What The Hell is an Op-Amp? WARNING: Nerd Fest! Let’s talk Op-Amps! You have been waiting for this.

Swapping Op-amps has become so popular I thought I would do a video about them.
Op-amps discussed:
• TI NE5532P: amzn.to/4hpDxb2
• Burr-Brown OPA 2134PA: amzn.to/4gnwLkN
• Burr-Brown OPA 2604AP: www.ebay.com/i...
• TI OPA1656: www.ebay.com/i...
• TI OPA828: www.aliexpress...
• Sparkos Dual Discrete SS3602: sparkoslabs.co...
• Sparkos Pro Discrete Single (for Dayzee) SS2590: sparkoslabs.co...
• Sparkos Pro to Dual DIP8 + 2xSS2590 Fully Assembled: sparkoslabs.co... (Choose your options)
• PCS SX52B: www.aliexpress...
• HIFI FET Tube Triode HDAM Dual OP AMP: www.aliexpress...
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• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: blackiceaudio....
• Advance Paris A7: shop.skylabsau...?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
• Cambridge EVO150: shop.skylabsau...?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
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• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: amzn.to/3WberDp
• Opera Callas Speakers: operaloudspeake...
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: amzn.to/3VyQzcu
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: www.laiv.audio...
• LAIV Harmony μDDC: www.laiv.audio...
• Geshelli Labs Dayzee: geshelli.com/d...
• FiiO PL50 Linear Power Supply: www.fiio.com/pl50
• SMSL PO100 PRO DDC/Reclocker:amzn.to/3WHbBqS
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• Cambridge MXN10: amzn.to/3XEWkb1
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• Alpha Audio, Alpha One Streamer DAC: www.alphaaudio...
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• Fluance RT-84 turntable: amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform: amzn.to/4aFbQsc
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• All Line Level, Speaker & Mains cables are from Wire World: wireworldcable...
• Stack Audio AUVA Equipment Isolators: stackaudio.co....
Basement desktop gear:
• FiiO K17 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC Not yet for sale
• Philharmonic True Mini Monitors: philharmonicau...
• Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: sound-solver.c...
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• Douk A5 Amp: amzn.to/3WK8Ftz
• Sound Solver Medium Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: sound-solver.c...
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[@OldGuyHifi]

What The Hell is an Op-Amp? WARNING: Nerd Fest! Let’s talk Op-Amps! You have been waiting for this. Swapping Op-amps has become so popular I thought I would do a video about them. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership. All the Op-amps discussed are listed in the video description.

[@ericboehm4529]

Loved the video, Ed! Well done. One thing it might be helpful to point out in the beginning is the difference between single and dual opamps. Folks need to make sure they know what they have in order to choose the right replacement. Dual for dual and single for single. Keep up the great work my friend!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good point my friend. That part got left on the cutting room floor. DOH!

[@superspeeder]

🎉 Great video Ed! I’m very grateful to have someone go through this stuff in a friendly manner that breaks it down for the non-Engineers in the crowd. 😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Brian_Romska]

Ed! That was great, thanks for nerding out, I haven’t gone down the op amp rabbit hole yet but I’ve got a j2s and a fosi zd3 so I’ll be coming back to this vid when I decide to try it out, thanks as always!!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you sir.

[@audiorick841]

Great segment on Op Amps thank you! I have the Burson, Sparkos and Staccato Audio op amps we don’t hear of them very often, but they are really worth a try.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for watching!

[@dw5757]

Well done & Thanks.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. That is so kind. I appreciate the support.

[@new.Key.1941]

Well done, thank you for the info! ‘Solid state’ is a black box for me and this helped a lot.

