp by either cutting it or desoldering it. then put the new opamp into its place with the same orientation (which you can tell by the label on the opamp). Use the new LM4562 SOIC (8-pin surface mount). Most people can do it under 5 minutes.
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post #5 of 6
2/17/07 at 12:30am
Thread Starter 
I made a CMOY so my soldering skills are descent but not great. Ill look it over and maybe give it a try. if not, i might see if a fellow head-fier will do it for me
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post #6 of 6
2/17/07 at 12:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mminutel View Post
I made a CMOY so my soldering skills are descent but not great. Ill look it over and maybe give it a try. if not, i might see if a fellow head-fier will do it for me
then it should be super easy for you. =)

i say go for it. and since the LM4562 doesn't leak DC, remember to short out your output filter capacitor too, since it's a free upgrade that makes a big difference.
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