Will changing the Op Amp on my sound card effect the line out quality

EllisDJ · 11 Sep 2011 at 21:02

Question

will changing the op amp on my Auzentech Forte to a better one effect the quality of the soud coming out the line / front outputs.

I am currently running to a Graham Slee Headhone amp and want to get the best sound for it and me possible

Thanks

EllisDJ · 13 Sep 2011 at 15:17

bump ?? - anyone know

AlfBaxter · 13 Sep 2011 at 15:37

It can make a big difference, yes. There are loads of threads on op-amp rolling over at Head-Fi. I don't know what the stock op-amps are on that card, but I got a much smoother and more refined sound on my Prelude when I swapped out the stock LM4562 for an OPA637AU. Check out Head-Fi for recommendations for your card.

EllisDJ · 13 Sep 2011 at 17:24

Thanks for the response - been looking at a few of the options

Just didnt want to waste any money if it only affected the headphone out.

I find the stock op amp through chird ichord to Graham slee - very smooth, but detailed.
I am expecting a better opamp to open things up even more !! all thanks to foobar and wasapi !!

EllisDJ · 26 Sep 2011 at 21:29

If anyone is interested

The Auzentech fotre comes with LME 49720 NA as stock.

I have just purchased 2 new op amps, only tested them for a few minutes but the improvement is clearly apprent in both.

The LME 47920 HA (best version of this op amp) - very similar sound to the stock but much cleaner therefore detail is easier to hear, bass slightly tighter, more controlled so far - still need to run in.

LME 49990 (double on single socket) - far far cleaner, ultra detailed and seperated open sound, much leaner bass but very controlled - can turn this one up more as a result

As I say both a better !

AlfBaxter · 27 Sep 2011 at 01:57

I have the 49720HA in my headamp, it is crystal clear but can get a bit fatiguing at high volumes. It's about the best I've heard for clarity and bass though. You should check out Head-fi, there are threads about opamp rolling and soundcard, and plenty of suggestions. I think changing opamps is one of the best bang-for-your-buck ways of improving your sound.