[Eddie C]

I do not recommend the V5i, at least with the pair i had. Now and then it would have a grainy fuzzy sound when no music was playing, which is less apparent when using higher impedance headphones. I've also seen this mentioned by someone else before.

 

[Globali]

Hi

Did you manage to do this and what were the results?

Am about to go for the WIMA 0.1uf mod for the essense stx ii. Already on burson v6 and love it. Does the below one work? Also looking at pics its adding to the current caps and not replacing correct? I just have to solder it from backside.

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/wima/MKP1D031003G00JSSD/1928-1386-ND/9370328

 

[Moses4188]

@Moses4188, I would try OPA1612 in I/V and LPF, but also LME49720/LM4562 in I/V and LPF as well. Based on http://nihtila.com/2017/01/08/pcm1794a-output-stage-opamp-measurements-lm4562-ne5532-and-opa2134/:
"The best solution is to use NE5532 in I/V-stage and LM4562 in differential amplifier as it gives almost identical performance to all-LM4562 implementation".

If DAC implementation is a very good one and the PCB layout is very good too, then with cheap opamps we can achieve lowest THD+N and a neutral sound.

What about OPA1656 or NE5532?

 

[raoultrifan]

What about OPA1656 or NE5532?

Yes, of course, I don't see why not. Just measure the DC voltage on the outputs before connecting an external amp or the headphones.

 

[L36i]

Thought I'd share my experience. I recently swapped out my LM49720NA for V6 Classic on my Xonar STX. I have HD650s with stock cable. All I have to say is WOW. These op amps are no snake oil. The best out there. Worth every dollar. This sounds cliche as heck but with the V6 there are sounds in songs I've never perceived before.

 

[kiran1103]

Hi

Did you manage to do this and what were the results?

Hi,

Sorry for being late. Yes I did and it did get the micro details out. Am so impressed. It did significantly change the sound

 

[Telix]

I can't believe I started this thread 12 years ago and it's still getting new posts!!

 

[Rantanplan]

Yup, and its about to have one more.

Thanks to this thread, i started swapping my op-amps a few months ago.

I do not recommend the V5i, at least with the pair i had. Now and then it would have a grainy fuzzy sound when no music was playing, which is less apparent when using higher impedance headphones. I've also seen this mentioned by someone else before.

I just ran into the same issue, especially when they were used in the I/V stage, that's a shame for their price.

 

[bcschmerker4]

BURSON® Audio has released a revised hybrid dual amplifier as of 29 May 2021: The Model V5i-D, which is probably compact enough for any of the ASUS® XONAR® ST, STX, or STX II. Electrically compatible with the same models as the earlier V5i. BubisUK has a review in progress as I post this.

 

[davidrf]

Hi there, my Essence STX I suddenly began to emit a loud static noise on the right channel. I tried to swap the two 2114Ds op-amps and now the noise is on the left channel, but the right channel is 100% dead. No sound, no static. Would I fix the problem by changing both 2114Ds with new ones? Thanks!

 

[fredeb]

I can't believe I started this thread 12 years ago and it's still getting new posts!!

I've come back to this thread so many times over the years , thank you so much for starting it Telix ! Great opamp lessons .

 

[connieflyer]

Same here, still subscribed

 

[Jonathan Crouch]

I still visit but I won’t use another E-STX. I’m too used to high end desktop DACs now especially Toppings considering the price to performance ratio.

 

[davidrf]

Ok, this thread is surely awesome. Any help with what I posted above? Thanks

 

[fredeb]

Hi there, my Essence STX I suddenly began to emit a loud static noise on the right channel. I tried to swap the two 2114Ds op-amps and now the noise is on the left channel, but the right channel is 100% dead. No sound, no static. Would I fix the problem by changing both 2114Ds with new ones? Thanks!

It certainly must be worth a try David , It does sound as though the opamps may be fried , perhaps the STX is on the way out . Examine the opamp sockets for damage when you swap out the opamps . If you don't have or can't loan any replacement opamps the cheapest route may be NE5532 , just to see if the card is still working . If not , I guess you could get a techie to replace all electrolytic caps and perhaps reflow solder .

Good luck