Sparkos op amp review. In this review, the Gemini is tested with a multitude of headphones and compared to several other headphone amplifiers. The following are some excerpts from the thread Aug 3, 2019 · I don’t regret doing it with Sparkos, but I am not qualified either objectively or subjectively to offer any opinion after going deeper into this. Jun 27, 2023 · It's safe to say the Sparkos op amps measure better than regular op amps, but i wonder how much of that can be measured at the other side of the power amp chip. Mar 13, 2018 · Running an op-amp outside of spec can make for worse sounding output. SparkoS Labs developed two types of discrete op-amps, DIP-8 op-amps coming in single or dual flavors and they also made a complete no-compromise all discrete op-amp, the one to rule them all. As promised, here I am back with my listening impression of the SS3602 in my Burmester preamp. Wide stage, good across the range. The test equipment was a Lovely Black Cube headphone amp and a AK4399 DAC paired with Pioneer SE-A1000/Sennheiser HD 800 headphones and B&W 683 S2 speakers with Yamaha Dec 30, 2020 · One have to consider the whole circuit , worst case even a good op amp makes the total performance worse and even audible Maybe the X8 is designed to cater for the op amp rolling crowd . The SS2590 discrete op amp is designed to be the ultimate op amp for use in studio and pro audio applications. “Overall, the Sparkos op amps are smooth, refined, and made the Pass Labs amps sound beefier and more balanced tonally from top to bottom. Our SS2590 discrete op amps have their own local feedback to set their gain as all op amp circuits require, but the tube portion and the amplifier as a whole do not have any global negative feedback. I compared them to the DEXA opamps. We also have socket pins for this device as well as adapters for both single and dual DIP8 applications. Built in the USA, the SS3602 discrete stereo op amp from Sparkos Labs is the ideal upgrade for the amplifier stages of a wide range of audio equipment. Die OP Amps von Sparkos werden von namhaften High End Audio Herstellern verbaut, in der Audio DIY Community eingesetzt oder für Upgrades von bestehenden Audio Komponenten eingesetzt. 6Vrms) to come to full power. The 2590 has a great bass response, it’s clear and punchy (vs. No sibilance. @LeeRoy Would you send your opamps with or without amp to someone for measurement? For example this guy in France: New Discrete Op amps arrived! The Sparkos Labs SS3602! All I can say my dear fellas, is screw all of the op amps from TI, Muses, ADI etc. k. Jan 5, 2017 · To say that I am impressed by the improvements made to the Forte Mod 2 pre-amp by simply changing the line stage op-amps over to Sparkos Discrete Op-Amps would be an understatement. Nov 26, 2023 · Late summer 2023, I upgraded a Geshelli J2 AKM 4493 to J2S AKM 4499EX, and then upgraded the Sparkos SS3602 op amps to the massive SS2590s, which requires minor trickery for what could be an endgame J2S setup, and indeed it delivers (see J2S with Sparkos SS2590s). Besonders auch die kleine Bauweise mit exzellenten Audio Eigenschaften des Sparkos SS3602 ermöglichen in vielen verschiedenen Audio Anwendungen beeindruckende . So, I hit them up. The sound is deeper, more authoritative, richer, warmer and yet still more detailed with more spacial information. Well the key lies in using a discrete op amp instead of another run of the mill IC. The Aries Headphone Amplifier and Preamp. The SS2590 Pro Discrete Audio Op Amp represents everything we ever wanted in an op amp, but were unable to achieve in the SS3601/SS3602's smaller package size. Each kit contains (X2) BA312-M replacement modules fitted with our SS3601 Discrete Op Amps as well as (X4) Nichicon UKA/UKT capacitors and low noise Vishay carbon film resistors. Oct 27, 2020 · SparkoS Labs’ discrete op-amps have become popular in the audio community, with folks often using them to replace the standard op-amps (from Texas Instruments et al) in their headphone amplifiers. Many op-amps (also known as dual op-amps) include two op-amps in a single chip, one for amplifying each stereo