Govibe OP amp rolling discussion

[kramer5150]

Looking to upgrade my govibeII. It currently has the OPA2227.
I am not interested in battery life, but please feel free to comment on that too if you so desire.

Can you guys comment on the sonic attributes of the following? and how they compare to the 2227?
AD8397 op-amp

AD8066 op-amp

AD8620 op-amp

Discussion is open to ALL govibe models (2-4)... But please state the version you are referring to in your replies.

I tried the search tool but was OVERWHELMED with all the threads in various amps...etc... If there already is a thread on this, please ... please help me out

Thanks,
Garrett

 

[K2Grey]

AD8397 cannot be put into V2, you need V4.

 

[appar111]

I know you only asked about some of the AD opamps, but I thought I'd chime in w/ my experiences with the BB stuff.

So far, in my V2, I started off w/ the OPA2227, and also tried the OPA2132, which I liked better. Just seemed a little more musical (slightly more bass and less harsh midrange), but it was pretty close. I have also tried the OPA2111KP and OPA2107 and so far my favorite is the OPA2111.

Honestly, the differences were VERY minor to me, driving either DT770-80's or DT990 Pros. Maybe the Plastics One mini-mini I'm using isn't revealing enough?

If I don't have MisterX build me a Pimeta, I'll probably just order the AD8620, since it's supposed to sound good w/ Beyers. The AD8066 is bassier than the 8620, and perhaps a little less detailed, but also easier on the ears than the 8620 with some recordings. At least that was my experience with those two opamps last year when I had a different V2 Go-Vibe.

 

[fewtch]

As stated, AD8397 in Go-Vibe V2 will cause issues with DC offset, i.e. you will be risking your headphones.

IMO, reactions to various opamps is too subjective to discuss properly. My reaction to AD8066 was "boring" and remained so until I pulled it and replaced it with my favorite (AD8620). Don't think I've tried the OPA2227, but I'm not generally a fan of the Burr-Brown sound. Can't stand the OPA627/637, for example (sounds artificial to my ears).

 

[Raymate]

It is down to the person.

I found with my GoVibe III that the:

OPA2227 was a bit thin on sound and was not as natural sounding.
AD8066 was much better and was installed in my vibe by Norm.
AD8620 now for me this was the new standard, better bass, better everything, this now is how I use my Vibe.

Also need to take into account the cans in use to. Using Senns HD600, but other may have a different view say if in the Grado camp.

R

 

[manhattanproj]

can you put more one op-amp into the amp? or is it just one op-amp per amplifier?

 

[layman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fewtch Can't stand the OPA627/637, for example (sounds artificial to my ears).

That must purely depend on that those are not exactly op-amps suited for unbuffered implementation.

 

[anearfull]

I think the new AD8397 has to be treated as a separate entity in this discussion. It has internal buffering features that set it apart from the others and if you choose it (as I did) you CANNOT swap in any of the other opamps.

Quoting from a message from Norm prior to my order:
"I like the AD8397 with my MS2s and feedback tells me it works well with Senns too. The other op-amps are more battery friendly and not so picky so can be mounted in a DIP socket for easy "rolling"."

I'm extremely impressed with the sound of the 8397 however I can't compare it to the others. One of you experienced “go-vibe fan boys” will have to listen to it to assess what new goodies it brings to the party ...

 

[fewtch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by layman That must purely depend on that those are not exactly op-amps suited for unbuffered implementation.

So I've heard, but checking my impressions with someone else who *was* using a buffered amp -- they were identical, only he liked the perceived coloration and I didn't. Because of this comparison, I feel that I have a good impression of the OPA627.

BTW I wasn't hearing any 'ringing', clipping or anything else that could be construed as distortion, using 250 ohm cans and fed with 24v of power. I just find it to be an artificial sounding opamp which (to my ears) is very far from presenting live music as it actually sounds.

 

[Sharppain]

Hi to all,
Kindly ask for ideas - I am gathering a list of headphone amps that are good for op amp rolling. I gathered a collection if TI, Muses, Oracle 02, Sparkos SS3602 and other op amps and I am looking for suitable amps to choose to roll in. Please, post propositions! Need propositions for 1/ dual op amps, 2/ preferably balanced, 3/ no Burson.
Thank you in advance