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AndyTom
Aug 13, 2016
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Looks as if the OPA2134 is socketed, so if you're fond of opamp rolling (like I am), it should be possible to replace it with an OPA2107, a MUSES02, or any other dual-channel DIP8 15-20V opamp of your choice.
Luka_Megurine
23
Aug 16, 2016
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AndyTomCould you explain what opamp rolling achieves? Does changing out the opamp allow higher volumes or more clarity than the stock one? Also you seem to be very knowledgeable, could you let me know whether this or the Micca Origen+ is a better buy in terms of quality (price is irrevelant), I noticed that the DAC-X6 has a better D/A Converter onboard but this is almost half the price, it boggles my mind.
AndyTom
Aug 16, 2016
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Luka_MegurineOpamps suitable for audio applications influence the "sound signature" of a signal chain. Some say that most opamps sound the same if used in circuitry optimized for them individually. Others say that these opamps color the sound on their own, increase or decrease the resolution, narrow or widen the stage, etc., in a more or less desired or undesired way. I swap the opamps in my headphone amps very often simply to make my signal chain sound the way I like it under the current cicumstances which include: my hearing capability (depends on stress level, work load mastered, listening time, etc.), the kind of music I listen to (Jazz, Pop, Electronic, Classical), the headphones I use (open or closed back, being aware of these headphones' merits and drawbacks). For example, I have a Beyerdynamic DT 1770 that in general sounds a bit harsh and lacks mids but delivers a huge amount of details. To compensate its harshness and drawn-back mids, I use a special cable and put a pair of OPA627s in my amp. So, opamp rolling is not about finding the best opamp as such (there is no such thing) but about finding the chip that integrates best with your equipment, taking account of your listening preferences and hearing capabilities. I guess that having some experience with tiny screw drivers, tweezers, and a soldering iron is beneficial to this hobby. :)
I'm not an expert, but to my knowledge, opamps suitable for audio applications are used as voltage pre-amps. After pre-amplification, the audio signal is fed into the gain stage to satisfy the loads imposed on the device by headhones or speakers. Finally, the signal is stabilized by a buffer able to adjust to the impedance (the electrical, phase-shifting resistance) of the phones or speakers. Anyone more into this field of electronics than I am, please correct me if I missed something.
To answer your first question: using a different opamp doesn't have a significant effect on the volume. And yes, having found a proper opamp, clarity, focus, soundstage, or resolution should be better. I often use a pair of Burson V5i opamps (overall super-high definition) for "symphonic" or "orchestral" music, or a pair of OPA627AM's (APs or BPs will do fine, too) for warm and detailed reproduction of female voices.
I cannot say anything about or recommend a device or even compare it to some other one without having laid my hands on it or them, respectively. Sorry for that.
I'm not an expert, but to my knowledge, opamps suitable for audio applications are used as voltage pre-amps. After pre-amplification, the audio signal is fed into the gain stage to satisfy the loads imposed on the device by headhones or speakers. Finally, the signal is stabilized by a buffer able to adjust to the impedance (the electrical, phase-shifting resistance) of the phones or speakers. Anyone more into this field of electronics than I am, please correct me if I missed something.
To answer your first question: using a different opamp doesn't have a significant effect on the volume. And yes, having found a proper opamp, clarity, focus, soundstage, or resolution should be better. I often use a pair of Burson V5i opamps (overall super-high definition) for "symphonic" or "orchestral" music, or a pair of OPA627AM's (APs or BPs will do fine, too) for warm and detailed reproduction of female voices.
I cannot say anything about or recommend a device or even compare it to some other one without having laid my hands on it or them, respectively. Sorry for that.
Luka_Megurine
23
Aug 18, 2016
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AndyTomThank you so much! Learned a whole bunch, gotta find out how to opamp roll, cause those OPA627SM's are really interesting me now. Thank you again, you're very knowledgable and helpful :)
AndyTom
Aug 18, 2016
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Luka_MegurineNote that the OPA627 is a single-channel opamp whereas the OPA2134 is dual-channel (as are the OPA 2107 and the MUSES02, for example). There are adapters for plugging two (DIP8) single-channel opamps into a (DIP8) socket for a dual-channel opamp, but they add height and thus might cause the cover of the case/housing to not fit anymore. Be careful not to insert a single-channel opamp into the socket for a dual-channel opamp or vice versa. They'll fit in physically, but their pin layout differs.
nofacemonster
20
May 15, 2019
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AndyTomCan i use ne5532 instead of the stock? I feel like the stock op amp has very narrow soundstage and feels congested. I don't know how to see the compatibility though.
nofacemonster
20
May 16, 2019
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AndyTomAlright, here's the results of my little experiment with DAC-X6. I changed the stock OP2134 to NE5532. I didn't like the sound, low end got slightly fatter and the sound got less congested than the OP2134 but something was missing and i guess it was the burr-brown house sound. So i came up with OP2604 BB chip from eBay. I Don't even know if its an original chip but i used it. It changed the sound in a good way (The way i like), It is everything that OP2134 was with better bass, the biggest advantage was the sound-stage, it has gotten wider making things much more airier. I guess i will stick with this for a while until i come across something else. I love the laid back, warm, mellow non-fatiguing sound signature of the OP2604.
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