Modding the Audiophile 2496

I jumpered the output caps on my AP2496 by removing the caps and using jumper wire. The result was less than expected. I had much better results doing the same on the Revo5. I guess the circuitry is different, including the op-amps.

you could always get a DMM and measure the supply pins with respect to power ground/chassis.

the best mod you may do with the 2496 is to replace the NE5532 with Burr Brown counterparts. but its SMD so maybe it could be hard. i dont have a 2496 but ive looked at others' gear. measuring voltage while the computer is on maybe hard too hahaha

another option is to lampize the output section...

I've ruined two sound cards over the years trying to swap the opamps (an Echo Mia, and Emu 1212m). I'm not bad with soldering or anything, and I used low temperature and took many precautions, it's just something about the PCBs used for those cards. The pads and traces pull off/out so easily. Sometimes when this happens you can fix it, sometimes you can't.

I'm just saying, be careful. It's risky, tricky work, and you may not like the replacement any better.

Swapping the output caps is not especially risky, and the results will be somewhat more predictable, if you're already familiar with the sound of various electrolytics. I know that in the Echo and Emu cards, the caps were necessary, because there was DC offset - so I would be surprised if they were not necessary on the 2496 as well.

the DAC chip AK4528, I THINK, is a voltage output sigma-delta IC? you can tap the output pins very carefully to make a separate output preamp board. have some technicians do the soldering/tapping work. preferably those who are soldering cellphone thingies...