The best sounding audio integrated opamps

[Andrea:]

Quite interesting... That big "measurement shootout" by Samuel Groner had suggested the LT1213/1215 as interesting opamps, like the rail-to-rail output LT1632 (and also the slower LT1630), besides the already well-known LT1469. Judging by his measurements, the LT1469 should be the best of the bunch overall... I don't know. I definitely liked its transparency etc., but I have no more (and they have stopped sending me samples ).

It's a real pity that the guy chose to test the LT1115 (also very interesting sounding - but doesn't come as SO8), not the more transparent (and more expensive) LT1028.

[Andrea:]

Still very happy with the LT1028CS8. It's very expressive, transparent, smooth and refined sounding. Excellent.

[leeperry]

hehe, LT banned you from the samples program

well, I've got a new toy and the 2*Earth are driving my headphones...I don't really feel like rolling anymore: ImageBam - Fast, Free Image Hosting and Photo Sharing

the LT1213 has a clear/natural/accurate sound, and Earth embelishes it beautifully

some asian guy(found through google) said LT1213 had a clear and HD sound...I fully agree, it's definitely a LM4562/49720 killer, it does it all the same...just miles better, like only LT knows

maybe I'd try the LT1469 again, but I found its trebles metallic to death in the past...and I'm bored of rolling

[leeperry]

Universal Soldier: ASUS Xonar D2 PM Sound Card Review (page 4) - X-bit labs

The ADC developer recommends to base the filter on low-noise opamps LT1128 from Linear Technology which have a minimized offset voltage and a superb level of distortions (about -130dB)

even BB in the PCM1792A datasheet recommends LT1028 for I/V, these chips really must have something special to them indeed ^^

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by leeperry

maybe I'd try the LT1469 again, but I found its trebles metallic to death in the past...and I'm bored of rolling

Perhaps your card doesn't have adequate power supply bypassing for such a fast opamp (90 MHz GBW). You could try adding some .1 uF (100 nF) ceramic bypass caps on the back of the sockets, across pins 4 and 8.

[leeperry]

that was on my previous soundcard, but 1213 sounds identical on both souncards(they both run the AK4396)...ah well, I love 1213 so far...I'll swap it for 1028/1211/1215/1360/1362 when I'll be bored...no worries, I'm not quite cured ^^

[leeperry]

OPA2107AP is a good guy too, I used to find it too clean..but Earth works it out nicely

[Andrea:]

I didn't mind it but it does lack some color, similar to the OPA627 (and, less severely, the OPA827).

Obviously I don't consider what sounds like that to be neutral - much the same as too little bass or too little treble would depart from neutrality. It's something lacking that should've been part of the picture.

[danielwritesbac]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

I didn't mind it but it does lack some color, similar to the OPA627 (and, less severely, the OPA827).

Obviously I don't consider what sounds like that to be neutral - much the same as too little bass or too little treble would depart from neutrality. It's something lacking that should've been part of the picture.

Overcompensated op amp sound?

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by danielwritesbac

Overcompensated op amp sound?

No, sonic color (or lack of it) has nothing to do with compensation. Besides, I put them in different places... and the result didn't change.

Actually in a modified DVD player the OPA2107 was nice... bit "electric" sounding perhaps, but there I liked it as much as an LME49860 if not better.