Just thought I'd quickly post my enthusiasm for the OPA1656 op-amps! Clean, tuneful, open, accurate. That's one in each of the XLR and R channel lots in each ZA3 so four in total. I purchased them from Audiophonics and they're beautifully soldered onto DIP sockets.
I have also been using 4 x Burson V7 Classics and I was fully expecting these to be a significant upgrade over the 1656s. To my ears, in this system, the Bursons sound a bit etched and hyper detailed in a way that comes across a tad dry, forced, artificial and shut in. I'd been sensing a creeping dissatisfaction with the system and remember being impressed with the 1656s so I did the swap, everything suddenly sounds right and I'm reminded of why I was so impressed with the ZA3s. How odd.
I know a lot of people love the V7s and I'm sure in different setups they're as good as people say they are but in my case the humble 1656s basically wipe the floor with them. System synergy I can only assume.
I have a second pair of MUSES02 on the way from Fosi so someday soon I will give those a run to compare to the 1656s.
Based on this I'd have to say don't assume more expensive op-amps are better by default and it's definitely worth trying a few different options.
System is Allo USBridge Signature into Topping E70 Velvet ---> Mono ZA3s ---> Q Acoustics 3010s with Mogami cables througout.
I have also been using 4 x Burson V7 Classics and I was fully expecting these to be a significant upgrade over the 1656s. To my ears, in this system, the Bursons sound a bit etched and hyper detailed in a way that comes across a tad dry, forced, artificial and shut in. I'd been sensing a creeping dissatisfaction with the system and remember being impressed with the 1656s so I did the swap, everything suddenly sounds right and I'm reminded of why I was so impressed with the ZA3s. How odd.
I know a lot of people love the V7s and I'm sure in different setups they're as good as people say they are but in my case the humble 1656s basically wipe the floor with them. System synergy I can only assume.
I have a second pair of MUSES02 on the way from Fosi so someday soon I will give those a run to compare to the 1656s.
Based on this I'd have to say don't assume more expensive op-amps are better by default and it's definitely worth trying a few different options.
System is Allo USBridge Signature into Topping E70 Velvet ---> Mono ZA3s ---> Q Acoustics 3010s with Mogami cables througout.
