Anyone tried the OPA 2111 ?

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally posted by IMEP Hi Pinkie, I didn't mean to offend you with my posts. I respect your opinions and knowledge of headphone amps. Your original post is what made me look closer at the OPA2111. I completely agree that a spec sheet can't tell you how an opamp will sound. It does however tell you how it performs electronically; which should give you a rough idea how it will perform sonically. Like I said, I respect your opinions and your audio knowledge, but your (or anybody’s) personal impressions of a devices sonic quality is subjective. What you may consider sounds "dark" or "bright" others may consider differently. A spec sheet on the other hand is pretty darn objective. I am trying to better understand what is and isn't important when reading an opamps spec sheet. When I compared the 2111 specs with the AD8620 the difference in slew rates was one of the things that jumped out at me. I am pretty sure an opamps slew rate has some sort of sonic effect. What I don't know yet is what is the minimum slew rate for good sound and at what point it's a matter of diminishing returns (or even detrimental). Hence my posts. I am pretty much a mechanical guy with very limited "sparky" experience, so please forgive my ignorance. This hobby is great way for me to learn more about electronics and have lots of fun to boot!! No harm, no foul? As always, I will continue to look forward to reading more of your opinions and impressions. IMEP

???? I'm not offended by anything?? I was just saying to myself that I don't care what the spec sheets say cause the 2111 sounds great in the application I'm using it in. Looks like my comments were read out of context...... again

 

[ADS]

Well, just received my OPA2111 and popped it into my PIMETA. It's burning in now, but my initial reaction is WOW! Tight, deep, powerful bass and liquid smooth treble. Compared to my AD823 this is a major improvement. Larger soundstage, smoother treble, and amazing bass. I really recommend this chip to anyone looking to replace their OPA2134 or AD823. I'll post updated impressions in a bit, but right now I can definitely say that this opamp is a superb match for my DT880s. Thank you PinkFloyd.

 

[ITZBITZ]

Well, I got some 2111's today with my parts order. I must say, in a CMOY, I'm not impressed.

The 2107 sounds much cleaner, close to the 2132P/PA. But the 2111 sounds deep in the bass, but very low in the treble. I would say the hi end seems vacant with the 2111. This is only with 18V (+/- 9V) and the 2111 indicates a minimum +/- 10V on the sheet, so I'll try it with more juice later.

I haven't tried it in the PIMETA yet, but since it's a buffered output, I would guess it might sound better since it's not driving the load directly. We'll see when I get the time for that.

I'm impressed by the 2107 in the CMOY, almost beyond what you get with the 2132 in that setup. The 2111 just didn't cut it though.

Of course, these all pale compared to the 637/627 PPA setup, but that's obviously two different levels of technology.

 

[ADS]

Quote:

Originally posted by ITZBITZ Well, I got some 2111's today with my parts order. I must say, in a CMOY, I'm not impressed. The 2107 sounds much cleaner, close to the 2132P/PA. But the 2111 sounds deep in the bass, but very low in the treble. I would say the hi end seems vacant with the 2111. This is only with 18V (+/- 9V) and the 2111 indicates a minimum +/- 10V on the sheet, so I'll try it with more juice later. I haven't tried it in the PIMETA yet, but since it's a buffered output, I would guess it might sound better since it's not driving the load directly. We'll see when I get the time for that. I'm impressed by the 2107 in the CMOY, almost beyond what you get with the 2132 in that setup. The 2111 just didn't cut it though. Of course, these all pale compared to the 637/627 PPA setup, but that's obviously two different levels of technology.

The OPA2111 has a really really low output current capability, so using it in a cmoy is not a very good idea. Try it in the PIMETA, it's lightyears better than the OPA2312 when buffered.

*EDIT* The minimum supply voltage is +/- 5V, not +/- 10V

 

[Nigel]

Hi,

I purchased the OPA 2111 & OPA 2107 from Mr Floyd for my Chiara. They will be replacing my current favourite, OPA 2132. Anyway, with regard to the OPA 2111, I conclude with some of the postings on this thread. For instance, massive soundstage the biggest I've yet heard whilst listening to headphones. Very good musical detail retrieval, yet presented in an extremely smooth fashion. Deep bass, not too sure about it's timing qualities though, maybe there's a degree of overhang. Strange, but it seems that songs are lasting longer. Donald Fagen's "Ruby Baby" lasted about twenty minutes.

An extremely warm sounding chip this one. However, when it comes to the treble...... it's as if you've installed some tone controls & turned the treble right down. The treble becomes very warm & looses a lot of it's sparkle. Tonally very different to anything I'd heard before. Maybe the presentation could be classed as 'valve like.' It's strange, the 2107 sounds very tonally similiar to the 2132 but slightly better, but the 2111 is very different. On the other hand, I can hear certain details on recordings, via the 2111, but not on the 2107. Which is weird with it being less brightly lit. Also, when your listening to the 2107 you kinda want to see how the recording would sound on the 2111 which probably means I'm still not sure. It's as if it does some things brilliantly but lacks the ability to present a true sonic picture, maybe it's a flawed gem.

I've spoke about sound qualities not musical qualities so I'll post again in a couple of weeks when I've had more listening time & see if the 2111 truly engages my emotions. Also, maybe it needs more than just a couple of days burn-in period to show it's complete best.

 

[Nigel]

Oh, I forgot to mention - thank you Mike for 'discovering' the OPA 2111. It's good to know your still trying to squeeze every drop of musical juice out of that little Chiara.

