I/V op amp vs buffer op amp

[belgianbrain]

I'm curious for opinions as to how using different opamps in different locations affects sound.

I've always used the same opamps throughout.

My system is what I would describe as hyper-revealing, because that's the direction I've always leaned in. Bad recordings sound bad, and for the most part I'm fine with that because good recordings sound sooooooo good.

I have two similar DACS (GDA-600; GDA-700). One has OPA627, which seems a bit dark and laid back, and one has OPA827, which is more detailed and revealing.

Overall I prefer the 827 sound, but it can sometimes sound a bit harsh. How to tame it without sacrificing too much detail and clarity? Would swapping the buffer op amps for something smoother do this?

 

[belgianbrain]

After a couple hours of tinkering, I answered my own question.

OPA627 as I/V and OPA827 as buffer just sounded like OPA627 - dark and warm.

OPA827 as I/V and OPA627 as buffer was perfect. I got the detail of the 827 with most of the harshness removed and a little added warmth. SWEEEET.

 

[bigx5murf]

Suggested reading

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/08/op-amps-myths-facts.html

 

[belgianbrain]

Oh, I've read that and many articles like it.

I understand the theory. Reality is, I can hear significant differences between most opamps. Maybe they're optimally configured, maybe they're not. But the differences are significant and real.

I think nwavguy is a pure objectivist with his head buried a little too deeply in theory and specs.

 

[SoNic67]

No, it's just a nihilist. For them everything sounds "the same"... and maybe it does. However they discredit everyone else that dares to claim something different. And you can't explain or convince them. Like you would try to explain a guy with color blindness what colors look to you. He basically can't understand an explanation and if, by extrapolation, there are more like him in front of you, it won't believe you.