UPGRADE! Burson V7 Vivid & Classic op-amp review
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- Learn more about the V7 op-amps here: www.bursonaudio.com/products/...
A review of the Burson Audio V7 Vivid and V7 Classic op-amps including comparisons with the Sparkos Labs SS3602 and the Burson V6 Vivid. Also includes discussion of the V7 op-amps in DACs and headphone amps such as the Geshelli Labs J2S AK4499 DAC, Burson Soloist 3XP and Burson Composer 3XP.
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HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
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Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
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Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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00:00 Introduction
01:02 What are op-amps?
04:24 About the V7 op-amps
06:11 Burson V7 Classic vs Sparkos SS3602
10:30 Matching op-amps to your devices
12:30 Burson V7 Vivid vs V7 Classic
14:01 Burson V7 op-amp treble timbre
14:53 Sonic summary
17:27 V7 op-amp design & use
20:39 Wrap-up
#audiophile #audioreview #op-amps - Наука та технологія
I have the V7’s & SS2590’s, duals on both. To my ears, the V7’s are more neutral tuned, 2590’s are smoother & warmer. Sparkos have an edge in space size, separation, slight more laid back sound, slight more bass, better timbre to me. V7’s are more energetic, a more focused center noticeable w vocals, more balanced tonality overall. For my chain, gear, music & preferences, I like V7’s better BUT could easily see someone preferring the 2590’s. Tested w AKM4493 J2S w power elite ps, pro ican sig, Oyaide Class S usb, blue jeans interconnects, norne drausk cable, Eikon Classics, Caldera, Auteur Classic, HE1KSE
This is from a couple hours testing so not a very long time w the V7’s yet
@@beefsupreme510please share your impressions in Head-Fi "Burson V7" forum, there are a lot of people waiting for this comparison between V7 and SS2590 👍👍👍
Thanks so much for sharing this! I've got a couple of 2590s inbound now too so will follow up with some additional thoughts in a video comparison. 🙂
@beefsupreme510 Which one (SS2590 vs V7V) would you prefer for Metal, Rock and Electronic music? Also interested in your opinion about V6V vs V7V - is it really worth to upgrade? 🤔
For anybody else looking at this later on, I bought a pair of the V7 Classics for my 4499 J2S. I had the Sparkos SS3602 in there before, and I tested this on both headphones and over my speakers. Over headphones on my Magni Piety, I could hear the tonal shift but didn't get much more than that. Granted, my headphone setup is not the highest quality.
Over high resolving speakers though (Schiit Kara / Vidar 2 / SF Lumina II) there was a HUGE difference. The change in the soundstage was the immediate difference and it is so much bigger in really all directions, and I feel like you see into the mix way more with where things are. I would say that tonally it is maybe a bit more laid back, but not a ton. Just seems like a better balance to me.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Thanks. This comment on the difference in performance in a speaker setup was very helpful.
This also helped me ... just ordered the J2S with V7 Classics. I live in Florida near Geshelli so am arranging to pick it up in person so they can swap the new one into my older J2 wooden box.
Awesome! I'm sure you'll love it!!
I am glad to hear your review of the Burson v7 op-amps! Things are getting interesting, with more options.
You definitely should review the "big" Sparkos - the dual mono DIP8 adapter with two SS2590 boards in it. These retail for ~$126US and they offer a 15% discount when you sign up for their (very infrequent) emails.
Edit - if you get a response from Burson on what the trim pot is for, please let us know.
I think that even these new V7 won't beat SS2590. But who knows until someone compare both... 🤔🤔🤔
I just ordered both v7s. Maybe I'll also get the ss2590 to compare also
@@b30sail That's great! I have several of the SS2590 DIP8 units, and I love them! All my Geshelli J2S's have them in the RCA socket, and I have them in my AkitikA PR-102 preamp.
In the XLR sockets of the J2S is where the Burson v7 should be compared with the Sparkos SS3602; because the "big" Sparkos can't easily fit there.
I'll see if I can get a set of 2590s for a future video.
@@PassionforSound That would be great - when it can be fit into something, I think it is well worth it.
If you have physical space in the devices you can use Sparkos' adapter to use their larger Pro opamps into the smaller DIP8 socket.
