[goto2003]

My SuperMacro's back this afternoon with a new configuration from standard issue with AD8610 to the socket version plus some improvements recently developed by XIN. I have several OPAMPs (227, 627/637 and AD8610) in hand for head-to-head comparison. Under my first impression, Man, I'd say the OPA227 is super! IMHO, it's better (if not much better) than AD8610. The background is so dark (without any hiss from music background), natural and tubby with broad/deep image! I wonder if I'm listening to a high-end tube amp. I will post in-depth impression after comprehensive auditing. If there's anyone who has put OPA227 in SM and said the sound is degraded should give it a second shot or check SM to see if there's anything wrong with it. Otherwise, it may be a matter of personal taste. Besides, given a more accurate volume knob, I will put it from the original 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM when using INDIGO DJ sound card line-out to sound right, but the power's still there.

After two days listening, I have got a better understanding about these OPAMPs. I may say AD8610/OPA627 are still better in detail. AD8610's synergize the best with my HD600 in most music, IMHO. 227's sounds better in orchestral music to my taste.

 

[gnagel]

I just received my Supermacro with the OPA227 yesterday! I am using it with my 3G iPod (tunes encoded at the 224 AAC bitrate) and the Senn 595 headphones.

So far, I am impressed with the sound. I had the four switches added to the Supermacro and have activated the bass and crossfeed switches.

Being relatively new to this, I don't have much to compare the sound with. I ordered the Airhead amp and returned it because I was having trouble detecting any difference in the sound when using it. With the Supermacro, the improvement in sound quality is apparent.

 

[jlingo]

WOW!! I think it's time for rematch Supermacro 227 Vs. SR-71 heheh
Xin still hasn't shipped mine yet.

 

[blessingx]

Supermacro 227 just arrived today. Seems like a bunch is going out. I'm definitely planning on comparing.

 

[kiwirugby]

SM 227 Revisited - Really wonderful sound

Well, I took your counsel and burned in the new 227s for about 120 hours solid, and I must report to you that all is well! The bass is there, the gain is just fine (pot at 9-10 o'clock), power is there in buckets. Clear and crisp; loads of detail; full separation. All in all a great sound. This is a wonderful configuration.

The highs with the AKG501s are phenomenal. I have the 4 swtiches version so wityh the gaina nd bass boost on this amp works wonderfully with the AKG501

(Just a reminder of my rig: D-EJ2000 --> blackcoral mini-mini --> Macro 227 -->AKG501/DT880/AKG271 [with Zu Mobius]/KC75, mostly with classical and some jazz.)

Now if only I could remember how the 627s sounded!!!

Thanks to one and all who encouraged and counselled me to burn it in and just wait!

 

[goto2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnagel I had the four switches added to the Supermacro and have activated the bass and crossfeed switches. .

Crossfeed actually degrades sound quality.

 

[goto2003]

So far I haven't got a chance to roll in the OPA627/637. The music is so beautiful that I don't have any motive to change it

XIN once mentioned the better sound of SM with OPA227 is not because of the color of 227 brings, but because of 227's higher benchmark performance.

 

[MonkeyButt]

I'm still waiting for my SM with the 227s . . . . now I can't wait to get it so I can experience the sound.

Kiwirugby - glad things worked out in your favor. Too bad our sound memory tends to be so short-term.

Maybe Goto2003 will become motivated to roll the amps soon to give us the side-by-side comparison . . .

 

[jlingo]

''Jefferi,
I put sockets on and put 8610 in. This way you can
simply replace the opamps and don't have to send the amp back again.You paid me $50 for the 627s, so I used it for 8610 ($30) and express
mail ($20).

Thank you!
Xin''

Guys I need help does that mean that I can just change between AD8610, OPA627, and OPA 227 interchangebly?

Because I remember that you can only change opamp between 627,227,637 but not AD8610 Being SOIC or something.

Unless Xin has find a way?
I am confused with his email.
Thanks

 

[goto2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyButt I'm still waiting for my SM with the 227s . . . . now I can't wait to get it so I can experience the sound. Kiwirugby - glad things worked out in your favor. Too bad our sound memory tends to be so short-term. Maybe Goto2003 will become motivated to roll the amps soon to give us the side-by-side comparison . . .

It's just the joyce of being a head-fier

Today, it's the second time I experienced a "Wow". The first time is when I got my SM with AD8610 four months ago. I hope I can tear off from 227 for a while and roll in the 637 tomorrow

 

[Zanth]

What are the supposed advantages of the 227? I have 637 in my config.

 

[goto2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zanth What are the supposed advantages of the 227? I have 637 in my config.

Technically saying, OPA227 has an open-loop gain of 160DB, a gain that's extremely high and close to an "ideal" OPA, while OPA627/637 120DB. Besides, OPA227 has lower input impendance and filters more noise than OPA627/637. That's why SM with OPA227 has higher S/N ratio than all those top-notch OPAMPs. When S/N ratio is extremely high, other benchmarks will be higher as well. In light of the sound, I haven't tried them all so can't say which one is the best. But so far, SM with OPA227 sounds very relaxing.

 

[Zanth]

I have a Supermacro with 227's coming next week. I will compare head to head with the 637.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by goto2003 Technically saying, OPA227 has an open-loop gain of 160DB, a gain that's extremely high and close to an "ideal" OPA, while OPA627/637 120DB. Besides, OPA227 has lower input impendance and filters more noise than OPA627/637. That's why SM with OPA227 has higher S/N ratio than all those top-notch OPAMPs. When S/N ratio is extremely high, other benchmarks will be higher as well. In light of the sound, I haven't tried them all so can't say which one is the best. But so far, SM with OPA227 sounds very relaxing.

Does this mean it might be too relaxing or laid back for fast-paced music like rock and metal? (ie. are these the Sennheisers of the opamp world?)

 

[goto2003]

The speed and punch are still there, excellent bass decay, but the relaxing feeling is very difficult to describe.