OPamps still inferior to discrete circuits?


Do the current OPamps sound good? Are they comparable to the best "discrete OPamp" designs? If you have two identical DAC's. One DAC has world's best OPamps and the other DAC has a state of the art discrete analog section: which will sound better? Of course: the unit with the OPamps will be (much) cheaper than the one with the discrete analog section, but that's another discussion.

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by ait

Just to add to this old thread, I just replaced the OPA827 opamps in the output stage of a low frequency EQ unit that fits between my preamp and my amps, with the new Burson 4th generation discrete opamps (on sale for $68 per pair at PCX). The circuit is a unity gain output stage, and the entire music signal passes through it on its way to the amps.

Wow, the difference is very obvious. Deeper and cleaner bass, and complete removal of the last traces of hardness in the treble. Very smooth sound, but retaining all the detail. The OPA827 was the best IC opamp I'd heard in that position, but the Burson is definitely better.

The Burson operates with 20mA idle current vs the OPA827's 5mA, so that may account for the improved bass drive. I'm impressed.