The op amp is only part of the system that amplifies a signal and delivers it to speakers.
If your source is a 128 kbps MP3, it will still not improve with better parts.
I would pay more attention to a better set of speakers, and a proper matching amplifier.
Room treatment also counts a lot.
So like I said, find another itch to scratch.
I had an aunt who got upset when she had nothing to worry about.
Some people need to worry.
So find something else to do, like making a new unit, or amp, or speakers.
If your source is a 128 kbps MP3, it will still not improve with better parts.
I would pay more attention to a better set of speakers, and a proper matching amplifier.
Room treatment also counts a lot.
So like I said, find another itch to scratch.
I had an aunt who got upset when she had nothing to worry about.
Some people need to worry.
So find something else to do, like making a new unit, or amp, or speakers.
You made me curious.If it's THE Jim Williams telling his opinions...
https://gearspace.com/board/geekzone/558450-best-drop-upgrade-ne5534ap-opamp-2.html
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Believe it or not , a few years back I gave up a pair of electrostatic headphones and a highly integrated 4700 $ 32 bit ess Dac + 32 bit adc + xmos asyncronous usb + electrostatics amplifier for just a little bit more op amps than what you see here and I actually don't regret it! Well I bought a 350 pounds Audient id22 to compensate for the digital loss 
My real concern though about these ne5534 is why even a circuit with a minimum of 75 x gain based on ne5534 needs serious capacitive compensation (3 capacitors) in a microphone/line preamp when the datasheet says you need one capacitor for gains lower than 3x?
My real concern though about these ne5534 is why even a circuit with a minimum of 75 x gain based on ne5534 needs serious capacitive compensation (3 capacitors) in a microphone/line preamp when the datasheet says you need one capacitor for gains lower than 3x?
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FYI there are two Jim Williams; the analog circuit designer who died in 2011, and the pro audio circuit guy writing in the link.
The info re: Raytheon 5534's and MA-332 is consistent with what I knew. I don't agree with Jim's negative assessment of them, though. In the mic pre's I designed and built at the time, the MA-332 was a clear improvement over the Sig 5534. JW also didn't like the OPA627 which I found to be excellent. Still do, actually.
More than one voltage gain stage within the NFB loop is an issue in general.Believe it or not , a few years back I gave up a pair of electrostatic headphones and a highly integrated 4700 $ 32 bit ess Dac + 32 bit adc + xmos asyncronous usb + electrostatics amplifier for just a little bit more op amps than what you see here and I actually don't regret it! Well I bought a 350 pounds Audient id22 to compensate for the digital loss
My real concern though about these ne5534 is why even a circuit with a minimum of 75 x gain based on ne5534 needs serious capacitive compensation (3 capacitors) in a microphone/line preamp when the datasheet says you need one capacitor for gains lower than 3x?
Therefore I prefer op-amps with only one gain stage within the NFB loop (e. g. AD817, AD825 etc).
Interesting.
What's the slew rate for the early 16bit/44.1kHz Red Book CD-DA? I read someone saying max. 2.1V/μs (or some pretty "low" values like that), but I can't remember exactly where.
Thanks.
Seeing such divergent opinions on ne5534 must be coming from somewhere...is it the lack of knowledge on how to make a good circuit with ne5534, is it that some makes are just better than others and some datasheet may be lacking good app notes , dishonest opinions from some people or just the fact that our ears or tastes aren't the same?
I remember a friend of mine playing some tube reunion a trick. He came with a big heavy box ...everyone was utterly impressed with its sound compared to the other tube amplifiers, then the guy opened the box: inside were a construction brick to make it heavy and two tda2030...
I remember a friend of mine playing some tube reunion a trick. He came with a big heavy box ...everyone was utterly impressed with its sound compared to the other tube amplifiers, then the guy opened the box: inside were a construction brick to make it heavy and two tda2030...
LM394s ... 😍Believe it or not , a few years back I gave up a pair of electrostatic headphones and a highly integrated 4700 $ 32 bit ess Dac + 32 bit adc + xmos asyncronous usb + electrostatics amplifier for just a little bit more op amps than what you see here and I actually don't regret it! Well I bought a 350 pounds Audient id22 to compensate for the digital loss
My real concern though about these ne5534 is why even a circuit with a minimum of 75 x gain based on ne5534 needs serious capacitive compensation (3 capacitors) in a microphone/line preamp when the datasheet says you need one capacitor for gains lower than 3x?