[@MrBenherrmann]

It's become a "fun" favorite past time for me personally, when it comes to these cheaper Class D Chi-Fi amps, and depending on which Op-Amp you use, you can change the tonality personality of these compact class D amps to sound more like class AB models. Of course, the two mistakes that many novices make in the very beginning of their Op-Amp journeys are: 1. Ordering the wrong Op-Amp - meaning, researching the type of Op-Amp you are replacing (i.e. dual channel or single channel). I know, because when I first started Op-Amp rolling, I mistakenly ordered two single channel Burson 5 Op-Amps (4 years ago) when I should have ordered the dual channel versions! As a result, I inserted the single channel ones into a DAC and nothing worked. When I contacted Burson, and they realized that I had the wrong Op-Amp model, they wouldn't take it back due to my faux pax (especially since I already inserted it into a component). Bummer, so I learned very fast on this one. 2. Inserting the Op-Amp backwards. This is very simple since each Op-Amp has indicators or notches to signal which side goes where and as long as you line them up with the receptacle on the circuit board, all is well. Yet, many folks will do it backwards and the end result (for the most part) is frying the Op-Amp. Now there are some much more expensive discrete Op-Amp versions that now have protection built in so that if inserted in the wrong way, nothing will happen - other than no sound (until you plug it in correctly). In the end, after trying virtually a dozen discrete and IC-based versions, I've come to really enjoy using the Discrete Sparkos Labs SS3602 versions, and the IC-based MUSES02 models. Yes, you pay more for the real deal, and I've not liked the Chinese versions of things, based on their quality and reliability. Both suggested Op-Amps above would (in my opinion) add more linearity to the sound, provide more depth and dynamics, and widen the sound-staging. Now, I fully understand that there are those folks who will argue the point that measurements show no difference, but having been an audiophile since 1967, I've found measurements to be useful - yet they only serve as one indicator. There are many intangibles when it comes to sound - variables that aren't measureable, yet can be clearly heard. After all, how do you measure the terms "immersive, sound-staging, instrumental placement, and better yet...the linearity, timbre, and tonal balance of instruments?" OK I'm done - sorry for the lengthy reply here. Great work as always "Old Guy Hi-Fi!!!!"

[@BobbyTwoTimes]

It's about time! Nerd it up, brother!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

YEAH BABY!

[@Feliciano12v]

I enjoy these topics. No need to apologize. Thanks Ed!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Glad you like them!

[@ryanbmd7988]

Thanks Ed for indulging our op-amp thirst for knowledge, this is the most eloquent explanation and hope in time a follow up or two once the new vivid/classics arrive!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you. Give the pups a rub for me.

[@losendos8963]

Mind buh-loown. I've mentioned before, I'm currently without a system, and am a vinyl guy when I DO have a system. But when I pull the trigger and get back on the horse I'm sure I'll dabble in digital at some point. I'm Op Amp stupid. So even this info-filled video is a bit over my head. But when I'm ready to actually go DAC shopping I'll pull this one back up. The sweetheart from Gishelli Labs has done some Op Amp stuff and I appreciate that. (No offense, but she's cuter than you). All that being said, I continue to enjoy and appreciate your channel. While watching this, it dawned on me that you remind me a lot of Paul McGowan of PS Audio. Very laid back, seemingly very approachable guy. Both very knowledgable. That opinion won't cost you any extra. Have a good day, and thanks!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@jazzboy]

Sparkos op amps worked beautifully in my Fosi amps. Running a six channel active open baffle rig and with these op amps it has a smooth top end and very articulate bass.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sounds great!

[@kineahora8736]

Nice I’ve got Fosi & Sparkos, building my own DIY open baffles!

[@SuperMcgenius]

Years ago I built a beautiful amplifier. The input stage is made of twigs and leaves and a little bit of mud but It needed me to water it every few days and I found out too complicated so I just went back to my tube equipment😂

[@OldGuyHifi]

Lol. Thx. That made me smile.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Thanks

[@OldGuyHifi]

Greg, Thank you for your generosity. I do appreciate it.

[@JeffreyMann-qq6yj]

Thanks for this video. I just received a Geshelli J3 this week and have the 2590 duals in it already. This is paired with two ZA3 amps in dual mono set up with ss3602 in XLR and Output stage of both amps. It sounds amazing. My previous dac was fosi zd3. The 3602 seemed to perform better in the amps than in that dac. Swapping the die based type op amps made a huge difference on the zd3. The experimentation is nearly as fun as the listening.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Get my nerd on. Thanks for exposing the magic and sharing this with us all. Love your content. Swapped 3602 opamps in Fosi V3 stereo amp, but one channel seemed muffled, but had enough sonic challenges lately and am using another surround amp at the moment.😂😂

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks Simon.

