Wow ! Amazing that this thread is still running . I never got an email notification before now . Good to find out about badcaps.net @Logistics - thanks ! I always used to check out PSU reviews at johnnyguru -seems the site doesn;t exist anymore and Johnny guru is working for Corsair IIRC ...

Hi Jonathan . Which Topping are you using ? I've been considering buying the E50 .

.... and be sure to install opamps in correct orientation . https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/Audio_Card/Xonar_Essence_STX/Xonar_Essence_STX_OPamp_swapping_instruction.zip

It certainly must be worth a try David , It does sound as though the opamps may be fried , perhaps the STX is on the way out . Examine the opamp sockets for damage when you swap out the opamps . If you don't have or can't loan any replacement opamps the cheapest route may be NE5532 , just to...

I've come back to this thread so many times over the years , thank you so much for starting it Telix ! Great opamp lessons .

According to the Asus opamp swapping guide : " Modifying OP A,B and C will change the tonal quality of RCA outputs, while modifying OP A and B changes the tonal quality of 1/4” Headphone output. "...

Are you overclocking ? This could cause problems . Try updating the motherboard Bios ( even if you over-write with same version ) , bios could be corrupt . Other than checking disks with Crystal disk , you could also run low level memory diagnostics , Ultimate Boot CD may have some diagnostic...

From the first page of this thread : Q: What's the deal with interchangeable opamps? A: The card has 3 swappable 8-pin dual opamps. The two matched I/V opamps impact the headphone out alone, while the 3rd "buffer" opamp impacts the RCA out. If you are only using the headphone out you only have...

Burson Audio Supreme Sound Op amp V5i Dual review       I was approached by Charles from Burson Audio to see if i would like to review the Supreme Sound V5i . Yeah ! For sure I'd be interested . This was on the 22nd of February , and finally , about a week ago , 3 beautiful Supreme Sound Op...

I'd start with 1x LM6172IN in the buffer position and 2x OPA1612AID in the I/V section , and try all the rest in the I/V section and see which sound you prefer . We all have our own ears , and one man's meat is anothers poison . Play with them - there's a time and a place for everything . Try...

I'm waiting for a couple of Burson V5i's to arrive . When they do , I'll give my impressions here . ATM my STX has OPA1612 installed , I'm quite impressed , the best I've experienced before going discrete .

Hi Logistics Interesting adventure it must be installing new caps in motherboards and soundcards . Does one require a soldering station with a hot air blower ? I've always been a bit scared to mess with multi-layer boards . Anyway , regarding PSU's I own an Antec 850W High Current Pro and a...

Unfortunately I have not tried OPA627 or AD825 - so all I can do is compare specification sheets .   http://eu.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/LM6172IN-NOPB/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsko7UDAsUSIUiwSwkIwRbLiUMrrH65y7g%3d  ...

Other than the standard opamps there are a couple of discrete offerings by Burson Audio and Sparkos .   I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of 3 Burson Audio  Supreme Sound Opamps v5i . A kind of hybrid .   https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/supreme-sound-opamp-v5i/   Till these arrive ...

I'm getting mine for the exact same reason that you got yours , also in a desktop system . I'll be sure to update the thread with my impressions .   Till then , enjoy the music !   Here's a pic of what I ordered -  

I was hoping to pick up my elfidelity usb filter today , but unfortunately what had arrived was 10x caps i had ordered for valve amp circuits , should arrive this week though . may mine be as good to me as yours appears to have been for you . :)

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...

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 .

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 )

My impression is that they are completely neutral and fast with extremely low noise-floor .   2x these...

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 .

Why not use the headphones with the STX 2 first , for a while , that way you will at least appreciate the difference when changing opamps or using an external amplifier . What cheap opamps did you order ? ( for interets sake ) . Let us know how your journey goes . ;) @Jonathan - amazing of the...

The equalizer does indeed affect the RCA outs .

For anyone interested , here is a link for DSD plugin for winamp : http://forums.winamp.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=52126&d=1449776785

Thanks for the reply , I think I'll give them a try then . Anything to kill power noise I keep picking up .