I am going to build a new amp... this much is certain. I can build a META for nil since I have many needed parts, but an SDS would cost me much more. Really, if I bias the opamp (OPA637) into Class-A, and run 3 paralleled BUF634's per channel in wide-bandwidth mode (BW connected directly to V-), would the SDS be an upgrade to this? I realize the SDS uses MOSFETs which would have bottomless current gain for headphones, but the 3xBUF634s would be pumping out 750mA max also, so it is overkill as well. Which would be better sounding?

Ok, well, seems no one has comments.... so, tell me this: The rated voltage on OPA637 and BUF634 is 15V typical, 18V max. Well, I need a minimum of 18V power supply... would these chips run on it? Will they be damaged in time? Or should I go ahead and build two power supplies (expensive....) Thanks.

That's max +/- 15 V, which means in the case of a META42 with a virtual ground you can use up to a 30V single voltage supply.

Well, I have decided to split the AC to two rectifiers, one of which will power the 18VDC regulator, and the 18V reg. will then split to power one thing and also power the 15V regulator. The second rectifier will power a seperate 6V regulator at higher current. (didn't want to deal with all the heating issues of having all three in one line. (would be close to the regulator's max of 1.5A for total load.

SO... still no one wanting to comment on sound comparison between META and SDS? ok...

Answer me this, then- in your opinions, from experience, or whatnot, would having a discrete class A current buffer on the output of a high-end opamp improve sound quality? Meaning... should the SDS sound better than a META? Or can a META be configured to sound very similar with BUF634 in WB with class a opamp?

Thanks

Hey,

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I would tell you go build it yourself. Nothing I can say can give you satisfactions. Besides, the opinions are subjective in nature anyways.

All I am going to tell you is that SDS amp will sound different. Power Mosfets are the output stage is fundamentally different from the output stage of buffers. For one, these power mosfets have bigger gate capacitance thus better gate control. Second, SDS amp has much higher quiescent current. There are many more. ... In essense, they have different characteristics which one may like or not like depending on his/her taste. That is all.

T