[@brunohebert1351]

Wow that was quick, thank you. I just came to give a like and comment but will watch the video in detail later when I'm more available. Thank you very much.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@brunohebert1351]

@@OldGuyHifi Ok watched it. it was indeed a little dense. Thank you for your explanations (and the links in the description). The sheer amount of choice is what is bothering me.. I know choice is good but when you don't know the products, it's kinda which one should I get? what If I get the wrong one? etc etc.. but it's a little clearer now thanks to you. I don't have any product that can swap op-amps so I'll save this video for if/when I get one in the future

[@maxt.1726]

Gashelli Dayzee + Sparkos ss2590 Opamps + Fiio PL50 + SMSL PO100 + Cayin HA-6A + Hifiman Ẩrya Stealth = Absolutely Stunning. Thank you Ed!💪💪💪

[@OldGuyHifi]

Very nice! Thank you for your view and comment.

[@alexlopez-u3i]

Great video Ed. Love my 3602 s in my geshelli j2S

[@OldGuyHifi]

Right on!

[@DethFromAbove1985]

its the cartridge/stylus of the digital world. For the tweakers! There are cartrige swappers, Tube rollers and now op amp switchers.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Hi Ed, as you are getting into the nerdy weeds of opamp swapping & are fast becoming its biggest promoter I believe it's time you carried out double blind testing of your favorite types in a couple of different applications to back up your claims? Notes 1: an opamp may survive supply reversal but parameters such as noise or input bias current etc may be severely degraded. 2. Bipolar transistors, FETs & tubes are all current output devices with high (collector, drain, anode) & low (emitter, source, cathode) impedance output terminals. The major differences are the input characteristics & the input to output transfer characteristics. 3. Opamps always use high negative feedback & that's not a problem if you choose the opamp wisely & condition the input signal.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks for the info.

[@NormcoreGreg]

Great video Ed. I inderstood maybe 10% of it, but still learnt a ton.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you my friend.

[@jameskorthals4224]

Great information as always, love the tech.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@NeilBlanchard]

The Geshelli Dayzee uses 8 single op-amps, for sure. The stock units are OPA1655 (the single version of the OPA1656). Another op-amp that Geshelli uses in their headphone amps is the OPA1612. I use the dual mono DIP8 SS2590 units in my AkitikA PR-102 preamp - the stock units are OPA2134. They are a significant upgrade, for sure!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Good point. Thx Neil.

[@JohnScheppler]

This is a timely video for me, Ed, thanks. I'm waiting on muses02, opa627, 2134, sx52b, and opa828 to come in. However, in the meantime, I'm going to be playing with opa1656, opa1622, and oracle ii 02 op amps. Tube rolling to op-amp rolling down a different rabbit ⚫️ 🕳 hole I goooo

[@OldGuyHifi]

Let me know what you find out.

[@davidkitchell6042]

Great job!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much.

[@fakeklg]

🤓! Love it. Keep it up. That fly nerd flag loudly and proudly!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@scottbennett3119]

There is a lot of good info here! Thanks. I have tried a number of different op-amps in two amps and one DAC so far. In all cases I have gone back to the original op-amps. I went back to the 5532 in both amps, and back to the original JRC op-amp in the DAC. The reason is, in all cases except the Sparkos op-amp, the frequency response was altered negatively for my tastes. As for the Sparkos op-amp, it seemed to intensify the musical presentation too much for my taste, it seemed overly revved up, not relaxed. The device should simply come equipped with the best op-amp from the start. This trial and error method the user has to go through is a big money grab, and kind of a waste of time, IMO. Thanks

[@trevorbartram5473]

I believe the 5532 was used in the earliest BenchMark DACs & preamp & got great reviews. I'm a little surpised you heard differences between the opamps, were the swapped opamps unity gain stable? Did the swapped opamps require a feedback capacitor? That info is on the datasheet for the opamp.

