[dizolit]

I just installed a Creative Titanium HD to pair up with a pair of Grado SR225i's modded w/ 2" Cocobolo cups.  Previously, I was using a Hotaudio USB DAC and amp but I game a lot so I wanted Dolby Headphone.

Anybody have any suggestions as to what to start tweaking first settings-wise?  I have no idea where to start in the entertainment/gaming mode consoles.
 
EAX
Any point in using these unless I wanted to have some fun and pretend I'm in a hall?

THX TrueStudio Pro
Smart Volume: How does that differ from the normal volume knob on the entertainment console?
Dialog Plus: Does this just make the dialogue in movies/tv shows louder?

I wish they included a manual in the box rather than just the CD and a quick installation guide.

Op-Amps
As far as swapping out the op-amps go, the best I could find was this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/540613/best-opamp-available-for-the-creative-titanium-hd .  Are there any opinions on better solderless op-amp swaps other than the LT1364?

 

[reiserFS]

Put a Audio-Gd discrete OPA on there and never look back.
 
Quote:

Op-Amps
As far as swapping out the op-amps go, the best I could find was this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/540613/best-opamp-available-for-the-creative-titanium-hd .  Are there any opinions on better solderless op-amp swaps other than the LT1364?

 
 

 

[Mad Max]

 
Quote:

Put a pair of AD797ANZ on a 2x1 adapter on there and never look back.

Fixed your typo.
 

 

[dizolit]

Quote:

 

Fixed your typo.
 

 
You mentioned in the other thread that you could get these for free as samples from Analog Devices, Inc.  Can I also get a 2x1 adapter for free somewhere or would I have to order it off a website like http://www.mouser.com/ ?  The base rate for shipping puts me off

 

[Mad Max]

Who doesn't it put off?
797 you have to order from Digikey.  It will require a socketed 2x1 adapter as well.
HA3-2525-5Z is another good option which can be had as samples from Intersil (mono opamp like 797), but I haven't tried that one in a soundcard.  It's noisy in my portable amp, quiet in my DAC, and almost quiet in my M-Stage.
You could also try LT1028ACN8 for buffer, it also can be had as samples but from Linear Technology.
Since the socketed positions on the soundcard, from what another head-fier told, are buffer and DAC filter, I think you can also try BUF634P (order from Digikey), that is an awesome buffer chip, completely transparent.  Yes, you throw it into buffer, so the 2x1 will not be necessary in that position, same for HA3-2525 and LT1028ACN8 if you use them as buffers.

 

[reiserFS]

Interesting, I should give it a go.
 
Quote:

 

Fixed your typo.