I've been waiting for this Thank you for covering this !
My pleasure! I hope it was helpful 🙂🙂
Great and informative review! Thank you so much for testing it with the 3XP
I'm glad it was helpful!
Looking forward to this series. Enjoy your careful approach.
I hope it lives up to expectations! 🙂🙂
Great review. I will give you my thoughts once I get mine for my soloist 3xgt.
Glad you liked the review. Please do drop back in and share your experiences. That would be great
Great review! Just what I needed to decided! Already several years Soloist 3XP is in the heart of my systems for Headphones and Speakers but now I will have a refreshment.
The V7s are a great refresh for the 3XP. Enjoy!
Thanks for posting this video.
My pleasure
ss2590 are my favs without exception
I'll see if I can get some to compare with the new Bursons.
Ordered a V7 Vivid last week cant wait to get my hands on it
I think you'll love it!
Awesome episode! I’m still going strong with the soloist 3XP and using the v6 vivids and sparkos. Will definitely have to pick up a pair of v7’s at some point.
Glad you liked it! The V7s are great in the 3XP. Hardest thing is to work out which combination to go with!
Thanks for the review, I pre-ordered (10% price discount in US) a dual pair of the V7 Classic for my Soloist 3X P. Very good review.
My pleasure! Hope you love them as much as I do
Wow, that sounds amazing. This is just right, I have to equip my second J2S. Thank you 😁👍
PS: When you present so excitedly, it always becomes really interesting
I think you'll really love the V7s in the J2S. Glad you liked this approach to the review.
Just what I needed as I spec out my Geshelli J2 Socketed DAC. Thanks Boss!
My pleasure! Glad I could help
@@PassionforSound ended up going with Burson v7 Classic's based on your assessment, as I'd prefer detail and spaciousness over a more "flat" response. Also appreciated the clear direction on Burson over Sparkos. I run a desktop setup for headphones so had to get the 2 chips in order to have the XLR outputs covered. Twice as much but can't beat the XLR connectivity between the DAC and Headphone amp.
I'm new to opamps, and what I've found in my research for comparisons and reviews, is that there aren't many comparisons and reviews. So, I appreciate hearing about your experiences. With more companies putting in swap-able opamps into their devices, we definitively need more videos highlighting the differences. That way we're not just throwing away money, in hopes that we'll get one that we like.
Are you able to do comparisons against the SS2590?
I'm glad this was helpful. I'll reach out to Sparkos and see what we can arrange. 🙂
Thanks for the comparison, i will also swap from the Sparkos to the Classic as i find my midrange to lean and i dont always want to be on tubes and lose some treble for some thickness.
Glad I could help! The Classics are quite lovely. Better than the V6 version thanks to the cleaner sound
Very helpful review Lachlan. My local Burson rep doesn’t allow tinkering with op amps in store demos so this is a very useful guide for those looking to upgrade to the V7’s.
Very strange....in Indonesia, the seller even encourages you to roll the opamps because of "personal preference". The sound and synergy is very important.
@@didioentoro7575 not in Vancouver. The rep doesn’t want the user touching the gear at all. It’s a great headphone bar and you’re allowed to plug in your own source equipment within reason but you’re not allowed to tube roll or open up any gear to swap op amps.
It's pretty cool when you can try stuff out, but it's not uncommon for that to be limited when dealing with electronic devices.
I'm glad you found the video helpful!
Thanks for referring how they sounds in the composer.
My pleasure! That was one of my favourite uses for them 🙂
Wow, wow, wow. What a time to be alive.
We're very spoilt! 😁
Excellent review as usual, very detailed and insightful. I wonder if these will fit in my Kinki EX-M1+? I am using a pair of Bursons V6 classics right now, but it is a very tight fit and these seem to be shorter, but not necessarily thinner, and they will be touching components close to it, which is a worry since they run so hot.
I'm glad you liked the review!
These have about the same footprint (and therefore overall width at the base) as the V6s.
The heat shouldn't be enough to do damage to other components because the V7 is full of components of its own 🙂
Nicely Done.
Good tips @ the end of video.