[@OldGuyHifi]

At some level all of like to do some tweeking on out hifi. Just the solid state version of tube rolling.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I just plugged them in and listened. Thx.

[@trevorbartram5473]

Please let Scott answer my question. There are more things to it than simply swapping opamps. However a perusal of the original & alternative opamp's datasheet will ensure compatibility.

[@scottbennett3119]

@trevorbartram5473 the changes to the frequency response was quite obvious, like adjusting tone controls. It seems many op-amps are tuned to specific applications, IMO.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Good, chat about op amps, but can we talk about the importance of power supplies?😊

[@OldGuyHifi]

I did a video about power supplies.

[@onionknight9431]

I have the SX45Bs, which sound similar to the Burson V6 vivid, but with brighter mids and bigger soundstage.

[@JohnScheppler]

I'm ready to get my nerd 🤓 on! I've got my pocket protector and slide rule, so I'm ready, GO!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks John.

[@raybeaumier5320]

Wonder what happened to comparisons with the Stuccato discrete Op Amps they were highly hyped a few years ago. They were found to be superior to Sparkos and Bursons in the Kinki Studio EX M1+ Integrated Amp and Passion for sound preferred the Stuccato in the Burson Composer DAC.

[@OldGuyHifi]

🤷 Idk.

[@scottbennett3119]

Great info and discussion you are delivering here! I am wondering why the ESS needs to be stepped up twice? Could it be because it is the mobile version of the chip? Thank you

[@OldGuyHifi]

Exactly. Thx.

[@flyingsquad124]

Thanks for this very informative video Ed. Can you explain why I would use a single as opposed to a dual op- amp.

[@OldGuyHifi]

It all depends on the the circuit design. I should have done a better job of explaining that. I will do a follow up soon. Thx

[@michaelstanley5215]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the MUSES02, it's an extremely popular choice.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I don't have any.

[@michaelstanley5215]

@@OldGuyHifi You can get 3 MUSES02 for one SPARKOS and the difference is negligible.

[@AEFisch]

(computer nerd). You swap op amps and get different sounds but with this detail, is it possible to identify what is making the difference? (for future reviews). FYI, hot to the touch is normally within almost any circuits operating range. When you burn your finger, start to worry. (inexpensive IR temp reader?)

[@SuperMcgenius]

Any audio file channel will always upset somebody😂

[@OldGuyHifi]

True. Thx.

[@AEFisch]

Thanks!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much for your support. I do appreciate it.

[@FunFiEmpire]

Thank you for the detailed information. You are a national treasure. But in case that inflates your ego too much should I temper that with a "NNNNERRRRRD!" (but with love).

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you.

[@kshorter01]

Have you ever tried the LHY AUDIO SDOP-2 Discrete Double OPA Class A DIP8? Very much worth a listen.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have not. Thank you for the suggestion and your view.

[@kineahora8736]

All I know is you want a fast slew rate, high open-loop gain, and low-voltage offset🤣

[@Sabahman]

Is it possible to use a combination of different op amps in the same unit? Would the sound be a blend of their characteristics?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Maybe. I have never done it and it would make the 2 channels very different. I don't think that many op-amps circuits are set setup in a parallel way. I am not going to gamble by trying. Be careful if you do. Thx.

[@kenlyon8285]

Hi Ed, The Gishelli J3 is said to have refined or improved its clocking and supply regulation over the J2s. Did you find any perceptabe sonic or musical benefit or change in presentation over your J2s at all, no matter how minute?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Geno upgraded the internal power supply to handle the demands of those larger Op-amps. As I mentioned in the the video I thought the my J2Sheated up because of the larger op-amp. I know he put a relay on the USB circuit to disable it when no signal is present. He never mentioned anything about an upgraded clock. Yes, I heard differences. Mostly in imaging, sound stage and clarity of all frequencies. Thanks for a great question.

