The best sounding audio integrated opamps

[Andrea:]

Unless I end up saving up for new speakers. Just yesterday I heard some Paradigm Atom .6, an they were very good... surely better speakers than my very decent Polk's. My DAC is superbly transparent now, after all.

Or... I might also just replace the caps in the crossovers of my Polks with these very cost effective Solen/SCR...

[Andrea:]

The LME49721 is amazing as a low voltage (6V max) opamp (it's being used in my modified C&C BOX, as mentioned). And I've tried many...

Such as: OPA2365, OPA2350, OPA2376, OPA2340, AD822, AD8616, OPA2727, TLC2272, LTC6241 ..

Globally, the LME49721 is the best: most full bodied, controlled, smooth yet resolving, musical. Love it! It pairs with the AD8532 buffers of my headphone amp wonderfully (not unexpectedly: 49721 + 8532 = 12345789 ).

[Andrea:]

Just changed my DAC's analogue interconnect (from Sommercable Classique) to Van Den Hul The Bay C5. Sonic resolution has definitely improved: there's a greater sense of space, and realism. Also an even better bass control.

[tvrgeek]

May not not be suitable at all for audio, but EDN mentioned the ADA4627 as one of their "parts of the year" Also mentioned the LT3092 current source.

[tvrgeek]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

Unless I end up saving up for new speakers. Just yesterday I heard some Paradigm Atom .6, an they were very good... surely better speakers than my very decent Polk's. My DAC is superbly transparent now, after all.

Or... I might also just replace the caps in the crossovers of my Polks with these very cost effective Solen/SCR...

If the Paradigm's are s step up to your Polk's, save up your money for better speakers. As good as Polk's are for the money, you are on the very bottom of the heap. Atom's are considered entry level. Speakers are 95% of the sound. Everything else we do with diferent amps and caps is in the last 1/2 of one percent.

[Mooly]

Originally Posted by tvrgeek

Everything else we do with diferent amps and caps is in the last 1/2 of one percent.

Can't fully agree there. If you believe that (implying amps you have heard all sound pretty similar) you would be in for a major shock soundwise when you hear what is possible.
The differences can be more than you are talking about in this thread

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by Mooly

Can't fully agree there. If you believe that (implying amps you have heard all sound pretty similar) you would be in for a major shock soundwise when you hear what is possible.
The differences can be more than you are talking about in this thread

I owned a Primare I20 in the past, as well as the Atoll IN80 and IN50... I know what you're talking about

Yet... a (modified ) budget DAC, or a good interconnect (digital and analog), are underrated pieces of gear. As different as they are, both have much to 'say'...

It's the care for "details" what conjures up perfection... at any level of cost

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by tvrgeek

If the Paradigm's are s step up to your Polk's, save up your money for better speakers. As good as Polk's are for the money, you are on the very bottom of the heap. Atom's are considered entry level. Speakers are 95% of the sound. Everything else we do with diferent amps and caps is in the last 1/2 of one percent.

Please consider that all I've reported here has been revealed by my "very bottom" Polk Audio Monitor 30's (bi-wired). I think that the entry level, but quality commercial speakers are underrated...

Consider that I used to own (until a few years ago) bookshelf speakers like the Acoustic Energy AE1 MkII, Epos ES12, Harbeth HL-P3/ES...


At first I was very sceptical about these cheap Polk's (they were a present from my brother); then, with time, I've learnt to appreciate their undeniable qualities.

[Andrea:]

Anyway now I'm too happy with my DAC to really consider starting to modify another. Tired and happy.

So yes, that of saving up for new speakers (I really like Indiana Line Musa 105 too, as well as the Mordaunt Short Aviano 1, and maybe the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1) looks like the most clever idea

[tvrgeek]

Originally Posted by Mooly

Can't fully agree there. If you believe that (implying amps you have heard all sound pretty similar) you would be in for a major shock soundwise when you hear what is possible.
The differences can be more than you are talking about in this thread

I think you miss-understood my point. It was considering the OP's position on entry point speakers. My recommendation is not to spend money on better caps, but on much better speakers. Bang for buck kept in balance.

I certainly do not believe all, even very good, amps or CD,s sound the same. Actually trying to do research on dynamic issues that could explain why the differences are as pronounced. I have some leads. My point was this is not the domain of entry level Polks and esoteric caps.

If we were talking about $4000 a pair speakers, that is another question entirely. BYW, building speakers is my hobby. Can I hear a difference on a $100 tweeter between a really cheap electro and a decent film? Yes. But if I spend the difference in cap cost on a much better tweeter, the difference is even greater. OK, after I plunk down $300 for a ScanSpeak, yes, I will put in films. (Well, actually I prefer to bi-amp).

The only other reason to spend money redoing entry level crossovers is as an educational exercise. The OP was not suggesting this, but was hoping some "magic" caps would make his entry, be they very good for the price, Polk's into high fidelity. Won't happen.

I still contend, speakers are 95% of the system. Room another 4%. Electronics are relatively easy. Of course we want the best electronics too, but for pure sound, speakers and room treatment is where it is at. An average AVR is better than the best speakers. Not that a Naim is not clearly better than a $400 Denon AVR, but it is splitting hairs compared with the speakers. If I had an extra $50 bucks, I would build some absorption panels long before I bought caps for a crossover.