The best sounding audio integrated opamps

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

I actually just snapped in a set of LT1028ACN8 sound pretty good just from basic testing. I will have to spend more time listening.
We all use different gear so signature will vary to a certain extent.
I have enjoyed the LME49710HA's I don't hear a metallic glare...
Opinions vary I guess.

That midrange "glare" was but a subtle characterisation. Also, if you keep them in then soon you don't notice it anymore at all. It's just a different kind of feel vs. most plastic opamps, though not in such a dramatic way..

Besides, compared to most plastic opamps the LME49270HA sounded more bold and groovy - don't know if this is very accurate. To me the LT1028 has all the fullness required but never too much.

[ROBSCIX]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

That glare is quite a subtle thing. Also, if you keep them in then soon you don't notice it anymore at all. It's just a different kind of feel vs. most plastic opamps, though not in such a dramatic way..

I haven't used them in quite a while but I did like them when I had them installed. I have built modules for quite a few people and had postive feedback everytime. Taste and opinions vary.

[leeperry]

righty, so I can still give a shot at four LT1363CN8/LT1028ACN8 and AD797BN...if SQ is foobar'ed, that'll be a good indicator that something's wrong(my PC case has extreme cooling so it'll never get hot)

how would you know that it wasn't "any more stable"? got an oscilloscope?

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

I haven't used them in quite a while but I did like them when I had them installed. I have built modules for quite a few people and had postive feedback everytime. Taste and opinions vary.

I did say I like them! It wasn't an easy choice between soldering the LME49720HA or the LT1028CS8 inside my Super Pro, when I got rid of the socket. Ultimately though I'm happy with my choice - but I could've lived with the LME49720HA as well, like with the LME49723 (& unlike with the LM4562 or the LME49860).

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by leeperry

how would you know that it wasn't "any more stable"? got an oscilloscope?

No, you can judge stability with the combination of your fingertip and your hearing. The chips don't get hot + the sound is quite smooth including the highest treble. The same for both DACs.

[ROBSCIX]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

I did say I like them! It wasn't an easy choice between soldering the LME49720HA or the LT1028CS8 inside my Super Pro, when I got rid of the socket. Ultimately though I'm happy with my choice - but I could've lived with the LME49720HA as well, like with the LME49723 (& unlike with the LM4562 or the LME49860).

The jury is still out on the LT1028 as I am testing that unit right now.

[ROBSCIX]

So far I am liking these LT1028's. I snapped them into an adapter.
I will have to do further tests today but they are sounding pretty good with this current tests circut.

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX

So far I am liking these LT1028's. I snapped them into an adapter.
I will have to do further tests today but they are sounding pretty good with this current tests circut.

And the more you listen, the more you like it and realize how transparent it is... at least it happens for me. While all the rest became somehow tiring after some time, due to this or that deviation from transparency (which might also have been pleasant in the beginning).

[leeperry]

humm 4*LT1363CN8 is very tasty indeed

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9529/1363g.jpg

what is it that you didn't like about this one after a while? what's so much better on the 1028 again?

ah well, I'm bored of the moronic chitchat in the other thread, some ppl seem to have ego problems..the best revenge is living well as they say

PS: it truly takes the headphones off your head

and I forgot how great the bass sounds!

[ROBSCIX]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

And the more you listen, the more you like it and realize how transparent it is... at least it happens for me. While all the rest became somehow tiring after some time, due to this or that deviation from transparency (which might also have been pleasant in the beginning).

..is this unit one of your personal favorites from LT, any others?
I have a bunch of LT opamps but I only like a few of them. IIRC, they do not concentrate their design efforts on audio so it is hard to know what to order. Any suggestions on unit to look to?
I have tested so many opamps in the last few years but LT has not really been part of my testing.
I am all for transparent opamps. I have to do more testing though as they showed up today in a package of components I ordered.