Op amp Rolling?

I have tried so many different op amps.  The OPA627 is nice.  The larger format PDIP "BP" version are the best version.  The can "AM" versions are just too bright sounding.  They are very clean and fast (when using a proper power supply and oscillation compensation), but they lack meaty bass.  The SMD OPA827 is much better in this case.  These are the two best monolithic "FET" op amps.
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In any case, the discrete op amps are highly superior to any of the monolothic version.  However, you need to make sure you have an adequate power supply as these are all biased into Class A.


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The Sparkos Labs are very nice.  They are bipolar and have a very clean sound.  However, I have found that they "push too hard" on the signal and things become very harsh on the edge of sounds.  Sparkos would be good if you have a very soft system.
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The Sonic Imagery 992/994 are about the best bipolar discrete op amps.  Very clean, very clear and no harshness.  Absolute transparency.
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Burson V6 Vivid are excellent and impart just a tiny bit of FET signature, but they are truly awsome.

You may want to do a google search for Sparkoslabs. I was going to use a couple of their op amps in a Forte preamp I had in my system a while back, but went with another preamp instead. 

Ps. In a Manley Chinook. 

Ps. In a Manley Chinook. 

Thank you for your thoughts. I’m looking at replacing 3 Texas Instruments op amps (TL082) with Burr Brown OPA2134s.  I think the numbers on the specs make sense—at least where I shouldn’t do damage. Any thoughts??

Yes they were standard fitment in many Shanlings, especially the earlier T100 4 transformer R2R players, they sounded very good. One of Thorsten Loesch’s (AMR) favourite players. Today demand top dollar used.
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0902/shanling.htm

Cheers George

I used the Opa 627 in brown dog adapters in my Shanling CDP years ago. Really nice upgrade with improved clarity and soundstage. Sadly the CDP retired itself...  I still have the opamps here. I think I have 4 sets.  PM me.
Rick

I replaced original opamps in my Consonance Reference 2.2 CDP with Opa 627's in Browndog adaptors. They made a really big improvement and were worth the price.

The OPA627 is one of the most faked opamps around. It's a really great opamp, just make sure you get it from a "Texas Instruments" approved distributors. Or you will end up with a fake and say it's so so and nothing to write home about.
These type statements regarding the sound I would bet are from owners that have gone looking for the best priced ones and got fakes instead.

http://www.ti.com/info-store/distributors.html?keyMatch=authorized%20distributor&tisearch=Search...

Cheers George   

LT1028 can do well in a RIAA eq stage. Depends on the application. OPA627 can do better in a preamp or DAC.

And a ton of other results in other scenarios.

At the low end of the price scale in total expenditure for gear, upgrading op amps is generally the best simple way to improve qualities.

There are some caveats, regarding current vs voltage vs noise, but that needs to be explored carefully via much reading on the interwebs.

There is no on size fits all answer here. Just some basic rules that one has to figure out via reading. And have a go at it.

Could you share your experience and findings?  Thank you in advance.