Sparkos SS2590 ( what are you waiting for) :)
You're about the fifth person to ask for that comparison! 😂
I'll see what I can do...
I always laughed at the audiophile fuses ,I am looking forward to hearing your listening results.
I have too, but I figured I'd better find out for certain...
Please add more detailed comparison in your upcoming review, covering more aspects in sound quality of V7 vs V6 opamps 🙏 and also please cover comparison beetween V7 vs Sparkos SS2590 if its possible 🙏🙏🙏
I don't currently have the SS2590 anywhere that I can swap them to compare. I'm also not sure what else there is to say about the V7s vs the V6s, but there's a bit more in the Voyager review...
Just found your channel...great review! I'm curious as to what you'd recommend to pair with the Fosi ZA3 amp. Classic or vivid. Will be purchasing a Deshelli J2s w/4499 as well. My speakers are fairly neutral to warn Heco Aurora 300s. Thx!
Unless you specifically want a rich, warm sound, I'd go with the V7 Vivids - they'll match the base tonality of most devices and keep it close to the starting sound quality.
P.S. I'm glad you found the channel and enjoyed the review!
v7 classic that might be amazing in the rca section
Great review ... I have Burson 3XP Soloist paired with Meze Empyrean. I like the idea of the Classic V7 sound you described, but how much influence will that have on the sound through the Empyreans, which are inherently already on the warm side ?
It might be a bit too much with the Empys. Probably splitting the setup to have Classics in one pair of sockets and Vivids in the other would be best.
Thanks!
Thank you! 🙏♥️
Thanks Lachlan! This is muy intriguing about the V-7s - especially the part about being "better" than the Sparkos SS-3602s, my all-time fav discrete opamp so far. Though I haven't tried the Staccatos nor the Sonic Imageries - I've found the Sparkos to have the best blend of "analog" sound quality characteristics, timbre, "limitless" bass depth, and overall balance out of all IC and even the Burson V6 Vivids when used inside my headphone amp/preamp driving Hifiman Arya Stealths and PSB Imagine XB speakers (in their current rotation).
The V7s really are excellent. So far, only the Sparkos Pro op-amps can beat the V7s (video coming soon), but not by much!
I'm a little surprised they apparently didn't increase the voltage handling of the V7s despite the additional cooling. Unfortunately that means they're a non-starter for me as my amp runs at 18v, and I'll have to stick with the Sparkos Labs opamps as they are among the few discrete options rated to handle that.
Don't forget that they also made them smaller so that might have a part to play in the small shift in voltage.
I just upgraded my Burson Audio Soloist 3XP to the V7 Classic. Needs to burn in some I’m sure but already I feel like it’s a decent upgrade worth doing. Bass seems tad punchier. Highs and mid great and overall quieter. I just also did the Silent upgrade to my Soloist 3XGT as well. Sounds great! Also worth doing for 299.00 and easy. I’m considering doing the V7 in the GT as well but it takes 6 op amps so little more expensive than in the Soloist 3XP that took 4. I’m running Chord Cutest and M Scaler for both amps along with upgraded linear power supplies and cables.
Nice! I'm glad you're enjoying the upgrade. The GT is a leap though with the 6 op-amps required!
@@PassionforSound Yeah 6 op amps makes that one a bit pricey. I noticed in the 3XP when changed to V7 Classics right away bigger sound stage. They haven’t burned in very long but also seem to be hearing more instruments and more separation. Overall quieter than V6 as well it seems.
Just ordered and classic and vivid to try out on the Geshelli J2s
I think you'll love them! Drop back in and let us know which one you prefer. 🙂
Did you order the Singles or the Duals. For the J2?
The J2 uses duals
What ever discrete opamp you roll all of them are much better then the black plastic opamps. I never go back to those.
In my dac i use the "old" V6 amps very pleased with those.
I agree. The MUSES op-amps and OPA627 are still favourites of mine where space is limited, but discrete is always better. 🙂
Would love a review of the Burson Playmate, maybe against a Schiit Hel?
I don't currently have any plans for either, but we'll see what opportunities arise.
Always pays to check with the manufacturer before you start swapping op amps, sometimes other parts of the circuit are designed for very specific voltages etc and swapping can cause problems. I read a forum thread on this a while back but can’t remember where!