 

[ADS]

Quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Hi, I purchased the OPA 2111 & OPA 2107 from Mr Floyd for my Chiara. They will be replacing my current favourite, OPA 2132. Anyway, with regard to the OPA 2111, I conclude with some of the postings on this thread. For instance, massive soundstage the biggest I've yet heard whilst listening to headphones. Very good musical detail retrieval, yet presented in an extremely smooth fashion. Deep bass, not too sure about it's timing qualities though, maybe there's a degree of overhang. Strange, but it seems that songs are lasting longer. Donald Fagen's "Ruby Baby" lasted about twenty minutes. An extremely warm sounding chip this one. However, when it comes to the treble...... it's as if you've installed some tone controls & turned the treble right down. The treble becomes very warm & looses a lot of it's sparkle. Tonally very different to anything I'd heard before. Maybe the presentation could be classed as 'valve like.' It's strange, the 2107 sounds very tonally similiar to the 2132 but slightly better, but the 2111 is very different. On the other hand, I can hear certain details on recordings, via the 2111, but not on the 2107. Which is weird with it being less brightly lit. Also, when your listening to the 2107 you kinda want to see how the recording would sound on the 2111 which probably means I'm still not sure. It's as if it does some things brilliantly but lacks the ability to present a true sonic picture, maybe it's a flawed gem. I've spoke about sound qualities not musical qualities so I'll post again in a couple of weeks when I've had more listening time & see if the 2111 truly engages my emotions. Also, maybe it needs more than just a couple of days burn-in period to show it's complete best.

I agree completely with this assessment. I'm hearing significantly more bass energy with my DT880s when using the OPA2111, and at the same time the treble detail seems increased significantly as well, and the sibilance I had been hearing with the AD823 is gone. The soundstage is superb. I'm still unsure about the midrange however, as it seems about the same as with the OPA2134 and AD823, maybe slightly smoother but no too much different. I didn't think an opamp could make this much of a difference in tonal quality, but the OPA2111 has proved me wrong. Anybody with more experience want to try one out? Tangent?

 

[morsel]

It is easy to improve on the AD823 or OPA2132, but have any of you OPA2111 fans listened to the respective top of the line AD8620 or OPA627 (on BrownDog adapters)?

 

[ADS]

Quote:

Originally posted by morsel It is easy to improve on the AD823 or OPA2132, but have any of you OPA2111 fans listened to the respective top of the line AD8620 or OPA627 (on BrownDog adapters)?

Nope, I've got two OPA637s sitting right next to me that I plan to install as soon as I get my BrownDog order from Tangent.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally posted by morsel It is easy to improve on the AD823 or OPA2132, but have any of you OPA2111 fans listened to the respective top of the line AD8620 or OPA627 (on BrownDog adapters)?

What "fans"?? this op amp hit me out of the blue and I gave it a try in the Chiarra amp, I originally started this thread asking if anyone had any experience of the 2111, the lack of replies forced me into trying it out for myself so I doubt there are many "fans" as yet. To my ears it sounds light years ahead of any other I've tried, after a good 2 weeks of 24/7 burn in, and I haven't experienced the lack of treble phenomenon. Thing is, I don't "plug and play"....... I tend to "plug and wait a day or two" and then listen.

Could be that you're expecting an op amp to "instantly" perform Nigel......... try leaving it powered up for a few days (preferably 200 hours - minimum) and then have a listen...... I think you'll be pleasantly surprised / shocked at what a difference adequate burn-in yields. You wouldn't expect to get the best out of a black Gate or Cerafine after "2" hours so why should an opamp be discounted after such a "brief" period in the circuit?

Remember how the Chiarra sounded for the first few weeks and remember you've added a new component which will need a burn in too........ the 2107 may "initially" sound good but the old addage "good things come to he who waits" may well hold true with the 2111

Pity there isn't a burn in rack for op amps, it would make rolls a lot quicker and a lot more subjective.

Pinkie

 

[Nigel]

Pinkie wrote :- To my ears it sounds light years ahead of any other I've tried, after a good 2 weeks of 24/7 burn in, and I haven't experienced the lack of treble phenomenon.>>

Hi Mike, you think it sounds better than the 2107? Even one with shining pins

 

[Nigel]

Cheers Morsel,

The AD-8620 I'd love to hear that! PinkFloyd, what do you reckon? Can you get your hands on a couple of these? Am I correct in thinking this would be a direct drop in replacement?

With regard to the OPA 627, I know this one needs an adaptor, is this much different, musically speaking, to the OPA 2107?

Pinkie, I'd love to hear a PPA, is this the top sounding unit? Wouldn't you love to compare the Chiara with one of these amps, Mike?

After 48hrs using the 2111 I still find the treble dull but I'll give it a week to burn in like you suggest. I have to be honest & say that I can't hear major differences between the OPA 2132, 2604, & a unburnt in OPA 2107. However, the 2107 does sound similiar but marginally better, especially with my higher grade vinyl source. In fact it's the best opamp I've heard so far. The 2111 is a different kettle of fish however, or should that be different kettle of slew

 

[PinkFloyd]

Quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Pinkie wrote :- To my ears it sounds light years ahead of any other I've tried, after a good 2 weeks of 24/7 burn in, and I haven't experienced the lack of treble phenomenon.>> Hi Mike, you think it sounds better than the 2107? Even one with shining pins

Sounds "different" not better not worse.

 

[wordsworth]

Well I gave the 2111 a listen without any burning-in and I have to have I agree with Nigel, the treble frequency ends well before it does with the AD823. Personally i still prefer the AD823 but will give the 2111 a 2 day burn in.

Mike is it possible to connect the AD8620 or OPA627 with an adapter as I would like to try them out as its seems to be the choice of many on here?

Wordsworth

 

[wordsworth]

I suppose to in part answer my own question, is there enough space for a browndog to fit in the chiara? Maybe some can tell on here as to whether it would fit or not.

The image is not the clearest as it is a croped version of PinkFloyd's chiara amp image.

Wordsworth