LME49990 opamp
Perhaps like a lot of forum members, shortly after purchasing my LD 1+, I rolled in a OPA2107 opamp, and for sure at the time, I felt it was a significant improvement over stock. Recently however, I have been feeling that this chip is rather dark, as it seems the highs are rolled off to some degree, and I have been searching for other opamps to try. One that stood out was the LME49990. Actually this is a single opamp, so it is necessary to install two of them on a DIP8 adapter. As I am not all that comfortable with a soldering iron, I purchased a pre-assembled unit from this vendor:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-SOIC-LME49990-DIP8-ADAPTER-/190888281070?pt=US_Amplifier_Parts_Components&hash=item2c71d403ee
I rolled it in last night and based on my impressions so far, this chip delivers on all counts. The base has more weight and slam than the OPA2107 and the mids are more neutral. In contrast, the mids on the OPA2107 are a bit more forward, and sometimes vocals almost seem to come across as a bit shouty. And the highs... Extended, clean and clear, with a bit of sparkle. Not rolled off like the OPA2107. So in a nutshell, this is a very neutral and transparent opamp which allows the true nature of the driver tubes to shine through. In fact, some tubes that I had previously thought too forward, are now much easier on my ears and even quite pleasant.
In short, I am very pleased with this opamp, but I am not all that surprised. I figured that if these opamps were specifically selected for use in the
Parasound Halo CD 1, they just might be good enough for my 1+. lol
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