That's not a bad point. It's rare to have issues, but nice to go in knowing you're safe!
As always great work sir. I have 2 questions.
1. Did you mean and used sparkos S3062 in this review while comparing with burson op amps?
2. I have 3XGT old one. Is it really worth the money to upgrade from v6 to v7 ? because these are costly op amps.
Thanks.
Glad you liked the video. Yes, in both cases. SS3602 op-amps from Sparkos and the V7 really is better than the V6 (and yes, it's a costly upgrade, but the difference is quite significant IMO)
Very nice review as always. you gave some advice regarding the soloist 3xp, which one would you advice for the soloist 3xr gt (taking in mind that I own the tt2+ mscaler as well, and love that kind of sound). I noticed, especially after getting the tt2+ mscaler that little bit of hot treble of the soloist 3xr gt compared to the chord. I think the three stages are quite confusing, hence my question to you? which combi of th V7 would you advice in the soloist 3xr gt 2021 model + 5A supercharger? (I can always sent them back and try others, but it is nicer to get a good combi directly ;-) )
I would put a set of V7 Classics in the volume stage and V7 Vivids in the other sockets. I can't recall which socket is which on the Soloist GT, but it's all on the Burson website.
@@PassionforSound thanks. Did you mean by the volume stage, the ‘volume control buffer stage?’ I checked, there are three stages. Volume control buffer stage, input buffer stage, voltage gain stage.
I can't remember what's what inside the GTs, but I think the volume control buffer is the one that has a small influence and then the others start to have more influence (input buffer being the most IIRC). It's ideal if you can get the op-amps and then test them in each stage to see what you like most, but they might have different quantities of op-amps needed for each stage so you might need to choose how many to go for.
Thanks for doing this one. Now I need to find out how those op-amps will pair in the Aune x8
If they'll fit, they'll sound great in the x8!
@@PassionforSoundAccording to the seller on us audio mart they do. He prefers the Sparkos pro with an adapter. Yeah. It pertrubes like Pinocchio
The Sparkos Pro is a smidge better than the V7s, I agree. Just a challenge to fit in lots of places while the V7s will fit in most devices
I can’t say enough how I appreciate you getting back to me.
I’m guessing you have listed the associated equipment you used to listen. Mine would be through a two channel speaker system. Headphones and speaker systems are very different as you well know.
@@jayem1826Hi. I wrote to AUNE and asked about the differences been the x8 and 18th. It’s not just the Balanced outs.
Do you think you can get a hold of the spako's Pro version I don't know what they're called but basically they only make two kinds... I believe you mentioned it in your video. On their website they make it pretty clear that those are better than the 3601 and 3602. I would love to hear what you think and what it takes to get that put into a consumer level device because those are made for pro audio I believe
I'll see what I can do!
Hi Lachlan, thanks to you I installed in my topping dx7 dac ss3602 wich replaced the lme79720na. The result is magnificient. How much better is the V7 compared fo ss3602? Thank you.
Glad I could help! I'd say the V7s are a small step up on the 3602. Not as dramatic as the step from the LME to the Sparkos though. Hard to give anything more quantitative - sorry!
I own a Gesheli J2, and use the RCAs with the USB port on my computer into my Stereo amp. I would like to know what your thoughts are on V7s vs the SS2590s as I am considering upgrading my op amp for the RCA unbalanced output. Your opinions on performance, quality, leanings and why would be very appreciated..... Thank you for your reviews!
I'm working on a 2590 vs V7 comparison now. The short answer is that I think the 2590 is slightly better, but it's close.
I always preferred the Stacatto over the Burson V6 (either) or Sparkos.
The Staccatos are definitely nice, but they fell behind in soundstage presentation IMO
Hello,
Please make the effort and do a review to Burson Playmate 2 with those op-amps (Compared to the Geshelli Labs J2S Dac + Archel 3 Pro Amp, even better)!
Thanks
I don't know that I can get my hands on a Playmate 2 right now, but perhaps in the future.
