[Shizdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimmzio /img/forum/go_quote.gif A nice upgrade from stock would be something like opa2111kp in IV to opa2137p in buffer say, but this is all very relative...Just sharing a little! I'm ordering more opamps I still didn't order the popular LME49720's that everybody is talking about here, i will and we'll see...

I looked it up and this user said that the bass lacks punch.

I just ordered some samples anyways from Texas Instruments.

 

[gurubhai]

^^opa2137p sould be able to fix that.

 

[Shizdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurubhai /img/forum/go_quote.gif ^^opa2137p sould be able to fix that.

I just ordered a few samples.

Any other samples I should get from Texas Instruments or National Semi Conducor?

I have as of Now

-2x NJM2114D (Stock Essence STX Amp)
-1x LM4562NA (Stock Essence STX Amp) (5x more coming)

Samples I have ordered or just ordered.

-4x LME49720NA
-2x LME49720HA (Headfi User Putting On Adapters)
-4x LME49710HA (Headfi User Putting On Adapters)
-5x OPA2111KP
-5x OPA2137EA/250
-5x OPA2137U (SOIC Version)
-10x OPA2137p
-5x OPA2132P
-5x OPA2107AU (Mistake. Reordered -5x OPA2107AP But they are backordered)
-2x LT1057ACN8#PBF
-2x LT1358CN8#PBF
-2x LT1358IN8#PBF
-2x LT1364CN8#PBF

 

[dex85]

in case you will use the line-outs, try the 2xJRC2114D + LME49720HA. i'm using that combo right now and my op-amp quest is finally in the end i think. tonally very balanced, great soundstage (both the width and depth) and clarity. 2xLME49720HA+JRC2114D had similar tonality but lacked in microdetails and soundstage. the latter had a little heftier bass but it's not bothering me at all. the former is certainly not bass lacking, but it might bother you if you prefer the bass to stand out.

 

[dextersventures]

Can someone recommend an opamp for my grados on the stx?

I currently have grado sr-80s and love them to death. Will be buying the sr-325is in a week as well. The thing is, my headphones sound better coming from my ipod than they do from my asus essence stx soundcard. The ipod sounds much more livelier and forward, like im on the stage with the musician. The ipod gives me tons of energy that I love. The asus stx on the other hand with the JRC2114 (default), sounds like there is a veil in front of the music, perhaps like im sitting 10 rows back.

Can someone recommend an opamp to fix this for the stx?

My preferences, I love upfront, forward, bright, detailed, fast, hyper articulate sound. Any suggestions?

 

[ROBSCIX]

Do you have the headphones amplifier set properly? I find when this is set incorrectly people report either the card sounds veiled or "fatiguing" depending on if they are overdriving or underpowering their cans. Not saying that is your issue, just saying have a look.

 

[dextersventures]

Yep, I matched the impedance on the card to the rating of grados. Really that is already the default when buying.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Just making sure as this is common.
I would say try some new opamps and see if you can find a combination that is more to your personal liking.

 

[zimmzio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dex85 /img/forum/go_quote.gif in case you will use the line-outs, try the 2xJRC2114D + LME49720HA. i'm using that combo right now and my op-amp quest is finally in the end i think. tonally very balanced, great soundstage (both the width and depth) and clarity. 2xLME49720HA+JRC2114D had similar tonality but lacked in microdetails and soundstage. the latter had a little heftier bass but it's not bothering me at all. the former is certainly not bass lacking, but it might bother you if you prefer the bass to stand out.

Yes i tend to agree...leaving the default JRC's in and changing the buffer gives good results also. The aggressor here is the 4562, not the JRC's.

 

[zimmzio]

One of the reason i would change the JRC's amongst other thing is for better separation. JRC's in buffer "Can't" be ideal amongst the ocean of opamps out there.

*edit: i mean't JRC's in I/V.

 

[dex85]

+1; i think that buffer has even more influence on the sound than the I/V. i had been listening from headphone output of the card for quite some time, so i got pretty familiar with the signatures of the various op-amps when placed in I/V.

when i placed the JRC2114D in buffer it pretty much took over the sound, kinda veiled sounding with narrow but deep soundstage. now when i swapped the i/v with buffer i hear mostly the 49720HA signature. open, transparent sound with wide soundstage. JRC in I/V added some weight and soundstage depth. together they combine for very coherent sound image, nothing sticks out.

i'm finally off to enjoy music

with previous experiments there was always something that didn't cut it for me. it was mostly caused by peaks in frequency responcy, which can be interesting in the beginning but gets very annoying after some time.

 

[zimmzio]

...I would concentrate on just changing the buffer at first, much easier task if you ask me.

The I/V section is like the power section on tube amps, so the JRC's are like the power tubes sorta speak. Owners of tube amp that have experience with tube rolling know the importance that the buffer has over the power tubes...I don't know about other folks but i don't spend to much time rolling the power tubes on mine. Just saying.

 

[zimmzio]

well burned in 2xJRC2114D->opa2111kp sounds allot better then stock, that for sure!

 

[Shizdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shizdan /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just ordered a few samples. Any other samples I should get from Texas Instruments or National Semi Conducor? I have as of Now -2x NJM2114D (Stock Essence STX Amp) -1x LM4562NA (Stock Essence STX Amp) (5x more coming) Samples I have ordered or just ordered. -4x LME49720NA -2x LME49720HA (Headfi User Putting On Adapters) -4x LME49710HA (Headfi User Putting On Adapters) -5x OPA2111KP -5x OPA2137EA/250 -5x OPA2137U -10x OPA2137p -5x OPA2132P -5x OPA2107AU (Mistake. Reordered -5x OPA2107AP But they are backordered) -2x LT1057ACN8#PBF -2x LT1358CN8#PBF -2x LT1358IN8#PBF -2x LT1364CN8#PBF

Out of all those, What combos should I try for Large soundstage, Hard hitting bass, Great highs (But not fatiguing)?

 

[zimmzio]

Just start with say 2xJRC2114D->opa2107AP should match well with dark can's...I can't talk about the National's and Linear tech yet...Still didn't order them, i procrastinate allot!

i prefer taking it slow. Also I would let all opamps burn-in a little before passing final judgment.

p.s: I really like 2xJRC2114D->opa2111AP with my setup...letting the opa2107AP burn-in as i write this!