[Powersurge]

So quick question fellows, as i am very new to this. Would a DAC/AMP combo like the Fulla2 or a dedicated amp like say the Vali2 be a considered an upgrade from my Essence STX? (first version, stock opamps)
 
I'm listening on a K712 Pro, using Flacs via foobar2k and ASIO.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  So quick question fellows, as i am very new to this. Would a DAC/AMP combo like the Fulla2 or a dedicated amp like say the Vali2 be a considered an upgrade from my Essence STX? (first version, stock opamps)
 
I'm listening on a K712 Pro, using Flacs via foobar2k and ASIO.

 
Think your better off spend up to around $60 to upgrade the op-amps in the Essence STX.
Maybe spend $214-$250 for the Darkvoice tube headphone amplifer, connect it to the STX line-output (RCA).

 

[gug42]

Hello,
 
Can you help me between thoses 3 options plz ? Any advice or sound signature review plz ?
I read lots but hard to know ...
- OPA2228 P
- OPA2111 (KP)
- OPA2107 AP
- LME49720 NA
- LF442CN
 
Thank you in advance !
 
Regards,

 

[fredeb]

I'd just put 2x opa1612 in the I/V section and LM6172 in the buffer and be done. I've tried all except the last opamp in your selection .

 

[gug42]

What's your impression ? sound sensation/signature ?

 

[Maxmiz]

Hello everyone,
 
I have a ST connected to a Marantz CR510 connected to klipsch f30 in a living room of 30m2.
 
The sound is not bad but I lack a little detail and dynamics.
 
I would not like to add more bass, but reinforcing a bit the high mediums would be good.

I have read more than 40 pages and frankly I'm lost, you've tested so much chip that I really do not know which ones to choose

So if someone could give me the good references, it would be super-friendly

 
 

 

[gug42]

Did you think thoses muses 8920 are not fake ? real and good ones ?
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/1PCS-Audio-Operational-Amplifier-IC-NJR-JRC-DIP-8-MUSES8920D-MUSES8920-/272070567823?hash=item3f58ab678f:g:hYUAAOSwxN5WUxza
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/1-5-10-30-50pcs-New-Genuine-MUSES8920-MUSES8920D-DIP8-IC-Free-Socket-/272244653184?var=&hash=item3f630bbc80m7U7EM4A0X5F9Bu7sHJig6g
 
Regards

 

[fredeb]

  What's your impression ? sound sensation/signature ?

My impression is that they are completely neutral and fast with extremely low noise-floor .
 
2x these : http://www.ebay.fr/itm/1pcs-TI-OPA1612AID-ON-DIP-ADAPTER/252603693880?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160608112848%26meid%3D8522d03e78774357be5e2e64a3943c31%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D272244653184
 
1x http://www.ebay.fr/itm/LM6172IN-CIRCUIT-INTEGRE-DIP-8-/322278871044?hash=item4b09515004:g:joIAAOSwUuFWzzx5
 
The LM6172 in the buffer is praised by many in the first page of this thread , super fast , even though the datasheet makes it look as if it's not meant for audio it works extremely well in the buffer position .
 

  Did you think thoses muses 8920 are not fake ? real and good ones ?
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/1PCS-Audio-Operational-Amplifier-IC-NJR-JRC-DIP-8-MUSES8920D-MUSES8920-/272070567823?hash=item3f58ab678f:g:hYUAAOSwxN5WUxza
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/1-5-10-30-50pcs-New-Genuine-MUSES8920-MUSES8920D-DIP8-IC-Free-Socket-/272244653184?var=&hash=item3f630bbc80m7U7EM4A0X5F9Bu7sHJig6g
 
Regards

 
I'm sure you can trust these , if they do turn out to be fake , you can contact the seller , who will not want to be kicked off ebay .

 

[gug42]

Thank you for your return and advice
 
Some LM6172 are on the way.  I bought the muse too. I will test all this little thing

 

[fredeb]

  Thank you for your return and advice
 
Some LM6172 are on the way.  I bought the muse too. I will test all this little thing

Let us know how it goes ! Only use 1x LM6172 in the buffer position , it doesn't do well in the other 2 positions ( I/V stages )

 

[gug42]

Yes for sure !  in a few weeks (time to cross the ocean )
Thx

 

[fredeb]

Hello everyone,

I have a ST connected to a Marantz CR510 connected to klipsch f30 in a living room of 30m2.

The sound is not bad but I lack a little detail and dynamics.

I would not like to add more bass, but reinforcing a bit the high mediums would be good.


I have read more than 40 pages and frankly I'm lost, you've tested so much chip that I really do not know which ones to choose :confused_face(1):


So if someone could give me the good references, it would be super-friendly :atsmile:

Somehow I think 2x OPA1612 in the I/V section is what you're looking for if you want more dynamics , a more refined sound . Look at link provided two or three posts back .

 

[Maxmiz]

Somehow I think 2x OPA1612 in the I/V section is what you're looking for if you want more dynamics , a more refined sound . Look at link provided two or three posts back .

 
Thank you very much for your answer.
In the meantime I changed amp, I switched from a Marantz cr510 to SMSL AD18. And in HP cable I switched from Rega duet to Mogami 3082.
So, I gained in dynamics and in detail.
 
I just have to erase some shine in the treble but not diminish them.
 
So do I always have to go on 2x OPA161?
And a LM6172 buffer?

 

[fredeb]

Thank you very much for your answer.
In the meantime I changed amp, I switched from a Marantz cr510 to SMSL AD18. And in HP cable I switched from Rega duet to Mogami 3082.
So, I gained in dynamics and in detail.

I just have to erase some shine in the treble but not diminish them.

So do I always have to go on 2x OPA161?
And a LM6172 buffer?

Yip ! Just like that - please report back with your findings . I'm really impressed with that combo , after having tried a whole barrage of opamps . ATM I run that into a 80wpc Linsey Hood design driving a pair of vintage B&W DM12's ( phenomenal speakers if you ever come across a pair ).

I like making up my own Mogami interconnects .

 

[Maxmiz]

Yip ! Just like that - please report back with your findings . I'm really impressed with that combo , after having tried a whole barrage of opamps . ATM I run that into a 80wpc Linsey Hood design driving a pair of vintage B&W DM12's ( phenomenal speakers if you ever come across a pair ).

I like making up my own Mogami interconnects .

 
Thanks for the info, so I ordered. I'll tell you later if it makes it right.
 
And long live the Mogami