Hi it would be good to have a comparison between STACATO opamp from Poland and Burson Audio V7
I reviewed the Staccatos here: ua-cam.com/video/0e9d3Hf0uq4/v-deo.htmlsi=yl0ExL_K0yK0QsIH and preferred the Sparkos so the V7s will be even better still.
Have you been able to get a hold of the sparco's Pro version of their op amp yet?
I have. Just waiting on a solution to a different problem that's preventing a proper test...
When I found out Geshelli was literally just in a neighboring town for me, I had to go visit--so I made a factory appointment. I must say everything is true about how nice these group of people are. Myself and Geno went to the listening room and I directly compared the TI op amps to the Sparkos Pro and for most tracks I actually prefer the TI. That could be because the TI were in the potent dual-mono DayZee and the Sparkos were in the upcoming J3 (yes the benefits of going on site :)
The 2590 is a little bit bassier... but that drowns out some of the nuances. What they didn't have on hand were either of the Bursons... So I was only able to hear between two.
I have no idea just like tubes you can roll Op-amps as well.
Did you by chance have the default TIs to compare to the Bursons?
That's great that you went to visit and meet the team! I'd say the TIs had a huge advantage being in the Dayzee. Dual mono DAC designs will always be significantly better than an equivalent stereo design.
I compared the TIs to the Sparkos in my J2S review here: ua-cam.com/video/z37gqd-vGsA/v-deo.htmlsi=RsWIQX3iP7EH0XyD
@@PassionforSoundI also found out the brand new J3 Pro should be live sometime this weekend!
I'm hoping to receive that at the same time as a Dayzee 🤞🤞
I'm tempted to try V7's in a pair of Fosi V3 Mono amps. I wonder if I should try the same combo, 1x Vivid and 1x Classic in each amp? Have you tried this yet?
I hope to have some V3s here soon and will include that as part of my testing 🙂
V3 mono coming any day here as well. I look forward to testing them out. And look forward to your findings.
Did you use the v7 classic single or duo in the Geshelli j2?
The J2 uses dual op-amps
Thank you!
I'm using a set of Single V6 Classics and a set of Dual V6 Vivids on a Creative Soundblaster AE-9. It's the best of both worlds.
I'm trying to figure out wheter this is worth the upgrade.
Awesome, another AE-9 user! I just ordered the V7 Vivids Single and Dual for my AE-9.
@@NativeWarrior081 Yeah. I took the plunge. A set of Single V7 Classic and a set of Dual V7 Vivids. I hope it's worth the upgrade.
The V7s are definitely worth the upgrade IMO. They're a really nice step up from the V6s
Glad to hear it. I can't wait to give it a go.
Thank you for your response. @@PassionforSound
I have ordered the V7 Vivid 'upgrade pack' for the Conductor 3 reference. Apparently, the pack contains 2 x V7V dual opamps & 2 x V7V single opamps. Curious to know why & where do the singles go?
Nice choice! The answer to your question will either be on the Burson website or you'll need to email Burson. I'm not sure which goes where. Sorry!
@@PassionforSound V7's arrived yesterday. There are diagrams for every Burson unit on their website, so it was easy to change them out.
I expected a subtle change in audio, but was shocked at how different everything sounds. I've only listened to a handful of tracks so far, but the clarity and detail retrieval is incredible. Everything sounds like, remastered or something with just a smidge of warmth. Absolutely worth every penny!
That's great news on all counts! I'm so glad you're happy with the upgrade.
Is it worth upgrading v6 to v7 in my burson conductor 3r if I use equalizer to adjust sound ?
Yes. It will still improve the overall technical abilities of the amp, regardless of how you're then changing the tonality
I’d like to know how the Vivid 7 compare to the Staccato.
I tried the Staccatos back here: ua-cam.com/video/0e9d3Hf0uq4/v-deo.htmlsi=yl0ExL_K0yK0QsIH and preferred the Sparkos (and maybe Bursons?) so the V7s will be better having now surpassed the Sparkos. (All based on my gear and my preferences, of course)
@PassionforSound will the v7 vivid fit in a Fosi audio ZA 3?
I'm not sure yet, but should have the ZA3 here soon so I can definitely answer then
Many users have BB 2134,Opa 627
and diverse Analog devices op amps
in use.
