2. amps-preamps
  3. 195215-189789

op amp rolling

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipO7mVKfzW_dSV5rxCvMv4z2gwdtk1cLM3eSFhIy

I have a setup for a send system that I have been playing with to see what I can do on the cheap and I've been quite surprised at the result so far. I've been reading about supposedly major improvements in performance of the Fosi ZA3 amps with op amp swaps. I'm wondering if anyone else has had any experience with the various ones available. I'm running the dual mono with XLR on each speaker bi wired to max the power which means I'll need three per amp which will cost more than the amps so I'd like to get it right the first time if I can. I'd like to take some of the sibilance from the top end which some I reckon comes from the nature of the speakers (Klipsch RPM 600II). Any opinions/advice would be most welcome. I'm looking at the Burson v7 vivid and the sparko but the sparko has been reported as softening the ZA3 too much which the reviewers on youtube seem to like for the V3 mono but not for the ZA3. I have attached a link to the setup because I cand figure out how to attach the photo to this forum. Thanks in advance

johnnybwood
joeycastillo
82 posts
 

@johnnybwood  

if I’m to understand what I’ve been reading the op amp in the back is to convert the RCA input to a balanced signal so I believe it can be removed from the unit if using XLR. I've ordered two pairs of V7 classics to try on the Two amps running dual mono biwired. I'm hoping they will take some of the hard edge off the speakers and give a more analog feal from the system. Will be reporting back next week. Cheers!

 

Yes sir. that is what i also read. but I have not remove it, even if I am using XLR.

Vivid V7 will make the sound more full body, i think hardness will be less.

YMMV

Regards.

johnnybwood OP
59 posts
 

Ordered the classics instead of the vivids on Bloom Audio's recommendation. Hopefully it won’t rob detail and dynamics for the sake hopefully getting rid of digital artifacts.

medium_grade
111 posts
 

I've done fair share of op amp rolling. Staccato op amps are my personal favorites, but I do think sparkos are also quite excellent (and way more accessible). 

 

Sparkos have a sound that is very fast and vivid which might not be great for your Klipsch speakers. I think you would be best served with staccato, or possibly Orange op-amps (though I haven't personally heard those myself). 

johnnybwood OP
59 posts
 

I guess I’ll be reporting back on the V7 classics and sharing my thoughts on those since they will be here today. Haven’t heard of staccato or orange before so I obviously haven’t dug very deep into this but if these don’t work out I will be investigating further before throwing good money after bad for sure.

Cheers

johnnybwood OP
59 posts
 

Installed the V7 classics and tried them out. Wow! Huge improvement in performance. Wouldn't go so far as to call it a giant killer but they are far more musical than before. The V7 monos look like they are different than the za3's as far as the inputs go so I'm not sure how much affect changing the op amps for XLR circuit would have. Have to investigate further on that. I've effectively doubled the cost of these already so it would have to be a fairly significant improvement to drop another buck and a half on them.

Cheers

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