The Opamp thread

[ecclesand]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudHarris /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where did you get them Doug? any chance of getting me a couple? I can get them through Farnell but it's US stock with like a $30 surcharge :^(

Hey Nigel. I bought them directly from AD. I ordered 2 of the ARZ version as the BRZ is more expensive. If I like the ARZ, I will pick up the BRZ later.

 

[leeperry]

wow, Sun V2 is really amazing...it's just very clear and clean, perfect synergy on the AK4396 output w/ Earth as final buffer

can't wait to try replacing the Earth by a new burson...anyway, discrete is the way

it does a much more natural post-DAC filtering than the LT1364...which sounds bright/distorted and mono in comparison(yes I've switched a bunch of times).

I've installed the wires in a neater way too:

 

[SpudHarris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecclesand /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey Nigel. I bought them directly from AD. I ordered 2 of the ARZ version as the BRZ is more expensive. If I like the ARZ, I will pick up the BRZ later.

Thanks Doug. Doh! who'd have thought of ordering direct from the manufacturer

. Got a couple of the ARZ's on order also.

 

[Wfolio]

I'm getting a burson coming Monday, have not tested discrete before, can't wait

At this moment OPA128SM is the best OPAMP i have heard.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecclesand /img/forum/go_quote.gif I ordered a couple. They are not cheap!

I have a few BRZ's on the way for testing also. Enough to try testing on a few different circuits.

 

[dex85]

hi all,

i'm looking for some dual DIP-8 op-amps for I/V purpose. i usually prefer fluid, fast and transparent sound but i don't mind trying something different. thanks for the tips

 

[SpudHarris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wfolio /img/forum/go_quote.gif At this moment OPA128SM is the best OPAMP i have heard.

I should imagine they are something special @ £97 ($150) each

Wouldn't mind a listen though at some point.

 

[Reima]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudHarris /img/forum/go_quote.gif I should imagine they are something special @ £97 ($150) each Wouldn't mind a listen though at some point.

They are only$71.97 at Digikey

.
RC

 

[12Bass]

Got around to doing a bit more testing, this time in the preamp section of my modded NAD 3150 integrated amplifier, monitoring with K702s through the headphone output. This time around I listened to OPA211, OPA2211A, OPA827, OPA1611, OPA1612, LME49720, LME49860, LM4562, XR5532, AD797, THS4052, OPA2107, and AD8599.

The differences were generally audible, though less so among related parts like OPA211 and OPA1611.

Overall, I think I prefer the OPA827 in this application. It has more "life" to it, good separation, and there's something about the midrange which makes it sound a little more present, yet musical, IMO. Clear and punchy, but not harsh.

OPA211 - close to OPA827, yet not quite as euphonic. 2nd choice overall. Not sure which is more accurate. OPA1611 sounds similar, but maybe not quite as good? Would have to listen more to be sure. Pretty sure it wasn't better. Both of the dual parts (OPA2211A/OPA1612) sound smaller, less alive, and have less channel separation than the singles.... which sucks, because it costs more and is more of a hassle to use single op amps.

The AD797 may be less colored, and sounds quite clean, but tends to be a bit boring somehow... and certainly not fatiguing.

THS4052 - probably a bit more open than all of the others... not offensive, just sort of lacking much character. Neutral/transparent? Sucks up current.

The LM/LME family all sound similar. Heard more differences when comparing to unrelated parts than within this family. Perhaps a bit sterile, yet fairly detailed, but not among the best, IMO.

OPA2107 - sounds "fine"... not outstanding... sort of "round" and a bit lacking in detail and life compared with the OPA827, which I would definitely recommend over the former if you need FET input.

XR5532 - reminded my why I changed the op amp in the first place. A bit "low fi"... not bad for 80s equipment, I guess....

AD8599 - keep wanting this chip to do something for me, however it also seems to be bettered by others. Sort of round/warm sounding, not a whole lot of detail. Didn't stay in long....

OPA827s on BrownDog:

 

[diditmyself]

Nice review 12bass. Can't wait 'til I get new SOIC to DIP adapters to try OPA827. All the LME chips are the same so it's no wonder they do sound the same. I think OPA1611 and OPA2211 are the same parts under different names wich supports your listening impressions.

I think that JFET input amps have a certain sound compared to bipolar imput amps. JFETs are more euphonic but can be a little grainy. Better JFET amps with cascoded input stage like OPA627 has less grain (so I hope it's the same with OPA827).

Can anyone understand why they still put NE5532s in HiFi amps, DACs and DCPs? It's only a couple of bucks to save from using better parts like LME49720! They spend more money on BS knobs, switches, cables and boxes with no sound improvement at all.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wfolio /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm getting a burson coming Monday, have not tested discrete before, can't wait At this moment OPA128SM is the best OPAMP i have heard.

There are a few other metal can opamps from that company but they are not meant for audio work. That is not to say they won't sound good.
Have you heard the 627,637SM?
The OPA111SM -IIRC, is also a great opamp.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12Bass /img/forum/go_quote.gif Got around to doing a bit more testing, this time in the preamp section of my modded NAD 3150 integrated amplifier, monitoring with K702s through the headphone output. This time around I listened to OPA211, OPA2211A, OPA827, OPA1611, OPA1612, LME49720, LME49860, LM4562, XR5532, AD797, THS4052, OPA2107, and AD8599. The differences were generally audible, though less so among related parts like OPA211 and OPA1611. Overall, I think I prefer the OPA827 in this application. It has more "life" to it, good separation, and there's something about the midrange which makes it sound a little more present, yet musical, IMO. Clear and punchy, but not harsh. OPA211 - close to OPA827, yet not quite as euphonic. 2nd choice overall. Not sure which is more accurate. OPA1611 sounds similar, but maybe not quite as good? Would have to listen more to be sure. Pretty sure it wasn't better. Both of the dual parts (OPA2211A/OPA1612) sound smaller, less alive, and have less channel separation than the singles.... which sucks, because it costs more and is more of a hassle to use single op amps.

I have found the same thing with single channel units Vs. Dual channels. If I am budiling new units I try to build a dual single channel unit and a single dual channel unit for testing. I have been getting great results with the dual 1611 modules I have built.

 

[leeperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diditmyself /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can anyone understand why they still put NE5532s in HiFi amps, DACs and DCPs? It's only a couple of bucks to save from using better parts like LME49720!

essentially because it's the industry standard...many ppl think it's the best op-amp on the market, because most records you'll be listening to literally went through hundreds of 5534/5532.

I also know some sound engineers who find it to be the best op-amp, and I would definitely prefer a 5532 over a 49720 anyday

but I like NJM4580, it's fantastic to drive headphones...it's not because a chip has a low price that it must be dismissed, provided that the surrounding circuit has a cooperative layout.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diditmyself /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can anyone understand why they still put NE5532s in HiFi amps, DACs and DCPs? It's only a couple of bucks to save from using better parts like LME49720! They spend more money on BS knobs, switches, cables and boxes with no sound improvement at all.

Sure, it is a generic audio opamp. Many designers consider it perfectly suitable for audio work providing the circuit is designed properly.
There are some that enjoy the sound of the 5532 also, being that it isn't overly clean or sterile sounding.

 

[Pluto2]

Thank you so much for the nice review on those opamps 12bass!! Helpful for my selection : )