On the one hand new opamps cause "CLEAR UPGRADES in dynamics, clarity and soundstage" and you conclude it is a "SPECTACULAR upgrade". Yet on the other hand, you can't let us hear it, because of the "youtube compression algorithm hiding these SUBTLE nuances". Which is it, spectacular or subtle? BTW, this video uses Opus 160kbps VBR, which is transparent with lossless, and at least as high quality as spotify's maximum ogg. So you are basically also saying: do not change opamps if you use a streaming service for your music, because you can't hear it.
Thanks for watching… and clearly paying attention as well… that’s awesome. Yes… it can be both… and it often is in life… The point remains: I don’t have two matching, high quality microphones to record in stereo. This is why I included 4 links to FOSI Audio’s videos where you can hear these op amps head to head with IC models. So you can hear these op differences for yourself. The links are in the description… check 'em out!
@@consumertechcheck Haha yes, it can be both. But it isn't. If the youtube compression is a dealbreaker, then there's no point of listening to the FOSI comparisons. So either the youtube compression is real and thus FOSI is dumb for even trying, or you made it up or are genuinely mistaken. Then the stereo mic excuse is also just an excuse. Yes, you can't capture soundstage that way, but the clear upgrades in dynamics and clarity should be obvious in mono, as well as obvious for people who only have one functioning ear anyways. If you said that you didn't want to do it because it's too much effort, fine. But don't say I'm splitting hairs if you are literally promoting products based on the tiniest difference in frequency response or gain level. Btw, the FOSI examples clearly differ in level, that alone should disqualify it as a comparison.
Instinctively I tend to agree with you on this point. I can confirm RUclips does use compression and this can impact the subtilties and nuances (just like matching levels from video to video)... and because of this I generally don't invest too must time or effort listening to RUclips A/B comparisons myself. So Yes, I kind of agree, producing or listening to A/B comparisons may not illustrate the differences you hope for. However you very powerfully make my counter point... people are passionately eager to experience A/B comparisons, and I understand this perspective too. Thanks again for watching!
@@johnverbeek7156 I encourage you to visit the Virtual HiFi channel-where Grzegorz has several videos doing comparisons of different op amps-but in Fosi amps- though he may have one with the ZD3 as well. He has one where he tests a whole bunch of Op amps. He uses high-quality microphones and hi quality speakers in a nice room- and does the testing with exactly the same equipment only changing the op amps. People routinely say there’s a problem with youtube compression so I think linked on his channel he has a way to download files if you really want to listen to comparison without youtube compression. He also points out in one episode that listening via RUclips on your computer yields much better sound than the RUclips app on mobile devices - I don’t know much about how this works, but that claim is made. Again, I think his work is mostly with amps rather than DACs. And he’s also made his own Op amps basically just paralleling IC op amps rather than making discrete designs. There are issues to delve into here- paralleled circuits use much more current and throw much more heat… These particular sparkos are pretty widely touted by the audio community-the ss3602 are “dual” - paralleled , vs the ss3601 which are single. Some IC op amps are also supposed to be dual like the muses02 I believe.
@@consumertechcheck I don’t think it’s valid to say that discrete op amps as a whole are super high-quality and integrated chips are like a Toyota. You can make cheap low quality discreet amps, and you can make high-quality integrated circuit op amps. Among high-quality discrete op amps - there are those that are designed to the max like the large Sparkos 2590 in which compromises that allow space savings are discarded and the SS 3602 which are designed with quality in mind, but where space savings prevents certain optimizations they make in the 2590. The 2590 is single op amp that can be doubled (paralleled), whereas the SS 3602 is already a dual op amp that can be bought in the single version SS 3601. The 3602 will fit in Fosi products-I don’t think the 2590 is small enough to fit. Reviewers have said the 2590 is significantly better than the ss3602 in the Geshelli DACs that have enough space to fit them… P.s. I put muses02 op amps into the Fosi V3 monos and I liked them. But about a month later one of the V3 amps died-they are sending me a new board. Checking on reviews of the V3s this is pretty common. Im not sure if it’s what I did or if it would happen anyway-I see comments from both situations among the reviews (yes I bought hi quality thermal paste and replaced it when I did the mod-this is actually the biggest pain with these-the board slides in but the heat sink has to be pasted and it slides across the bottom of the chassis when beiNg reinstalled). The bottom line is the V3 monos sound good but are under designed regarding heat dissipation, particularly if you are using 48V power supplies. One commenter all over RUclips continuously make the point these should be used with 36v power supplies-unfortunately Fosi only offers 32v which seem underpowered, and 48v which seem to be too much. Aiyima offers 36v-but I wish I could just buy a 40v linear (non-switch mode) supply for these with a connector I could just plug in, rather than having to do modifications myself…
I have a stock ZD3, and I'm enjoying it. I'm only using it for its HDMI capabilities for a TV room, with the balanced outputs going to a pair of V3 Monos and the unbalanced outputs feeding a subwoofer. I might be interested in swapping out the op-amps, but I'm not interested in spending a lot of money. Would the JRC4580 be the best cost-effective choice?
