The best sounding audio integrated opamps

[Andrea:]

Another opamp with a better overall sound quality than the two FET-input's above is the LME49723, also a bipolar. It doesn't have the potential of the LT1028, since the latter simply sounds more transparent than anything else I've heard so far including the OPA211; but it's a veeeery nice dual opamp.

It's kind of midway between LME49720 and AD8599: not the slightly sterile sound of the former, nor the THD of the latter.

[Magz]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

But who said that the OPA2134 sound better than the OPA827? The single versions have a definite advantage in sound quality anyway...

Myself, I only found that the OPA132UA has a much more musical tonality than the OPA827, with little loss of transparency. So if there's only one opamp in the signal path, between the two I'd choose the OPA132UA because I want to enjoy the music rather than study it

Interesting point. As a professional scientist, I do often find myself analyzing the music rather than listening to it, but that's part of the kick for me. To each his own I guess. I like transparency a lot!

[Andrea:]

Me too (I like transparency) but I want it to be musical, as well! Or I don't define it transparency, but a sterile analysis of a more complex reality.

So, the OPA827 for my ears belonged more to the "sterile analysis" side, while an LT1028 manages to be extremely transparent while keeping musically communicative.

Bottom line, transparency and musicality are NOT opposed terms! Not in my vocabulary at least.

[leeperry]

oh well, 4580 doesn't have enough definition...I'll roll back the LT1124ACN8, but it's got a major lack of low end bass.

any idea which ones could have more in that family?? tough question, I know

Linear Technology - Product Category Parametric Table

[Andrea:]

Well the LT1677 had a good bass punch, so I guess you might use the LT1678, no?


Ah, the Accuphase DP-400 uses a bunch of NJM4580 (8 of them I think, but it has balanced outputs too) in its output stage and it's been taken as the magazine's reference in its price class since it was reviewed.

Recently they reviewed the Bryston DAC-1 (if that's how it's called) which has a very reassuring all-discrete output stage... Well they judged it extremely well, but they also said it was behind the DP-400 in terms of absolute transparency.

[Andrea:]

BTW I just rediscovered Mark Lanegan's "Field Songs" (I must have listened to it 1000 times until about a couple of years ago)...

Well, amazing, the LT1028 shows all its sonic ductility once again. I would not touch anything inside this DAC anymore! So perfect I'm almost scared.

[leeperry]

yes, 4580 is nice when properly used...but I prefer LT1124ACN8 as AK4396 LPF I think.

I don't think it's got a lack of bass, it's just that the trebles are so clean/clear and undistorted...that it takes some time to get used to

I tried LT1678 already, wasn't too impressed.

[Andrea:]

But the LT1677 has the transparency and clean treble you seem to like in the LT1124 which I haven't heard

Honestly though I preferred the LT1028 to the LT1677. Unfortunately there isn't a dual "LT1029"

[Andrea:]

If I were you I'd really try the LME49723.

[Andrea:]

Ha ha, majkel on head-fi copied my idea that the LME49725 might be better than an LME49720 or LME49860, based on my previous finding that the LME49723 sounds better than those too.

And he came up with...

I prefer the LME49725 to the LME49720, BTW. Probably my favourite dual op-amp these days.

Nice, and solves my doubts as to whether also try the LME49725 (when possible) or not.