After some digging I found the post that says to add jumpers J5/J6 as well after removing the opamps. I figured i had to connect the signal thru somewhere, just didn't know where. I desoldered the legs off the opamps and lifted them off the pads, but the case is soldered down or something so i left it on the board.
I think the sound is much better now. There's more detail, better sound stage and quite a bit less forward in the midrange. I can turn it up pretty loud without feeling any fatigue. Seems like there's a bit more bass but it's very tight and not boomy.
I wasn't entirely in love with the DAC until I removed the opamps, but I'm really happy now. Definitely recommend running without the buffer if you aren't driving headphones!
I think the sound is much better now. There's more detail, better sound stage and quite a bit less forward in the midrange. I can turn it up pretty loud without feeling any fatigue. Seems like there's a bit more bass but it's very tight and not boomy.
I wasn't entirely in love with the DAC until I removed the opamps, but I'm really happy now. Definitely recommend running without the buffer if you aren't driving headphones!
Just to clarify a couple things...
J5/J6 are used to route the SE output of the op-amp to the SE-output pins when the buffers are not installed. They will have no impact if you are not using the SE outputs.
The parts you removed are not op-amps. They are buffers (actually a push-pull output stage).
When using the balanced outputs, the bal->se stage will have no impact on the sound, especially if you omit the op-amp.
Also, details of which components to omit when the bal->se stage is not needed are listed in the user Legato manual: http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/docs/linestages/legato_user_manual_3.1.0.pdf
I am glad you are enjoying the sound.
Thanks for suggestion! After reading your post i finally decided to try it and lifted in/out legs of the buffers and installed jumpers quickly to see if i like it. We did a quick listening test with a friend before and after the modification. The immediate difference is that sound is less forward and highs are less "sizzling" while both - a bit cleaner and more detailed, mainly at higher frequencies. Before the mod - a friend often found highs of my Buffalo a bit too pronounced and slightly less natural compared to his multibit DAC, and now even he was happy while admitting that Buffalo resolution and transparency is unmatched.
I worried a bit that removing buffers could make sound "soft" or less dynamic, but it's definitely not the case.
I guess this simple "mod" is the #1 answer for those who find sound of buffalo/legato a bit bright/forward (if not using headphones). The effect is bigger than swaping opamps or caps i think
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I can't say I personally agree with that assessment at all - I find the buffered output better in all regards - and definitely more flexible in terms of load capability. It offloads the job of driving current from the opamp and lets it focus on its main task - converting the balanced signal to single ended and controlling things via feedback. Still - experimenting is the fun of DIY - do as you like.
Still - experimenting is the fun of DIY - do as you like.Maybe i was too quick with conclusions. After some longer listening i found that it actually sounds brighter and "thinner" without buffers. A bit more relaxed which helps to pleasantly "smooth" things out at first, but in the long run - there is less lows/mids now and a bit less definition and dynamics, with bass suffering the most. Could be opamp dependent (i use "metal can" LME49720HA)
P.S. I feel it's better to mess with opamps than buffers. For less forward midrange, deeper soundstage and larger bass - one can try LME49860 for example...
P.S. I feel it's better to mess with opamps than buffers. For less forward midrange, deeper soundstage and larger bass - one can try LME49860 for example...
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Making really beautiful music! My favorite BII combination so far. It has a bit of magic/soul/pixie dust. Great job, guys.
BK
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