Swapping out stock op-amps

Started by billbax, February 08, 2020, 02:18:06 AM

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billbax

Hi All,

This topic might be of some interest to v-guitar forum members.

Back in 2003 I published a 500 hour study on the benefits with swapping out Roland's VS-1880 stock audio op-amps. Despite the article's age and naivety (I could do much better today), the VS-1880 op-amp upgrade still shows a clear path for anyone wishing to improve their I/O audio specification. Since 2003 many new impressive audio op-amps have become available, perhaps it's time we all took a closer look into our favorite audio devices.   

Btw, the article was submitted to Sound-on-Sound magazine and was enthusiastically received. SoS editorial team suggested a cutdown version with SoS readers' in mind. Sadly I didn't follow through, even though my foot was well in the door:(

Topics covered in the 42-page article:

PDF PART ONE: Minimum tools required, DIL NE5532 op-amp removal, socket and op-amp track pad cleaning, soldering a DIL socket, & continuity tests etc.
http://separate-strings.co.uk/VS%20MOD%20PART%201.pdf

PDF PART TWO: Removing a SMD op-amp, op-amp track pad cleaning, soldering a SMD op-amp & continuity tests. PART THREE: Input-gain vs Total-harmonic-distortion, op-amp comparison table, DBX Vacuum Tube preamp op-amp upgrade, The perils of an internal power supply, op-amps review, choice op-amps for VS-1880, going head to head with OPA2134 and AD8066, op-amp THD test results table & Roland VS-1880 op-amp conclusions.
http://separate-strings.co.uk/VS1880%20MOD%20PART%202+3.pdf

PDF PART 4: Making your own DIY AD8066 & AD825 custom pcb, module schematic, pcb overlays and soldering, pcb artwork, module parts list, links and audio test software used.
http://separate-strings.co.uk/VS1880%20MOD%20PART%204.pdf

The final part of the VS-1880 review was a collection of 16-bit .wav files, showing a surprising audible difference between each op-amp under test. Links to the .wav files provided at a later stage.

Thanks for viewing,

Bill
www.separate-strings.co.uk

Article preview.

jim-analog



Greetings,

Thanks much for the info! Much appreciate all the effort.

Regards, Jim

billbax

Thanks Jim,

The 2003 op-amp replacement guide is out of date, and several of the surface-mount op-amp soldering techniques are questionable.  Nevertheless, the study was an ear-opener for me, and proved op-amp swapping really does make a difference.

Btw, writing guides and articles is a great way of getting yourself into a music gear magazine.  Magazines are always looking out for new topics, and if your article goes to print, you get kudos, cred...the lot!

My next op-amp victim swap will be the budget Behringer UMC1820 daw interface. OPA1612 op-amp looks like a superior replacement.
https://www.ti.com/product/OPA1612

Behringer's JRC4580 movin' out mun...best Jamaican accent please ;D