channel: left and right. It is these reports that inspired me to take a chance and experiment. I do own/have owned discrete (ish) devices (R2R dacs, Sapphire discrete amp etc) and loved the analog sound out. In this review, Wayne Robertson goes all out and upgrades all of the op amps and voltage regulators in the Mini-Max with Sparkos Labs Discretes. The explainer video above illustrates the process and explains why discrete op amps are the best op amp for amplifying audio signals. Ah, that is until I got the V3 and moved the Sparkos Op Amps to the V3. Head Fi member Wiljen said - For purposes of these tests, I started out with a Burson Swing and Fun DAC and amplifier. Fosi Audio BT20A PRO upgraded with SS3602. Oct 25, 2022 · SparkoS Labs were making discrete voltage regulators, discrete op-amps for home gear (360x series), a discrete op-amp for pro gear (2590 series), and kits to upgrade Marantz and Sansui receivers and integrated amplifiers that used the BA312 integrated circuits. Frankly, this product has some points in favor but some against it. Alps Blue Velvet volume control. To begin, I'm a big fan of Sparkos SS3602. 75Vrms levels. Nov 28, 2023 · On the other side, those who've upgraded from integrated op amps (regardless of device) to anything Sparkos report audible improvements. Mar 25, 2017 · Sparko’s Labs has created a family of discrete op amps in an 8 pin DIP compatible package optimized for high performance audio applications. I took out the 49720 op amps out of the H20, and put in the SS3602s. So in my search in finding different ways to create a certain sound and to have options in my studio for my 500 series rack I discovered Sparkos Labs Inc. All of this translates into a more detailed and engaging listening experience with better imaging and soundstaging than IC op amps can deliver. REVIEWERS WANTED !! SS3602 Discrete Op Amp Review. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $2,090. The Sparkos Labs SS3602 Discrete Op amps are, put simply, just amazing. Initial impression is very satisfactory, the background is dead quiet. The SS3602 is really a no-brainer in every aspect while the DEXAs turned out to be more of a mixed bag, at least when trying to fit them in an electrically demanding environment such as my balanced preamp. The high bias currents responsible for the high current noise will cause issues in many circuits with offsets too - pretty much every stage needs ac-coupling with that sort of bias. This device comes in a PRO 6 pin package. And of those, users who've upgraded from SS3602 to SS2590 insist the difference between those is not trivial. Wishlist item for V3 successors? Discrete Op Amp Review - Mono & Stereo Magazine This was one of our first professional reviews from back in 2014. DAC and he suggested Sparkos. Discrete op-amps are an easy and affordable way to upgrade or customize your stereo or desktop system. Extended highs, removal of grain, more smoothness and (especially) inner detail are definitely on the table. After all it’s a market and someone decided to provide a product for this. Unlike the IC amplification chips often used, the Sparkos SS3602 delivers a much more realistic and detailed sound. Mar 28, 2020 · Now, this is where it gets super interesting. This was before we were using gold plated circuit boards, and back when we were using square pins on the discrete op amps that had trouble fitting into many DIP sockets. Presentation : All of SparkoS Labs OPAs are bases on Lin 3 Stage topology consisting of an input stage differential pair, a gain stage (VAS) and an output stage, all biased in Class A with two pole compensation. Nov 11, 2023 · AMP: Cayin HA-3A, Sparkos Labs Gemini, Gustard H26, Hifiman Prelude HP: Denon AH-D9200, E-MU Teak, Klipsch HP-3, Dan Clark AEON 2 Closed, Meze Liric, Kennerton Rögnir, Hifiman HE6SEv2, Kennerton Rögnir Dynamic, Fostex TH-909, Audeze LCD-XC 2021, ZMF Caldera, Dan Clark E3, Denon AH-D7200 Sep 2, 2021 · An op-amp is typically an IC (integrated circuit – the equivalent of many transistors, resistors, and capacitors in a single tiny chip) that amplifies signals. Does anyone know if they could