Review: ZERO 24 BIT/192KHz DAC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp
Apr 21, 2008 at 9:58 PM Post #2,551 of 9,388
OPA627 x2 on Brown Dog Adaptor (See pic):
WOW!! Upon installation, everything is improved! I’m hearing a full spectrum with no deficiencies! The immediate shocker is the sound stage. Nice and wide without being too distant! Vocals are absolutely clear and the highs are clean and detailed. Bass is tight and has a proper presence to it, with punch. This was worth the money for sure! A super upgrade for all music lovers

I just installed my OPA 627 on a Brown Dog Adapter. The quote above is from the OP and I could not have said it better. The 627 I received is supposed to be a fake one. Sent back by someone on this forum. Sound pretty good to me..
 
Apr 21, 2008 at 10:26 PM Post #2,552 of 9,388
I have just plugged the OPA627BPs on my Zero and it was...an apocalypse. Just wow, incredible sound. Much better IMO than the LM4562 I have tried earlier. They are DEFINITELY going to stay on my amp
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Apr 21, 2008 at 10:50 PM Post #2,553 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by JC_Denton /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have just plugged the OPA627BPs on my Zero and it was...an apocalypse. Just wow, incredible sound. Much better IMO than the LM4562 I have tried earlier. They are DEFINITELY going to stay on my amp
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Ya Think
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Apr 22, 2008 at 1:15 AM Post #2,554 of 9,388
Well, what do ya know! My ears haven't failed me yet.
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I'm glad the 627's are working out. I double checked my second set last night and they sound wonderful with my MKIVse, so that is enough evidence for me.
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Happy listening everyone!
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Apr 22, 2008 at 2:35 AM Post #2,555 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by Penchum /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I got my second set with the adapter from tube_buyer on ebay. If he doesn't have any listed, send him a note.
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Remember, the OPA627's in the DAC were BEST IMHO for output to another amp. If only using the Zero as your DAC and headphone amp, the LT1364 in the DAC and LT1469 or LT1361 in the headphone amp seemed best.



So, I bought this:
2x Dual to Mono Opamp PCB OPA2604 NE5532 LM358 > OPA627 - eBay (item 220224526344 end time Apr-22-08 11:10:16 PDT)
But I don't think Raymond understood initially that I wanted 627's with it. After an email or two, I got this:

" I think I have misunderstand your mean.
The post is only
for 2pcs adapter socket, if you need 2 OPA627, we need you add USD28 for
the deal. "

My question is if this sounds like the real deal on those opamps - I thought they were a bit more (?) I REALLY don't want counterfeit ones...
 
Apr 22, 2008 at 5:54 AM Post #2,556 of 9,388
Well thats about the price I paid for at the DIY, but I have yet to receive them
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. Btw Penchum, I ordered the 1361,1364 and opa 627's. I read in laterl posts that for using the internal amp, its actually better to use 1364->1361 than opa627->1364 (dac->amp). I have a hard time understanding this, could you please explain? And thank you for all your answers and help in this forum, you have made alot of users very happy
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Apr 22, 2008 at 5:58 AM Post #2,557 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by sdgserv /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I just installed my OPA 627 on a Brown Dog Adapter. The quote above is from the OP and I could not have said it better. The 627 I received is supposed to be a fake one. Sent back by someone on this forum. Sound pretty good to me..


FWIW I just spent all weekend listening to the DAC with the opa627bp I received from HK and they sound just great. They looked the same as the ones that are apparently fake, but they sound and function just fine.
 
Apr 22, 2008 at 7:09 AM Post #2,558 of 9,388
ok... i think ive decided on my final setup with the Zero....

ESI Maya44 -> (ZERO + OPA627AP in DAC) -> (Cute Battery II Headamp + OPA627AP) -> Beyerdynamic DT990 '05.

the battery has a slighly narrower soundstage than the zero's amp..but i dont really need soundstage since i listen mainly to metal.

ive always found the zero's built in headmp a lil weak for the DT990 for some reason...its as if there was some sort of veil to it.. almost muffled..dont get me wrong...they sounded good... but i knew there could be better. the battery has alot more power and alot more detail at the same volume level. everything is crisp and clear and even the bass is tighter and punchier. and more importantly..it didnt sound weak.

the only issue i have with this setup is that the 627 + browdog is a little "tall". the guy i bought it from placed the 627 in removable sockets so the sockets add to the height. which means i cant close my battery amp properly... LOL

anyway...i guess i need to get off my scrawny butt and get down to chopping up some Canare L-4E6S for some decent RCA-RCA cables.... currently using the RCA cables that came with my Firestone Audio Fubar II.
 
Apr 22, 2008 at 8:25 PM Post #2,561 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by oatmeal769 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So, I bought this:
2x Dual to Mono Opamp PCB OPA2604 NE5532 LM358 > OPA627 - eBay (item 220224526344 end time Apr-22-08 11:10:16 PDT)
But I don't think Raymond understood initially that I wanted 627's with it. After an email or two, I got this:

" I think I have misunderstand your mean.
The post is only
for 2pcs adapter socket, if you need 2 OPA627, we need you add USD28 for
the deal. "

My question is if this sounds like the real deal on those opamps - I thought they were a bit more (?) I REALLY don't want counterfeit ones...



I think that price is pretty close to what others were paying for them earlier.
 
Apr 22, 2008 at 8:32 PM Post #2,562 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by vvanrij /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well thats about the price I paid for at the DIY, but I have yet to receive them
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. Btw Penchum, I ordered the 1361,1364 and opa 627's. I read in laterl posts that for using the internal amp, its actually better to use 1364->1361 than opa627->1364 (dac->amp). I have a hard time understanding this, could you please explain? And thank you for all your answers and help in this forum, you have made alot of users very happy
biggrin.gif



A lot depends on what headphones and musical tastes. There is always going to be variation in what works best for each person. We get lucky sometimes and have a "consensus" that spans all the different variables, or a group of variables like similar headphones. Sometimes, after hearing all the different Opamps all over again, impressions change, and that is too be expected.

I guess the easiest way to determine what works best for you, would be to listen to Opamp changes in the DAC, figure out which ones you like, then try combinations using those preferred DAC Opamps.
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Apr 22, 2008 at 8:37 PM Post #2,563 of 9,388
and I can use the 627's lt1364 and 1361 in every location (so I don't blow one up again hahaha)
 
Apr 22, 2008 at 9:56 PM Post #2,564 of 9,388
Quote:

Originally Posted by vvanrij /img/forum/go_quote.gif
and I can use the 627's lt1364 and 1361 in every location (so I don't blow one up again hahaha)


Ya, blowing up is bad.
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Apr 23, 2008 at 2:41 AM Post #2,565 of 9,388
ok, my zero is waiting customs inspection and today I received my Singlepower PPX3-6SN7. Monday I will receive my HD650's, which I have owned before but sold.

Did I mention life is good?
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