[Mescalamba]

So even if that soundcard is pretty good as stock, I would like to upgrade it a bit..

Any clues what exactly will OPAMPs do and which is best (best all-around .. not for just some type of music)?

Price doesnt matter..

 

[ROBSCIX]

There are many from Linear tech, analog devices, texas insturments and others.
What type of signature are you looking for?
There is really no best, just different flavors...

 

[Mescalamba]

Well, those base ones are bit "muddy". Its not cause by headphones (cause even HD 555 can create quite clean sound, not mentioning AKG 701 or HD 650).

So something that will make music sound more "clear" than stock one.

Im probably going to keep HD 650 so some mid-high boost would be nice (as they are bit overbassed - hopefully cable change will remove that).

 

[leeperry]

I guess the official list should keep you busy for a little while: Auzentech : OPAMPS

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mescalamba /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, those base ones are bit "muddy". Its not cause by headphones (cause even HD 555 can create quite clean sound, not mentioning AKG 701 or HD 650). So something that will make music sound more "clear" than stock one. Im probably going to keep HD 650 so some mid-high boost would be nice (as they are bit overbassed - hopefully cable change will remove that).

Those are all the official units but there are many more units that you can use on these cards. I would suggest the dual LME49710HA, there are many of use using these opamps around here in out sources. Auzentech has started offering them for their cards.
They are in the same family as the stock opamps but a bit higher up the ladder for sound quality. They will add more clarity and detail and tame the mid bass while adding better control of the lower bass. I have pretty much every opamp on that list plus many,many more so if you have any question about the units let me know and I might be able to run a test for you and give you impressions. Out of the listed units from Auzen unit s that would give you what your after are possibly the OPA49710HA, AD797, AD8620 and the OPA637

 

[Mescalamba]

Many thanks for suggestion.

If I dont care about price paid, what would be best all-in-one OPAMP? (just want to squeeze as much is possible from that card, its separated solution as I will have DAC/AMP in other room for "real" listening)

 

[ROBSCIX]

The 627/637s are pretty sweet...the AD units are also nice.

 

[leeperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mescalamba /img/forum/go_quote.gif what would be best all-in-one OPAMP?

there's no best...it depends on your gear and your personal taste.

if you were to try all the top units in that test, you sure would find something worth a listen: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/aud...-v-2-a-397691/

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mescalamba /img/forum/go_quote.gif Many thanks for suggestion. If I dont care about price paid, what would be best all-in-one OPAMP? (just want to squeeze as much is possible from that card, its separated solution as I will have DAC/AMP in other room for "real" listening)

Just to be sure, are you using headphone output or line out with this card?

 

[Mescalamba]

Headphone output.

 

[ROBSCIX]

IIRC, changing the opamps on the Forte is only for the front line outputs.

 

[Mescalamba]

Aye, you are right.. I tought OPAMPs are for headphone output..

Kinda dont get their logic (Auzentechs).

Hmps, any way to use headphone and OPAMPs together on this audio card? Or shall I get newer one where one can upgrade every channel?

 

[ROBSCIX]

No, the design uses a fixed buffer opamp for the headphone output. The JRC4580 and while not a bad amp for the price their are definatley better ones out there.

The new one, I am guessing you are talking about the Bravura 7.1? Yes, that card has a seperate opamp for every output.

 

[Mescalamba]

Yes I tought that one.. Ill get it probably. Thanks for help.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Well based on my testing it is a great card also. Has a similar sound quality to the Forte 7.1 stock but allows you to change opamps for all channels. Look in the Bravura 7.1 sneak peak thread and you can see some examples of some custom opamps.