The Xonar Essence STX Q/A, tweaking, impressions thread - Page 199

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderbolt 

is there any post which collects all the other tweaks I can do with my STX, other than OPAMP upgrades like described in the OP? cant go through all 200 pages -.-

http://www.head-fi.org/t/433533/upgrading-the-crystal-x0-on-essence-stx

There are also threads that talk about upgrading capacitors and stuff on the STX. Can't find them at the moment though. Good luck. 

You can upgrade most components that are easily removable such as caps, opamps and the XO.  You can add caps, remove certain ones or change the value or type.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wushuliu 

Replacing the ST clock w/ Vanguard elevates performance. Everyone should do it, even if they have to pay someone. Holds its own with any of the <$500 Dacs I have heard (speaking about line out) or digital out like Audio-GD DI, V-link etc - and does some things a whole lot better.

Any idea how much it could cos and where to get it? Anybody in New York city can do this and how much it could cost? Any information is very appreciated

Currently enjoying mine with LME49860 after trying others mentioned here too

Quote:

Originally Posted by olegausany 
Any idea how much it could cos and where to get it? Anybody in New York city can do this and how much it could cost? Any information is very appreciated

Currently enjoying mine with LME49860 after trying others mentioned here too

I too like my 3 LME49860NAs.
 

Late reply, sorry, but yes that's the only conclusion I can come to - resampling, albeit very good sounding resampling.

For quite sometime now I have installed on my card two OPA627AU, they are great with good imaging and stereo separation, and very analytical, but they lack bass . With Headphones like Q701 (bass light) doesn't make good choice, even with M50 the bass  is a bit weak.By the way these op-ams need burn-in?

Before these I had two LME49720NA, very pleased with them, of course they have there limitations in the accuracy of  sound.

I'm now going to try LME79990 and see how it goes with AKG Q701.

Quote:

Originally Posted by verde57 

For quite sometime now I have installed on my card two OPA627AU, they are great with good imaging and stereo separation, and very analytical, but they lack bass . With Headphones like Q701 (bass light) doesn't make good choice, even with M50 the bass  is a bit weak.By the way these op-ams need burn-in?

Before these I had two LME49720NA, very pleased with them, of course they have there limitations in the accuracy of  sound.

I'm now going to try LME79990 and see how it goes with AKG Q701.

LME79990NAs or LME49990NAs?

Try the LME49860NAs, they are $4 each on eBay.

It's the same op-amp as the LME49720NAs, but with a better voltage range.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by verde57 

Before these I had two LME49720NA, very pleased with them, of course they have there limitations in the accuracy of  sound.

I'm now going to try LME79990 and see how it goes with AKG Q701.

 

 

 

Try the LME49720HA, they are the metal can version of those chips and are a bit higher up the ladder.  They require adapters to use properly but most higher end audio opamps do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

 

 

Try the LME49720HA, they are the metal can version of those chips and are a bit higher up the ladder.  They require adapters to use properly but most higher end audio opamps do.

Do you think that LME49720HA sounds better then OPA627AU which also require adapters?

Or LME49720HA is better all-rounder  then LME49860NA?

I'm looking for something superior, until ill make courage for a set of Burson op-amps.

The question for me is, who is better sounding between LME49990 and AD797BRZ? both need adapters and they are in the same category with OPA627AU, which I understand they are known as "laid back" kind of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by verde57 

 

Do you think that LME49720HA sounds better then OPA627AU which also require adapters?

I'm looking for something superior, until ill make courage for a set of Burson op-amps.

The question for me is, who is better sounding between LME49990 and AD797BRZ? both need adapters.

That is hard to answer as what I like might not be what you like.  I have a set of OPA627SM and OPA637SM and I usually use them when I reach for a 6X7 opamp.  I say just do some testing on your own, that is the only way to know for sure.

I did some experiments way back with discrete opamps and the STX/ST, they sound really good in those design.  There were about 4 of use doing tests and comparing notes through PM.  Too bad the info never made the threads.  If you want to try discrete but find the Bursons a bit expensive, I would try the Audio-GD modules.  You have the Earth, sun and Moon opamps to try out and they all sound pretty good for the prices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by verde57 
Do you think that LME49720HA sounds better then OPA627AU which also require adapters?

Or LME49720HA is better all-rounder  then LME49860NA?

I'm looking for something superior, until ill make courage for a set of Burson op-amps.

The question for me is, who is better sounding between LME49990 and AD797BRZ? both need adapters.

I'm guessing the LME49720HA is going to have the a "Cleaner" signal over the LME49860NA.

LME49990 verses AD797, there is a load question.

LME49990NA SOIC sell for around $2.80 each, plus $8 for shipping (USA)

or $55.50 for three pre-soldered adapters

AD797BRZ SOIC sell for around $6.50 each, plus $8 shipping (USA)

AD797AR SOIC (used) sell for around $3.50 each, but it's from China.

You can get 20 pcs of AD797AR SOIC mounted (soldered) on to 10 Dual SOIC to DIP-8 adapters for $60-$80, but it's from China.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

 

I'm guessing the LME49720HA is going to have the a "Cleaner" signal over the LME49860NA.

 

LME49990 verses AD797, there is a load question.

 

LME49990NA SOIC sell for around $2.80 each, plus $8 for shipping (USA)

or $55.50 for three pre-soldered adapters

 

AD797BRZ SOIC sell for around $6.50, plus $8 shipping (USA)

AD797AR SOIC (used) sell for around $3.50, but it's from China.

 

You can get 20 pcs of AD797AR SOIC mounted (soldered) on to 10 Dual SOIC to DIP-8 adapters for $60-$80, but it's from China.

 

 

 

 

Generally people seem to prefer the AD797BR over the AR variant but tastes are personal. 

I would be careful buying opamps on the net as there are counterfeits around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

 

 

That is hard to answer as what I like might not be what you like.  I have a set of OPA627SM and OPA637SM and I usually use them when I reach for a 6X7 opamp.  I say just do some testing on your own, that is the only way to know for sure.

 

I did some experiments way back with discrete opamps and the STX/ST, they sound really good in those design.  There were about 4 of use doing tests and comparing notes through PM.  Too bad the info never made the threads.  If you want to try discrete but find the Bursons a bit expensive, I would try the Audio-GD modules.  You have the Earth, sun and Moon opamps to try out and they all sound pretty good for the prices.

 

 

 

 

 

Just checked Audio-GD website and they don't list any USA agent so we have to order them directly. If i'm understanding it right we need Dual-OPA version?

Quote:

Originally Posted by olegausany 

 

 

 

Just checked Audio-GD website and they don't list any USA agent so we have to order them directly. If i'm understanding it right we need Dual-OPA version?

 

 

Yes, the dual channel versions and you have to buy directly from Audio-GD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX 

Yes, the dual channel versions and you have to buy directly from Audio-GD.

Thanks. I love how LME49860 sound so which one EARTH or MOON should i choose?