use the same OP amps? If I decide to get the Max in the future, it would be nice if it were as easy as taking them out of my A07's and dropping them in the Max. Our newest product that combines vacuum tube sonics with our SS2590 discrete op amps. Recently, Burson asked if I would like to audition a set of V7s (full disclosure). And of course we are here to answer all of your questions and walk you through the process together if you like. I first upgraded the stock op amps in my Eastern Electric MiniMax Tube DAC Supreme with the SS3601 and SS3602 Discrete Op Amps and found it to be a major improvement, just as had been exquisitely As one would expect, the SparkoS Labs Aries Headphone Amplifier is assembled with a judicious and healthy smattering of SparkoS Labs discrete Op-Amps and Voltage Regulators. A few of the other op-amps seem to have a higher bass amplitude/volume, so keep that in mind. Cons: Size (it is what it is) Price (again it is what it is) Background. I’ve been listing to the A07 and the Sparkos since. Oct 11, 2019 · Where space is less of a concern, the discrete op-amps take that next step up in performance where the ICs leave off and give the end user a chance to really custom tune their devices. A big difference! Jan 5, 2017 · It took me about a year to "get around" to actually getting the part numbers off of the existing op-amps (LT1028) and asking Sparkos which of their discrete op-amps would be the proper substitute for the op-amps in the Forte Mod 2. Mar 26, 2017 · I´ve now evaluated the following dual discrete OpAmps: Burson V6, SparkoS SS3602, NewClassD Ultimate Performance and Orange. As soon as I knew the Sparkos Labs discrete op amps were on the way I had to come up with an evaluation platform. These devices are drop in replacements for many common, yet inferior audio op amps and are uniquely compensated for trouble-free swap out into virtually any circuit. Dec 20, 2023 · I wanted to share my experience with the Burson V7 Classic op-amps, as I feel you might be interested based on your post. Jun 3, 2020 · The SS2590 is likely the best op-amp in my entire collection, unless you solely want bass output. Oct 8, 2019 · Staccato Discrete Op-amps with comparisons to Ne5532/5534, Muses02, Burson v6 Classic, Burson v6 Vivid, and SparkOS op amps Feb 13, 2016 · This is a review and detailed measurements of the VTV Purifi class-D amplifier with the optional Weiss OP2-BA Op-amp (buffer/input gain stage). This was the very first professional review of the discrete op amps, performed by Mike Cox of TnT audio back in 2014 on a Maverick Audio DAC. Evaluation Platform. Discrete op amps also permit the use of high quality compensation capacitors, and allow for two pole compensation schemes which are impossible to implement in IC designs. a ‘Sparko’ is a veteran electronics whiz, and his passion for all things electronics and creating objectively superior equipment is Apr 22, 2024 · The Gemini hybrid headphone amplifier is designed around a tube-based input stage and an op-amp-based output stage. In Objective2 gain-stage I prefer the SS V5, with the hybrid V5i or with SS V6 there's a hiss noise when moving the volume knob and also the thump noise when switching the gain is higher. Upgrade/Mod with Sparkos Labs SS3602 Dual Op amps: You would be inclined to think, given an excellent stock op amp like 49720, how could one possibly do better than the H20 stock sound. These devices are intended for use in professional recording studios, Mic Amplifiers, Lunch Boxes, EQ's, and consoles. Jun 30, 2016 · A few days ago, I did a comparison for JRC NE5534, Burson V6 Vivid Classic and a Sparko SS3602 installed in a Burson Fun headphone amp, every A/B-test were done with a DIY stereo switch for instantly swapping between the simultaneously powered amps and compairing with my own DIY assembled LBC amp with a V6 Vivid and Sparko discrete voltage regulators SS7815 and SS1117-15, that will replace the Upgrade your music experience with SparkoS Labs SS3602, MUSES02, OPA2604AP, OPA2134PA - high-quality amplifier chips for BT20A PRO and V3. I hope someone lends his Modules to someone with