[Zoide]

That's interesting. I'd never heard about the 627's and 637's sounding *that* different.

 

[bobeau]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide That's interesting. I'd never heard about the 627's and 637's sounding *that* different.

Right, it was my impression the 627 is intended for low gain applications, the 637 for higher gain (realizing more detail with high imp cans), but otherwise the sonic signatures are the same. It almost sounds like Xin is saying the opposite is true, at least with his circuit?

 

[NeilPeart]

Since I'm already a fan of the 627 with the SuperMacro (it has great synergy with my MS1 and HD25 too) I ordered a SuperMacro 2.0 with 2x buffers and the OPA627 soldered on. I loved that little amp at the meet - thanks Xin!

 

[goto2003]

It seems that SM really works well with all these popular OPAMPs. Quote from Xin's website

"Important correction!

Somehow the prototype I listened to last night had an old component in the ground channel! So the impressions about 134, 637 and 228 were all incorrect. They actually sound all very well with this new component.

I listened to more opamps today. AD797, NE5534, LM6171 and AD8610. All sounded very well. I like NE5534's milky sound very much.

All is well."

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by goto2003 "So the impressions about 134, 637 and 228 were all incorrect. They actually sound all very well with this new component."

Phew!

So, we can already order the 2.0 version?

 

[goto2003]

Xin agreed to provide a V2.0 board to me next week. I wonder if anyone else would get it?

 

[ghart999]

All existing order and newly placed ones will ship with the v 2.0. So order away.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide Phew! So, we can already order the 2.0 version?

 

[phillevy]

How easy is it to swap circuit boards - can anyone be more specific? Do you need to solder?

 

[mavis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillevy How easy is it to swap circuit boards - can anyone be more specific? Do you need to solder?

No, it's VERY easy.

All you do is remove the volume knob and the front panel using an allen wrench (or two - the volume knob with the silver case uses a different size) and then push the circuit board(s) out the front of the SM. It simply slides in and out in little grooves inside the case.

 

[vranswer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilPeart Since I'm already a fan of the 627 with the SuperMacro (it has great synergy with my MS1 and HD25 too) I ordered a SuperMacro 2.0 with 2x buffers and the OPA627 soldered on. I loved that little amp at the meet - thanks Xin!

Also a fan of the SM with 627. I will say my SuperDual with AD8620 has good synergy with my E5s as well. Neil, not sure when you transformed from Rush drummer to Chickadee, but I like it!

 

[Zoide]

So, will the SM 2.0 require 2 opamps or 3?

 

[goto2003]

As far as I know, two OPAMPs needed for the self-modification. The ground channel is fixed.

 

[e_dawg]

Separate ground channel you say? Now that's a SuperMacro I can get excited about.

goto, can you elaborate more on this fixed ground channel? If you can't change the op-amp in the ground channel, you're not going to hear as much of a difference when switching op-amps in the stereo channels.

 

[practitioner]

can anyone explain in layman terms, why having a ground channel makes any difference?

 

[goto2003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by e_dawg Separate ground channel you say? Now that's a SuperMacro I can get excited about. goto, can you elaborate more on this fixed ground channel? If you can't change the op-amp in the ground channel, you're not going to hear as much of a difference when switching op-amps in the stereo channels.

I have no idea about the technical detail of SM V2.0. But I will get a V2.0 board this week and hopefully will throw several OPAMPs in it. I did roll different OPAMPs (NE5534, AD8610/825, LM6171, OPA227/627/637) in V1.0 and got various sound signatures and so far, my favorites are NE5534 and AD8610.