Quote:   Thanks for your advice on this, I have to admit I'm struggling to find any of these in the UK. On eBay all I'm finding is this;   http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mod-2x-AD797BR-SOIC-to-DIP-Op-amp-replace-NE5534-/350471427078?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5199b99406   Thing is...

I'm reading through this massive thread now and trying to pick out an answer about op amps on the Essence ST.   I bought 2x LME49720NA's replacing the stock and left the other stock, and it was a mistake in reality since I've got AKG Q701's and even though I'm finding the massive soundstage...

Maybe try a portable amp solution like a FiiO E1 as they use the dock and not the 3.5mm out, which is better for sound quality anyway as it bypasses the phones amp. There are quite a few solutions doing that anyway that shouldn't comprimise sound quality, in ways make them better to be honest...