The Opamp thread

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudHarris /img/forum/go_quote.gif That combo recommended by Hiflight would probably suit the SS of the IE8's but the TLE2141 even in class A is far from great (IMO), there are much better Opamps around. Your best bet is to get on the D10 rolling thread if you've not already been there or indeed the P3 / P3+ threads, there are some great recommendations there. Personally, I've been rolling and rolling and rolling and settled with the OPA827's in L/R. They are kinda warm which may not be the best pairing for the IE8's but that said they do have detail in spades also.

The 827 stopped the rolling for a bit?
I agree, they are some great opamps based on my testing also.

 

[Kuze]

Must... stop... this... addiction!!!

 

[kloan]

Any recommendations for opamps suitable for UM3X?

I just got a Shellbrook mini signature, has dual opamps. Currently, OPA227P are in it... I've tried 2 different headphones, both sound as though mids are slightly veiled. Bass is very prominent, and trebles are quite forward.

I'm looking for some opamps that'll provide extensive, deep bass, good mids and tame treble, good detail, soundstage, etc.

 

[leeperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuze /img/forum/go_quote.gif Must... stop... this... addiction

so, how good is the LT1208 anyway? I don't think it'd top the LT1364...but you never know

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kloan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any recommendations for opamps suitable for UM3X? I just got a Shellbrook mini signature, has dual opamps. Currently, OPA227P are in it... I've tried 2 different headphones, both sound as though mids are slightly veiled. Bass is very prominent, and trebles are quite forward. I'm looking for some opamps that'll provide extensive, deep bass, good mids and tame treble, good detail, soundstage, etc.

That opamp is known to have good bass but a bit light in the detail and clarity areas. I keep a few of those around for using in subwoofer channels on surround cards. If you like the sound of that series but need more detail and clarity go for a 2107. There are others also but that would be my choice to replace a 227.

 

[12Bass]

Finally auditioned the THS4052 and found it more open sounding than the 2 x OPA211 on BrownDog adapter (although there's a capacitor right across the rails on the DIP socket, the THS part runs on the hot side). Still find the OPA211 to have a pleasing, somewhat warmer, tonality. I preferred both to the LM6172... not sure how to describe that one... not bad, not overly colored, just sort of "bland".... didn't hear the punchy sound that some have spoken about.

Have a pair of ADA4898-1s, but am waiting for more adapters before I can test them. OPA1611s and OPA132UAs are also waiting for adapters, and OPA1612s haven't arrived yet.... curious to find out if they sound any better/different than OPA2211A. The documentation notes that the duals (OPA1612s) use completely separate circuitry, except the power rails, of course... not sure if that is true for OPA2211A as well, and just not mentioned, or what... as I noticed a definite improvement when using 2 x OPA211 over the dual package.

 

[leeperry]

well, I've been running the OPA827 for a few days....but I kinda miss the tubey sound of the 2132P

U87 vocals sound too clear/too clean, I like when they sound emotional...hopefully I'll get my Moon/Earth within a few days, these should embelish the LT1364 vocal grain beautifully

 

[kloan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX /img/forum/go_quote.gif That opamp is known to have good bass but a bit light in the detail and clarity areas. I keep a few of those around for using in subwoofer channels on surround cards. If you like the sound of that series but need more detail and clarity go for a 2107. There are others also but that would be my choice to replace a 227.

Thanks for the recommendation.. just ordered a couple from HK.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12Bass /img/forum/go_quote.gif Finally auditioned the THS4052 and found it more open sounding than the 2 x OPA211 on BrownDog adapter (although there's a capacitor right across the rails on the DIP socket, the THS part runs on the hot side). Still find the OPA211 to have a pleasing, somewhat warmer, tonality. I preferred both to the LM6172... not sure how to describe that one... not bad, not overly colored, just sort of "bland".... didn't hear the punchy sound that some have spoken about. Have a pair of ADA4898-1s, but am waiting for more adapters before I can test them. OPA1611s and OPA132UAs are also waiting for adapters, and OPA1612s haven't arrived yet.... curious to find out if they sound any better/different than OPA2211A. The documentation notes that the duals (OPA1612s) use completely separate circuitry, except the power rails, of course... not sure if that is true for OPA2211A as well, and just not mentioned, or what... as I noticed a definite improvement when using 2 x OPA211 over the dual package.

THS4052? -have you tested the THS403X series? Are they similar in signature?
Did you add the cap? Did you have stability issues is this why you added it?
Ah, you just reminded me, I have to put some 1612's on adapters also.

 

[12Bass]

Have THS4032 as well... initially found it clear/punchy, but it seemed a bit lacking in body after a while, and I ended up preferring the seemingly more accurate midrange of the LM4562 (then later OPA211/OPA827). That one gets hot as well. The THS4052 under test is an SOIC soldered to a DIP socket with a 0.01 µF capacitor directly underneath soldered across the power pins. Even though I have bypassing in the circuit, I often mount bypass caps directly on high speed parts as a preventative measure. Although somewhat similar, from limited listening, I prefer the THS4052... sounds more neutral/less colored, with transparent highs... somewhat like AD797, but with the highs extending more effortlessly.

 

[12Bass]

Note: I should mention that Jim Williams from Audio Upgrades has been responsible for a number of these op amp suggestions, particularly the high speed parts.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Audio upgrades, do you have the link to the site?
I cannot say anything about the THS4052 just the THS4032, your bypassing the opamps as precaution and not because of a issue you had?
Well I guess your saving time as many of these high speed units will osciallate.

 

[leeperry]

Jim Williams also said that LT1357 is the best op-amp..

anyway, I like Kingwa's reply to these poor OPA-Moon THD measuremements: "We are making the products for human's ears, not for the robot. Do you notice the tube amp, they have the bad test perfermance but some tube amp sound excellent."

 

[12Bass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeperry /img/forum/go_quote.gif Jim Williams also said that LT1357 is the best op-amp.

From what I've gathered, he recommends a variety of op amps for different applications and tastes.... with a tendency to suggest modern/fast parts.

 

[12Bass]

THS4052 soldered to DIP socket. This is a cheap alternative to BrownDog adapters.

0.01 µF capacitor across +V and -V (pins 4 and 8):