Truly looking for your opamp finding, cant wait to hear more from you.
After getting a friend to solder my chips I have done a comparison and posted my impressions below.
I would suggest getting a decent TX5 torx screw driver (Wera is a brand I trust)
I would also suggest not lifting the non mounted chips by hand - likelyhood is you will end up bending pins, Get a grab lift tool like below.
The legendary OPA627SM bad boy is below
Some items I tested below
I would suggest getting a Heat Resistance: (280℃) Kapton tape (
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-10mm-33m-100ft-High-Temperature-Heat-Resistant-Polyimide-Kapton-Tape-Hot-UK-/111809349361)
To place on the board as the Caps get hot and are very close to the mainboard chips - see below
Some pics with my recently acquired Andromeda with new balanced ALO cable - only person in UK with either I believe - gloat - hehe
Van Nuys case - nice fit
Chips nice arty shot below
Important bit below my impressions:
Using latest firmware-1.5.15888
MUSE 8820 - Hiss on background and sounds dull but thick signature - not to my liking. souless - stock chip
OPA2134PA - Background minor hiss, not very dynamic, a little flat sounding heavy signature - bought from Mouser
LME 49710HA - Detailed and precise but not full sounding flat and dull for me- bought from Mouser
Ultra Analog THE-1 - Bit of hiss, vocals intimate but the bass too full for me.- bought from eBay UK seller
OPA627AU - Thick smooth and warm signature- bought from ebay China seller (not sure if legit chips) Possible fakes so crossed out
These 2 below I like best currently:
AD827SQ - Well balanced and strong detailed signature, nice vocals. Some minor hiss.- bought from Mouser
OPA627SM - Effortless full and analogue sounding signature, lush bass, full, spacious, dynamic, detailed. - bought from Mouser - Sticking with this for now
BIG THANKS to
raceinfi for all his advice and tips!!