chebby:Gazjam:Changing the Op Amps (to LM4562NA - under a tenner for the two required) gave the Dac a very different sound signature. It wasn't like changing an interconnect where differences can be subtle, no, this was obvious, immediate and so much better sounding. BIG soundstage, smoother, more PrAt, more balls to the sound.
Seriously, check it out.
Last I looked at threads on this subject of op-amp swapping (on Art of Sound) I thought Beresford were recommending different capacitors need to be soldered in place for such upgrades.
Can you provide a link where Beresford recommend a simple swap to LM4562NA op-amps without any other work?
I think I will e-mail the company first before doing this. (Invalidating warranty issues etc.) Otherwise I will try it out. Upgrading to OPA2107AP in my old USB DAC worked wonders. Just want to be 100 percent certain before trying.
Hi,
I can see the confusion here, it was only till later in the DIY thread that some of the guys were suggesting ADDITIONAL measures (soldering extra caps) on to swapping the op amps out.
Se HERE:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2352
The LM4562 (as recommended by Stan) comment is what your looking for...
Later in the thread it talks about the different Op Amps and what ones best. A few of the guys speak of the 4562's big improvement over the stock Op Amps supplied with the Dac.
Its really easy to do, loosen 4 screws on bottom the dac, use a flat bladed screwdriver (carefully! - I used a jewelers screwdriver, one of the packet of 6 or so tiny screwdrivers you can buy anywhere) to pop it out, and the new Op Amps clip straight in. 8 metal pegs from the op amp fit into 8 holes in the socket.
If in doubt, post on the other forum, Stan Beresford should respond directly, he's a good guy.