What is the Burson,Sparkos comparison to these
types of integrated amp chips
You can buy single channel and dual channel versions of these op-amps so you'd use the single for op-amps like the OPA627 (great op-amp!)
Will these fit the Sparkos Gemini?
I haven't confirmed, but I think the Gemini op-amp is soldered in so these would fit (the Sparkos op-amp is way bigger), but it might require some modifications in terms of soldering and adapting to an 8-pin socket connection.
I ordered all V7 Vivids for my Conductor GT. Should I have mixed in some V7 Classics for the best sound?
I don't think so. The Conductor GT should be great with all Vivids. Enjoy!
@@PassionforSound thank you Lachlan. I own my Burson because of your review. Your input and opinion is very appreciated 🙂
My pleasure! Drop back in and let me know how it sounds once upgraded. 🙂
How does the low bass in the Burson V7 Vivids compare to that of the Sparkos?
I currently have a pair of Sparkos singles in my DAC, which replaced a pair of V6 Vivid singles because the bass on the Sparkos made the sound fuller and more impactful.
Which Sparkos?
@@bendzy169 SS 3601
I'd say the V7s are now more like the Sparkos. I don't think it's that the bass has changed so much as the treble no longer gets in the way. Regardless, the result is that the V7s have excellent tonal balance from top to bottom and don't lag on the Sparkos anywhere IMO.
@@PassionforSound Thanks.
I'm thinking of replacing my dual V6 Classics with a pair of V7 Classics in the input/voltage stage of my DAC. Based on your review, I should expect more detail, better instrument separation and a deeper soundstage. Is that correct?
Sadly that there was no comparison to Sparkos SS2590 opamps 😔
Hopefully I'll get a chance on the future...
Will these fit the Fosi ZA3?
I don't know the ZA3 to say - sorry.
Burson V7 Classic/vivid VS Sparkos ss2590😁😁😁 ?? I have the Burson playmate 2 with singel and dual ss2590. Wonder if its Worth an upgrade to v7. 🤔
Did you also try V6? Is there a big gap beetween V6 and SS2590? 🤔🤔🤔 Also waiting for more reviews comparing V7 to SS2590, can't decide which opamp is better for an upgrade 🙄🙄🙄
No sorry, i dont have those..
I'll see about getting some 2590s in for a comparison.
Great😁
Hi Passion, can I mod an Adi-2 Dac FS with these? How many would I need?
I don't want to get into an argument but I will use the nicest words I can about the aforementioned dac: I hate it to death.
I have an Apollo X8... it doesn't sound good.
And I have a Motu M4 that sounds pretty good.
But maybe I was hoping to fix the Adi-2 dac with these opamps? Thanks.
I'm sorry to say that I have no idea if the ADI-2 has swappable op-amps. It might be worth checking on forums or else cut your losses, sell it and get something you'll enjoy more. Sorry I can't help more!
@@PassionforSound I wish the world had more attentive and kind and generous people like you. You have been very guiding, believe it or not. I have great news, but I am going to bed now.
I will say though that probably the DAC and the Apollo are staying. Will elaborate more if you are willing to read later my thoughts and reactions. (I will have to watch the Jotunheim video again and probably the ADI-2 DAC video of yours before asking more questions). :)
Best to you.
Please do share your good news. I'd love to know what you've discovered. 🙂
@@PassionforSound Thank you Passion. Finally finished writing my reply on a Notepad, here it comes. I will have to edit it within the comments section because it's kind of long, I hope you have the time (maybe when you are drinking your coffee or tea or something, 🤭(EDIT: It seems I didn't have to edit it, nice, the whole enchilada is there...so... WE ARE LIVE!|) 😎
Hi Passion, thanks for taking me seriously.
Maybe not your intention exactly but you have made me feel like a human being.
(Note added after my long ass writing: Sorry, tried to be brief as possible. I swear!).
Ok, since it seems your channel is a very positive one, I will refrain from saying negative stuff.
And to keep it brief, I will even spare you the background/context of my findings.
Just want to lay it out there: Took me YEARS and YEARS to finally have a good (in this case very good) sound. NOT harsh. To me this is very important in/for my comment.
