AUDIOPHONICS OPA1656IDR Dual OPA DIP8

AUDIOPHONICS OPA1656 Dual OPA DIP8 (Unit)
This is a remarkable TI IC Op amp. It is amazing at separating instruments and if you listen to Vivaldi's Four Seasons, you can actually see what the performers did to shape the music. In a pre-amp you might hunger for tones to sustain differently. The system is so fast that I found myself loving the precision but hoping for a bit more body over time. It is going to be a killer for anyone with an inexpensive China-Fi amp. This will slay the standard output ICs in many of those devices.

My study was limited to preamp use. If Audiotronics can offer a OPA2656 Dual OPA Dip8 (Unit) I would experiment with both, as well as a few others. It is wonderful and I will keep mine when I am looking for what they provide.

OPA1656 in ES9028 Output Stage: Superb Speed, Service, and Sound
​I bought an ES9028-based audio DAC with a classic three-op-amp output stage. Even before it arrived, I had decided to swap the op-amps. My main priority was sourcing the upgrades from a reputable seller. After considering a few options, I chose to buy here, and I am really happy with my decision to get genuine op-amps ready for the swap.

​First, about the service: I placed my order on the 23rd and received it on the 28th. Ireland might not be half a world away from France, but I still have to compliment the shipping speed. I know how many audiophiles count the days after placing an online order! ;)

​Second, about the OPA1656 sound: Before choosing new op-amps, I spent quite a bit of time on forums like DIYAudio, YouTube, and similar sites. Most choices ultimately come down to either the OPA1656 or the OPA1612. I will leave it to you to make your own decision, but if you like the sound of the OPA2134, I highly recommend choosing the newer OPA1656, which has FETs on its input.

​At the moment, these op-amps have less than 24 hours of runtime, but I already really like the sound. The DAC became more musical; you can hear better instrument separation, but the sound remains quite natural and not too sterile. Everything sounds fuller. The string and wind instruments, in particular, sound surprisingly natural, as if they are playing right in front of you.

Une tuerie !!
J'ai commandé ces AOPs afin de pouvoir remplacer les NE5532 dans un FOSI ZA3 et surtout pour les comparer avec des 33078 qui sont d'origine dans un DAC MSB Link III
Dans le FOSI tout d'abord, cet AOP apporte la même définition/précision que le NE5532 mais avec beaucoup plus de matière et de douceur. La scène sonore change, elle s'élargit et surtout elle gagne en profondeur avec le système 18 sound (Chambre de compression ND1480 et 38cm 15W700). Il n'y a pas photo, le gain est avéré dans le FOSI ZA3. Dans le DAC, les 33078 sont dépassés, le 1656 apporte une matière et un meilleur respect des timbres.. Je tiens à apporter une précision, les enceintes font 100 dB de sensibilité, peut-être qu'avec des enceintes moins sensibles la différence seront moins notable.
Excellent produit que je recommande vivement, ces AOPS ont beaucoup apporté dans les deux appareils testés.

Etonnant
En remplacement de la monte d'origine du Fosi Za3, j'ai été surpris par le bon en avant apporté à mes Dynaudio II Emit 10.
C'est clairement un excellent upgrade. Bien assis au sweet spot j'ai l'impression d'avoir ajouté une enceinte centrale, vraiment étonnant,
Merci AudioPhonics, je vous en commade 2 de plus pour pour le Zd3

Clearly Audible Difference
Replaced NE5532s in Fosi ZA3s. 1656s are impressively clean, detailed and spacious. These have helped to open up compressed recordings a little bit more than the 5532s as they untangle dense material into more easily audible layers. I was hoping for a bit more warmth but realise now these aren't the op-amp for that. Still very impressive nonetheless!