[@kenlyon8285]

@OldGuyHifi oh my..just as I feared. Recent upgrades downstream have me looking at the source again & can't justify the bulk or $ of the Dayzee fitted w/ 2590's. My problem w/ upgrade paths is that they must be followed 😉thanks! Best regards k. (another old guy)

[@otherwillsmith]

Great video! Does anyone here know of a simple dip-8 swappable op-amp based line stage? I would love to have a simple line stage like my Musical Fidelity X-10 tube buffer, but for swappable op-amps, so that I can get an idea of the effect they’re really having on my audio. Or is my understanding flawed and this wouldn’t really work? Thanks for the great work Ed!

[@blueninjasix]

I've got two Sparkos SS3601 (singles) in my Accuphase Clone Pre Amp and they are excellent. I got them as I couldn't be sure if the op amps that came with the unit were genuine JRC. For my Fosi ZD3, I used the SX52B in the single ended channel and again I'm really enjoying it. Do you know anything about the sligtly more expensive (but still cheap) SX45B ?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have not. I was thinking of grabbing a couple. If I do I may do another video. Thx.

[@scottbennett3119]

Hi, again, sorry to keep asking questions. But I've got a AO7 Max. I already tried the LM4562 and didn't like them. Would you think the 2134 is a good choice over the stock 5532s? I would appreciate your thoughts on the 2134 in the AO7 Max? Enjoying your reviews! Thanks

[@OldGuyHifi]

I had some 2134s in my Aiyima A07 and that was very nice. They lived there for over a year. If you decide to try them let me know what you think.

[@scottbennett3119]

@OldGuyHifi Wil do. Thanks for getting back..

[@TheBababa420]

Just a tid-bit, Burr Brown is a Texas Instruments company.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Yes. I know. They are labeled Burr-Brown so I will refer to them that way.

[@toddt5562]

Complex Audio Man? 😂

[@OldGuyHifi]

Confused Audio Man?

[@topandrun126]

Just curious upgrading the op-amp better than using a EQ? I have a XD05 Pro planing to upgrade the op-amp not sure if it will make a big difference over the EQ, software.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Op-amps are not tone controls. They can change the fundamental characteristics of an amp's sound for example: by opening up the sound stage or smoothing out the mids or highs. It is subtle unlike an EQ. Dies that make sense?

[@danielgeiger7739]

Heard lots of talk about "op-amps" but unfortunately, I am not much wiser after your video. 1) Definition of an op-amp, obviously an abbreviation of operational amplifier; had to google-wikipedia it. 2) How do I know that my device has swappable op-amps? Does every hifi component have them, only some, which? 3) Are there different types and limits on compatibility, like different tubes, or is there just this one 8-pin design? 3) If you show circuit design, either explain, or omit. Flashing diagrams are useless, sorry. 4) Negative feedback, heard that a lot of time, no clue what that does. Possibly walk us through a diagram. I guess people in the know knew everything you said already, those who are new to them are just about as confused as before.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sorry it wasn't to your liking. Maybe you can find a video that answers your questions. Thx for tuning in.

[@BostonMike68]

Hey Ed , I have seen 8802 on Alli Express and they are class a and they look like the sparkos op amps for $45 . I was wondering if you have heard of them?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I haven't yet. I may but done to try. Thx.

[@kineahora8736]

Yeah, I went with the sparkos because they weren’t that much more than the 8802 same with SX 45B

[@Churchill.T]

What’s the difference with a single opamp to a dual opamp? Are they interchangeable?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I screwed up by not being clear on the difference. Dual op-amps are what I was discussing. They put out twice the voltage of a single op-amp. They will work but at a reduced volume. I hope that helps. Sorry. Thx.

[@flynow5614]

Whats a slide ruler? I guessing it's an abacus.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Tally sticks.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

It is something I avoid as much as possible.........it even infected high-end audio.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thx for the view and comment.

[@danielkowalski7527]

How rude !! Hey people dont express yourself as you want ! Express yourself like some1 else want !!

[@OldGuyHifi]

Ok.

[@dennis3779]

It is artificial cheap crap. Use tubes instead for Hi Fi.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Now, now. Let's keep it upbeat. Shhh, I like tubes too.