measurement equipment. Not every op-amp is going to work for every device or user. Enter the Sparkos labs SS3602 discrete op amp modules . Jul 16, 2023 · Hello, I was looking at the Sparkos SS3602 for my pair of Aiyima A07's, but was also curious about the A07 Max. Not only is tube rolling possible, but explicitly encouraged by Sparkos Labs. Nov 10, 2013 · Height of the Sparkos may be less of an issue with other devices like external amps but make sure there's enough surrounding space to fit their wider size. Sparkos Labs Product Reviews What the world thinks about us. From a quick bit of research it seemed that a discrete op amp replacement was generally accepted as a better improvement than any of the latest IC op amps available. Whoever started this channel it's a complete scam and a racket that you got people hanging on measurements instead of listening to the item. I finally received the discrete op amps yesterday and installed them in my Marchand Crossover (XM44 3-way)…WOW! I must say that the improvement offered over the standard OPA2134 is not trivial. This gave me a chance to compare the two in the same platform. With the 2015 HDtracks Sampler, first track cue is Sonata for 2 Violins in G Major, Op. Feb 13, 2016 · That unit came with the Sonic Imagery's 990ENH discrete operational amplifier ("opamp") in the buffer stage (pre-amplifier). It’s priced at $79 apiece. Jun 20, 2023 · I returned a $3,000 Peachtree GaN 400 and bought an A07, the Sparkos Op Amp, and bigger power supply for round $300 to tide me over until I found a new amp for my main listening system. SparkoS Labs Technology. Mar 25, 2017 · Pros: Beautiful analog sound. Sound-wise, at the time I noted the Sparkos SS3602 greatly increased soundstage width with more treble presence and more impactful bass (though looser bass compared to the Burson V5i). Installation instructions are provided in the kit and can also be downloaded in PDF format using the links above. So, I buy a pair of their single discrete op-amps and WOW. It utilizes our Pro discrete op amps for the main audio path, our DIP8 discrete op amps for managing line level inputs and outputs, and our discrete voltage regulators in the power supply. Dec 28, 2018 · You guys are a bunch of idiots that you sit here and follow measurements to make your decisions on item the sparkos op amps sound absolutely amazing I don't care what your measurements say. Dec 15, 2023 · As such, I wanted to upgrade to the top-tier SS2590 given all the glowing reviews on that op amp, but being greedy, I wanted SS2590s on all outputs. Andrew a. Aug 18, 2016 · Sparko’s Labs SS3602 Dual Discrete Op Amp review Today I roll the LME49720ha metal cans with Sparko’s Labs SS3602 on my headphone amp. Furthermore, In this article, I’m checking out the Sparkos SS3602 Dual Discrete Op-Amp. To make this work, I plugged one DIP8 socket adapter into the op amp socket closest to the XLR jacks in order for that SS2590 to clear the small electrolytic caps adjacent to that socket (pic 2). First, the folks at Sparko Labs are very cool and very patient in answering even the most silly or elementary questions I had. Sep 29, 2023 · Sparkos SS3602 Dual Discrete Op-Amp Review. I was able to test the following BURSON op-amps: SS V5, V5i, SS V6 Classic, SS V6 Vivid. Research the insightful reviews from the Head-Fi community on the SS360X discrete op-amps in Creative Soundblaster X7, Burson Fun and Swing DACs. 3, The Sparkos Labs SS2590 Discrete Op Amp Reviewed in DIYRE CP5 Mic Pre and EQP5 Equalizer. The main audio path consists of two pairs of SparkoS Labs SS2590 discrete op-amps with a 64 step (1dB per step) relay-switched stepped-attenuator in-between them. Dec 2, 2019 · SparkoS Labs have created a following for themselves in Audio circles in recent years as purveyors of discrete audio/electrical components – in particular, their op-amps, and voltage regulators. boomy). Dec 8, 2021 · Careful here - The position of the volume control is NO indication of power being used, as a reduced input level will mean the control is wound round further (used to be two o'clock for normal levels in UK Jurassic times, but