Started with the Scarlett 2i2 1st Generation.
All the way to having an Apollo X8 (last 3 I have acquired I already mentioned: Adi-2 DAC and Motu M4).
Add to that an Apple iphone dongle.
Last headphones I got are the HD 800s. I have the 820 (you have no idea what I have done to them trying to get a good sound, not harsh... but it wasn't the headphones fault, little did I know).
Oh yeah, little did I know... (love that phrase from Strangers than Fiction, the movie).
Oh, want to mention, I love music, I love making music. I was in a band since I was 15 (not in a band anymore, too many issues, lol).
And, from my POV, is that I have a great ear (but not experience to achieve it).
All I know is that if I hear something and to me it sounds bad, it is bad. Of course this applies if you want to think of it as my tastes. Not trying to apply my beliefs or opinions onto others.
Aaaaaaanyway, I have done a very long intro, so the story short:
Since I got the Liquid Platinum headphone amplifier, it only gave me issues: Tubes died too fast on me.
Bought a "better" pair (Gold Lions something) on Amazon, died like in a week.
Bought a different pair... sounded great but I think I made a wrong purchase, since the lows distorted like crazy, I think they were meant to be used on a guitar amp.
Then I bought on TubeDepot 2 pairs of JJs (because if a pair turned out to be good, I wanted to have a spare). Amazing company, they treated me like a king.
Anyway, when the JJs arrived (I had the Liquid Platinum for ages, but it was stored because of the issues and I couldn't lift a finger anymore wasting my time on it, just said to myself "one day...")
this is like 2 weeks ago, or maybe 3: I tried the HD 800s on them using the SE output jack...
It was HORRENDOUS (this is the only negative I will mention, I promise, just very necessary to mention).
It had some good sound, but felt like the whole room was inexistent, more like the reverb or space of each element in the music was not there, and had no bass or highs or very highs.
I was veeery disappointed.
But in the back of my head I was "It can't be it! I know this can sound better because of my experience with the guitar amp tubes I mentioned earlier".
I was just tired of trying again and again, so I took my time to go back to it.
Then after commenting I didn't like the Adi-2 Dac or the Apollo X8...
I finally lifted a finger and opened the HD800s box and got the balanced cable...
Ohhhhhhhhhhh wow... now THIS is a good sound. Very good sound.
(I used to have a THX 789 headphone amp, but at the time (ages ago) I didn't have a good DAC, I don't think I even know there were dedicated DACs. So I sold it. Discontinued anyway so I don't think of it anymore.)
Ok, so, I know that in your review you are not very happy with it. I understand.
But from my journey, starting with a Scarlett 2i2 interface... all the way to now...
It's like... ear revealing sound can get this good.
To my ears, it sounds 1000x better than the headphone amp of the ADI-2 DAC, or the Apollo X8.
This is the sound that should be the default on the aforementioned interafaces/dacs.
Like the bare minimum.
Won't go there so will focus on the Liquid Platinum.
First of all, main thing, like really, MAIN thing is: It DOESN'T sound harsh. At all!
I know it's not perfect.
But let me reiterate... I don't want to be tiresome... but... It DOESN'T sound harsh.
It kicks like a mule.
It separates so well the intruments.
It has this cleanliness to it.
I hate to use words trying to describe anything's sound because there's WAY more to it, but I am trying.
Vocals sound very good.
Kick drums omg sound amazing.
Snares too. Here... snares, don't sound like in your face trying to tear your eardrums off.
Snares in particular sound amazing. They keep the body, they keep a certain punch, very hard to describe (I have 3 songs in particular, I mean, saved, where in any other device the snare sounds like it's 10000 dBs higher than the rest of the music).
Relation kick drum/bass is superb, you can feel the notes bouncing off each other.
This leads to perceiving the rythm of the music like... uff... super precise. I loved that.
I don't know what the designer was thinking, but I could tell he has soooo way too much experience in sound.
Not perfect because maybe still elements in the music still lack a little bit of space,
and it FEELS (maybe I am right, what do I know) is that the tubes saturate certain frequencies and depending on the song, and sometimes well, it doesn't work at all, but other times it sounds super good.
