The best sounding audio integrated opamps

[scott wurcer]

Originally Posted by Mooly

Lol... I can't keep up with this

You're not kidding.

[nelsonvandal]

Have anyone used LT1028 or LT1115 comp pin out to an external buffer?

After the LT1028 hype I'm very tempted to try one of them. LT1028 is so very expensive here in Sweden. LT1115 is affordable. How much better do you find LT1028? As I understand it it's the same circuit with differences in DC precision.

[leeperry]

Originally Posted by SoNic_real_one

Personally, I found that NJM2068 sonds a tad better in a line amplifier.

Lynx almost uses 5532's exclusively, but RME puts a lot of NJM2068 on their latest PCI serie.

Originally Posted by Andrea:

Ha ha, those "clever" head-fi'ers that want to bias their opamps into class A at all costs, even that of sound quality

bah, reading their thread is quite unbearable..I've completely given up

Originally Posted by scott wurcer

Go for it, but please don't attribute me with YOUR interpretation of my motivations. Again I question my own posting under a real names policy. So ante up in a real situation where you could choose either way, be wrong? How about it?

actually, I don't even have the feeling that we speak the same language...so by any means, please ignore us if you may.

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by SoNic_real_one

Agree for headphones, but the NJM flavor: NJM4580. 10-20mA in a 32 ohm (13mW) load should be enough for most ears. Who wants more - needs bufferes
Personally, I found that NJM2068 sonds a tad better in a line amplifier.

Thanks for the NJM 4580 datasheet. Could you also link me a datasheet for the NJM 4570? That'd be nice!

Anyhow, the 4580 looks good enough to justify its use in the Accuphase in place of the NE5532. In particular, it has a higher quiescent current that could bring a smoother sound, and a higher (15 vs. 9 MHz) bandwidth. Also its Ib is better (half of that of the NE5532), and its output current seems at least twice as much.

[scott wurcer]

Originally Posted by leeperry

actually, I don't even have the feeling that we speak the same language...so by any means, please ignore us if you may.

No problem, though I put no one one on an ignore list.

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by nelsonvandal

Have anyone used LT1028 or LT1115 comp pin out to an external buffer?

After the LT1028 hype I'm very tempted to try one of them. LT1028 is so very expensive here in Sweden. LT1115 is affordable. How much better do you find LT1028? As I understand it it's the same circuit with differences in DC precision.

I dont't know how much the same they are... they sound similar superficially, yet the LT1115 has a different tonal color (exactly like its numbers command! The 5 is heard as a redish dominant color, vs. the neutral to greenish/brownish that the LT1028 has in consequence of its 2 and 8, believe it or not...or just compare them). Besides, the LT1115 sounds kind of sweeter, less "open window" transparent; more forgiving, if you will. I think they're both worth trying, but what I prefer is the LT1028CS8 or ACN8 (these do sound identical).

No, I haven't tried the comp pin out. On the other hand, I use the LT1028 as the line out buffer of my DACs, where it wouldn't be a good idea.

[Andrea:]

Originally Posted by scott wurcer

No problem, though I put no one one on an ignore list.

Hmm, well... you're welcome like anyone else, as far as I'm concerned.

[scott wurcer]

BTW, I have not used "retard" since I was 13 or so. I dissagree with the thuroughness of your methodology in determining your conclusions. Open up to some serious challenges?

[leeperry]

Originally Posted by Andrea:

LT1115 has a different tonal color (exactly like its numbers command! The 5 is heard as a redish dominant color, vs. the neutral to greenish/brownish that the LT1028 has in consequence of its 2 and 8

Andrea, please!! they're not ready for the whole op-amps numerology/colors, just yet

what does LT1124ACN8 say btw? coz I'll prolly get it soldered together w/ the burson anytime soon.

[scott wurcer]

The LT1115 and LT1028 are the same chip BTW. I have been trying to sort out some paint hues from China the numbers have not helped.