tweak a Soundstream reference 500s

[Ground Zero]

Hello

is it possible to tweak my soundstream reference 500s for better sound please?

if yes what can i tweak ?

is it possible to change the aop with a better like burson audio or burr brown ?

Thanks for your help

[Ground Zero]

Hello

Nobody have an idea please ?

or someone can give me the service manual with schematics please ?

Thanks

[Perry Babin]

In my opinion, trying to 'tweak' this amplifier (and most others) is pointless. There are far too many people who believe that simply changing an op-amp is going to magically transform the amplifier. That's simply not the case. In many instances, the replacement op-amps (which may have significantly better distortion or noise specs) cause problems. For example, many op-amps are not unity gain stable. This means that they oscillate in circuits without a certain amount of gain. The oscillation isn't always immediately obvious and may not be visible on a scope but if you listen really carefully, you can hear what sounds like someone tuning a shortwave radio. The manufacturers use op-amps that are well suited for the circuit that they're being used in. My suggestion would be to return the amp to like-new working order and enjoy it.

<rant>
I see far too many people replacing a good quality component with another (generally more expensive component) and claiming that the 'mod' made a HUGE difference. They make this claim for each 'mod'. I would bet that in most all cases (where the original circuit was working properly) that they wouldn't be able to pick their new improved circuit (with its 10 modifications) from the original. I know it's what keeps a lot of people interested but it's annoying for me to see people waste time like this. This is one reason I can't participate in other forums. There's too much misinformation and when you call them on it, they don't like it or they attack you claiming that you simply can't hear what they're hearing.

If people want to tweak amps, they should get into tube amplification. That's one type of amp that can see big differences when you make various changes in components.
</rant>


I don't have the schematic diagram but you can get it from SoundStream.

[Ground Zero]

Hello Perry

Thanks

I understand so i think i'll just kept my amp and don't modify it

but when you say the op amp must have suited for the circuit that they're being used in.
so why in some preamp people change aop in some cd player or preamp without modify the begining circuit ?

for exemple:

i have bought this preamp for my diy audio amp in my home

Préamplification - AUDIOPHONICS Module Préamplificateur Stéréo AOP ALPS RK27

and this preamp can be tweak with better aop

so do you think it's just commercial ?

because on this preamp it is delivered with 2 aop NE-5532 and i have just change it with 2 aop from burr brown and i can hear the difference the sound is better more clear and detailled

but if the constructor say we can change aop with better i think the circuit is compatible with most aop amp

and why i can't do that on the soundstream because on this amp it is also a NE-5532 .

I don't want a mistake with you but i try to understand

Thanks a lot

[Perry Babin]

I don't want to enter into any discussion about perceived improvements in quality with various mods. Again, in my opinion, it's pointless.

If this were a discussion about improving the reliability of an amp (or anything else) and real gains could be made, that would be a worthwhile discussion. Of course, if someone else wants to discuss this topic with you, they shouldn't be discouraged by me.

If you want to test op-amps you should install IC sockets in an amp (or whatever circuit) and have a friend install random op-amps in the circuit. If the improvements are real, you should be able to determine precisely what op-amp is in the circuit by listening to it. To make the testing even more reliable, place labels (only have A, B, C, D on the label) on the various op-amps so that even he won't know which op-amp he's installing. If the improvements are easily heard, you should pick the good, better, best op-amps with virtually no errors. If you can't do it with virtually 100% precision, the improvements are not real.

[Ground Zero]

Thanks Perry

I'll try with several op amp to determine what is the better