The only REAL con is the SE headphone output. When I read on Headfi and SBAF, maybe on ASR that it was subpar... I wouldn't believe it. Because you know, sometimes people tend to exaggerate things... wow... not in this case. Difference was massive.
What I don't understand is why the sound of the headphone amp of the ADI-2 DAC FS pales in comparison, why did RME release a product with such a ... let's say weak headphone output (not speaking about power). But again, I don't wanna go there.
Also, I don't understand how a headphone amp can make way better the sound of a DAC. I really thought the ADI was... let's say ewwww to put it mildly.
I want to focus on the good.
So... right now it seems that the ADI-2 DAC has a good or very good circuit stage so the audio from its outputs probably is stellar.
This leads me to believe I have to keep it. And use it with the Apollo X8 via spdif (already did this but didn't have the Liquid Platinum on service).
Haven't tried directly the Liquid Platinum with the Apollo X8.
And now I have a question or 2 or...
You already answered me but still, I gotta ask again, because the Geshelli has only 1 year warranty, Schiit at least 2:
(Have a Magni+ headphone amp, it is not bad, but not ear revealing as the Liquid Platinum).
Even if the Geshelli has only 1 year warranty, should I get that one?
Or the Jotunheim will "suffice".
I want the best sound possible.
I don't care too much about space or being in the room with the band, or in front of the singer, I don't see sound that way.
But probably it should have this "hit like a mule" factor from the Liquid Platinum, and snares not being in your face as I explained above.
I watched your whole Jotunheim review again, it FEELS it's the right choice.
Or the Mjolnir (although I don't want to spend too much right now, lol, and knowing it has a hum, I know, normal for the device, not a complain, but if I am gonna record vocals with my Apollo X8, the hum would be an off-side.)
Wanted to add: You are like the first person I hear that expresses rather well about something, you use words like fantastic, whereas lots of other youtubers even refrain from saying they liked something, as if they didn't like it. Super weird.
Whats the difference between the dual and the single?
in a nutshell, single is mono and dual is stereo (two singles in one piece)
I believe the dual has two identical circuits for complementary in phase and out of phase operation as in balanced XLR connections.
I'm not sure if they're positive and negative or not (never looked into it) so much as stereo vs mono. As said above, it's just a question of having one or two channels of signal processing to match the original op-amp that was in the device.
There's a table on the V7 page on the Burson site that can help identify which version you need.
Can you explain what 'you' mean by colouration please?
Anything that's not neutral / as it would sound with the instruments live in the room (i.e. the room where the recording happened) is coloured in some way. It could be more bass, more treble, a v-shaped, etc.
I can't even imagine doing better than SPparkos SS2590 PRO ! 😉
They don't quite match the Pro (I've got a comparison coming)
@@PassionforSoundCool, do you know when it will be online? I was about to buy the V7 classics for my Aiyimas 07 Max
Thanks for your excellent review!
@@PassionforSound Good news thank you in advance
I'm not sure yet. Just waiting on a key piece of the puzzle for testing...
What is the point of spending 150+ for opamps in a dac if the opamps in the amplifier are different my guess is the amplifier has the final say in the sound quality.
What you hear is the cumulative effect of all your components working together, so even if you only swap op amps in the dac you will hear a clear difference.
100% what Das Manko said
Yea2 earmen vivid burson sparkos.. All last yr product in fact earlier.. Anyway nice Peace!... Give u tips bra.. New Ampersand frm Centrance Ha... Thats new.. Peace!
Which Earmen did you roll the them in, the Tradutto? Does it have a Dip*8 socket ?
have you compared V7 to Staccato
No. I preferred the V6 over the Staccato so I didn't bother. I found the Staccatos to have a pretty flat soundstage.
@@PassionforSound thanks for your answer and very informative videos
We know, it's all over UA-cam.
I love how op amp influencers have zero clue about how, or even whether, op amps actually vary. Fellowship of ignorance.
Are you saying they are all the same?
What can you actually fit the Bursons in? Burson makes overpriced monsters! Not attainable.
You can fit them in lots of desktop devices, particularly the new design. They're no good for portable gear, but you can't get a tiny chip that's also a discrete circuit.
too expensive for these