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Audigy 2 ZS soundcard mod

unohu69 said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=350123605976&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=022 anyone have any ideas whether this would work on a sound card ? or would it even be worth it ?
Click to expand...

I have used a dual chip converter before, but most sound cards have surface mounted SOIC chips, so this one would not work unless the sound card uses DIP packages. They do have dual single opamp to dual opamp converters for the SOIC package. I have used them in the past with fine results. EX: I have used 2 single OPA627 SOIC opamps to replace the dual chip DIP LM4562AN in some electronics. You can do a google search for "browndog adapters" those are the ones I have used.
 
unohu69 said:
http://www.hificollective.co.uk/components/bursonaudioopamps.html How about these ? looks really interesting. what about the sound compared to the lm4562 ?
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No comparison to a LM4562. The bursons are great, I have one running a headphone amp. Although they are big and require a fairly strong power supply it seems. In your case I would look into an OPA627/637. They are quite nice to my ears and are a little less expensive than the Bursons, also space will be less of an issue, you do however need two 627's and an adapter to replace a dual opamp like the LM4562. For the price range of around 5 bucks, the LM4562 is hard to beat IMHO. :music:
 
Well like I said, I already have 2 LM's on the way, and I have ordered a bunch of caps Some Nichicon, and some Panasonic's. Figured Id just give it a try. THe LM's only cost like $8 US for 2 so i'm not complaining. The Bursons on the other hand are like $60+.:thumbsdn:
SO they look nice but, I'll skip em for now.

Oh yeah I was wondering the same as d-roby ^.

Am I to understand I can replace the opamp for my line in also ? Sometimes I run my guitar thru my pc to utilize amp sim programs, and recording. will this really make my line/mic sound better also ?:D
 
You can swap out all the opamps for better sound, you just have to figure out which are which. I may swap out my line in opamp myself on my M-Audio 24/96. I already changed the line out with the LM4562 and new caps, it was an improvement and was a cheap upgrade. The only problem is getting the old SOIC chip out, it's fairly tricky, but with some desoldering wick, magnifying glass and patience, it's not too bad.
 
I know I'v been practicing on an old pc board, but there isnt much on it that I want to keep, And I'v determined I need a better soldering iron. I only have a cheapy radio shack 30w right now but im looking at getting something better. Do you have any suggestions on what I should get that isnt gonna cost me a whole lot. This is just a new hobby after all... :) hahah
 
I have a Weller iron and it's been fine after many years, but a variable heat iron is what I would look into if you got the budget. And yes practice before you work on your good card, nothing worst that destoying the device you are working on, I speak from experience. :stupid:
 
d-roby said:
Very interestinng topic..thanks!
A question.. if i want to replace line in op-amp (i want to record from analogue source), which one do i have to replace? the one labeled "in" in the pic, or this one is only for mic input?
Thanks
Roberto
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There is no opamp for the line in input, it is already a line level signal and needs no pre-amp. The opamp labeled "in" is the pre-amp for the mic input.
 
Ok new question, I have a 2.1 amplified sub system with this:

http://www.datasheet4u.com/html/U/T/C/UTC4558_ETC.pdf.html

as the amplifier chip ? I believe. will a lm45562 replace this with better results. is there any other suggestions, I figured I could start with the caps also, should I start at the beginning of the signal path and work towards the speaker outs ?

:scratch2:
21amp001.jpg
 
You can start with the electrolytic caps and maybe that 4558. Not sure what that opamp does, probably a preamp of some sort. Although that chip is a DIP package, not a SOIC as on your sound card. Even if you do not hear an improvement in sound with these mods, the experience will be good for future mods, which are fun to do regardless. :)
 
hmmmm

Ive been using sound blaster since dirt
original soundblaster
soundblaster 16
AWE 32
AWE 64
creative ensonic 128
soundblaster 512
aoundblaster live
soundblaster live 5.1
Audigy 2 zs
originaly just for sound cards, but after my first AWE, using for midi.
unless you invest in an expensive E-mu or roland type system, you really cant beat the E-mu 8k or 10k fot midi play back on average PC
back with the 512 started connecting them to some pro audio equipment and that is when I realised how bad the op amps were.
I purchased the audigy 2 hoping they were better.
Not doing much midi sequencing, but edit a lot using the old Midi soft studio4.
mostly for reinforcement when practicing drums.
Being of meager funds cant afford the nice stuff.
I was fortunate enough to buy, on ebay, a EgoSys wami rack 24 for about 30.00.
used the audigy's digital out into the wamirack's spdif in and wow what a difference.
use the midi functions of the E-mu 10k and the op amps of the wamirack.
some people thought the midi play backs were live recordings he he.
also were able to to get the wamirack's multiple outs to work using Matrix Mixer.
However with two sound cards and other cards, was just taking up too much room. not at all mobile.
I started tinkering with some usb stuff to use with the audigy.
first I found a cheap M-audio Quttro that needed repair to the usb port.
10 bucks.
also found a sound blaster live 24 external, but at the time didnt try.
The Quattro was ok but no where as well as the wamirack.
lately ive started toying with some video cards and found out fast more room was needed for cooling, and wanted to start using micro atx boards to down size.
for the hell of it removed both cards and hooked up the live external.
connected thru a small mixer to hook up three other amps(2 pro audio and 1 standard hi fi). to see what happens.
well I dont know what op amps are used but the midi play back is as good as the Audigy and it put the M-audio Quttro to shame.
I was thinking of hacking the Audigy, but Ill stick with the usb live 24 for know.
using a edited version of Plite sound font with edited additions is about 38meg.
changed the guitars, added drums and some changes to the keyboard sections.
all around decent sounding font.
 
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unohu69 said:
Ok new question, I have a 2.1 amplified sub system with this:

http://www.datasheet4u.com/html/U/T/C/UTC4558_ETC.pdf.html

as the amplifier chip ? I believe. will a lm45562 replace this with better results. is there any other suggestions, I figured I could start with the caps also, should I start at the beginning of the signal path and work towards the speaker outs ?
Click to expand...

I believe the LM4562 would be a drop in replacement for that opamp, just make sure you get the DIP version.

Tripqzon said:
How about Burr Brown OPA2134 op amps?
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Looking at the datasheet those look like a very nice alternative to LM4562. I think I remember reading that the LM's have a more clean "perfect" sound whereas the bur browns have a warmer more musical sound.
 
sorry for burying out this old thread,but i need the diagram uploaded by Bk201 which is no more available on imgshack.
Has someone this diagram 4 me ?

Thanks
olli
 
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