now it's all or nothing at nine o'clock for many modern amps and especially since the 'digital standard' of 2V for non balanced sources). The xlr input and the trigger are two great additional features, as is the nice and efficient enclosure, however the mono is not true mono, and the 13 db of sinad lost is a bit disappointing, especially given a boost certainly not exceptional in power. It is noted that repeatedly referencing the testing done by ASR on a different Sparkos op-amp makes no sense in this context as neither Sparkos or Fosi recommend that op-amp. Mono & Stereo Magazine gave us a shot and reviewed our Discrete Op Amps in a variety of gear and compared them to a plethora of IC op amps as well as other discretes. This limits the amount of current that IC op amps can use for biasing. Feb 10, 2024 · Thanks Amir, I was just wondering why the review was taking so long. Sparkos Labs SS3602 Dual Discrete Operational Amplifier. Apr 21, 2019 · SparkOS Discrete Op-amps SS3601 and SS3602 with comparisons to Ne5532/5534, Muses02, Burson v6 Classic, and Burson v6 Vivid op amps. I just reviewed the same amp but with SIL 994EnH-Ticha Pro buffer so you can compare them. All of our discrete op amps and voltage regulators have come together to form our first piece of actual audio gear. And that is what I think these are best used for. Currently, my setup consists of a ZA3 (Stereo) paired with the Burson V7 Classic. Sound notes are written in reference to replacing all the Ne5532 and 5534 op-amps in both devices with the appropriate Sparkos Labs SS360x op-amp in thier place. Dec 11, 2019 · This amp's excellent THD+N specs are only possible at high +22dBu or 21 Vpp or 7. Remember, just because an op-amp sounds different does not mean it is an improvement and from a circuitry perspective it may well be a distinct downgrade. The owner then ordered a set of Sparkos Pro SS2590 discrete opamps. Andrew Sparkos himself answered my e-mail and suggested the SS3601 for all 4 op-amps (2 line stage and 2 phono stage). I had spent a fair amount of time rolling op-amps in the walnut f1 looking at what various op-amps might have to offer. On the back of this interest in his op-amps, Andrew Sparks has produced his first mainstream commercial product: the SparkoS Labs Aries headphone Aug 20, 2023 · So I was wondering if replacing the op-amps could somehow improve soundstage (in case it needs to be improved) or other aspects or if this op-amp rolling thing is just snake oil marketing No way I'm going to spend €80 or €170 for a pair of MUSES02 or Sparkos op-amps I was thinking more about something like OPA2134, OPA2604 or AD712 Apr 25, 2019 · This also goes a long way to explain why it is that SparkOS labs advertises the SS360x as a nearly universal swap as its internal compensation negates the need for slew rate, voltage, and gain matching between old and new op-amps as is often required if dealing with non-compensated designs (nearly all IC op-amps are non-compensated designs). The frequency spectrum seemed quite well balanced top to bottom, and I detected no holes or hot spots. I needed a device known to be good, using op amps in sockets and easily obtainable. Whether you're a seasoned tube aficionado, or just beginning your journey into the world of high-fidelity vacuum tube sound, the Gemini is the ultimate tube headphone amplifier platform for exploring, experiencing, and customizing your very own vacuum tube-based audio experience. While these levels are ideal for low gain amplifiers, such as the Purifi amps, most high amps require a maximum of 2Vrms (and often lower at 1. Nov 21, 2019 · Not great current noise alas, probably unsuitable for MM phono amps as a result, but look decent performers otherwise. Sep 12, 2020 · I was asking him about what op-amps he would recommend for his MiniMax Jr. I haven't had the opportunity to test v7 classic in my ZA3 mono setup, so I can't comment on that Head-Fi member Canthearyou posted about upgrading the op amps and regulators in his Matrix M-stage Headphone Amp with Sparkos Labs discrete op amps and voltage regulators. xuehrkyvrdaoiuqphumkmrjtbbkbxcratvbswmuxmkxhp