@Douglas_Blake writes on his Blog the following about the NE5532: The standard chips are NE5532 dual low noise op-amps. Unfortunately these are one of the most frequently counterfeited chips. It is not uncommon to find re-branded "something else" chips when doing service or examination work. So, I've taken to just replacing them with RC4558 chips wherever I find them. There is no appreciable difference in performance or sound between the real 5532 chip and the 4558 chip, so the goal in changing them is to ensure the amplifier is not going to fail because of a fake chip.
I must know more..! I will be doing a follow up video where I will be comparing other op amps. Perhaps I should do that then. Can you make a recommendation as to exactly which one, and which type? Can you explain why? I’d love to learn more; as would the viewers.
@@consumertechcheck Audiophile fuse benefits: 1. Upgraded caps enhance conductivity and reduce resistance compared to nickel or tin plated fuses 2. Ceramic cases reduce micro-arcing and resonance and have better EMI shielding compared to glass fuses 3. Damping filler quenches arcs during fuse operation and reduces micro-vibrations in the electrical current compared to non-filled fuses. Caveat: SQ benefits will be generally less than upgrading opamps. Also the overall hifi system must have achieved a certain level of fidelity to be able to hear the benefits. Best one in the market is probably Furutech TF Series Audio Fuse. For nearly as good performance at a lower price there is Telos QBT-18.
@@consumertechcheck Also: Ensure you use a fuse with the same specifications (including voltage rating) as the fuse it is replacing, to maintain the device's safety and proper functionality.
Not buying OPamps that cost as much as the DAC, but it's cool that Fosi allows for that. I've tried the JRC4580 and its like listening to a old CD player - and not in a bad way (rolled off bass and really detailed with wide soundstage. The TI Opamps that come with it are very good. I'm currently trying the SX52Bs which are discrete like the Sparkos. Pretty good but still think i prefer the ones that came with the Fosi - which is really solid.
The difference the sparkos made in every amp I’ve installed them in is unbelievable. I have now replaced three in the ZA3 and 2 in each V3 mono I have four left to replace and I keep replacing them whenever I have the money to spend.
I wouldn’t bother upgrading for the subwoofer. The LME49720 is just fine for that. If you do this upgrade, save the stock LME49720s because they are better than the NE5532s you’ll find in a lot of gear. You may want to use them later.
I had the same thought for sure… no question; the frequency range is so narrow and the acoustics detail and nuance is most noticeable by the human ear higher up the frequency range. I must admit… if it was my money, I likely would not do this upgrade below 100hz… these were sent to me by Sparkos themselves… thanks again Sparkos…! I love them!
I was hoping that this dac would sound similar to the AKM4493S Velvet. But no, it sounded aggressive like most D-S. Replacing the op-amps didn't help, nor did the linear power supply. Typical Sabre sound, which is tiring.
I would love to put this DAC head to head with a DAC of similar value that has the AKM4493S. Is there a specific model you’d recommend for that comparison? I’d love to do that video.
I am planning a follow up video where I swap out 4 different op amps (or more) and sound tests to go along with it. Sincerely: what measurements would you like to see? I’m open to doing this the best way possible.
Howdy, I am local if you ever need a hand with recording demos. Cheers. ruclips.net/video/UAVEk8Gt3L4/видео.htmlsi=pf2vrhguAyzCfDSD ruclips.net/video/YiRxscNccYM/видео.htmlsi=EE6j8dqxyGelHyje
@Jazzboy, Thank you for the great offer... You clearly have done this demo properly.., and I would love to do demos like that. I will email you directly.
On the one hand new opamps cause "CLEAR UPGRADES in dynamics, clarity and soundstage" and you conclude it is a "SPECTACULAR upgrade". Yet on the other hand, you can't let us hear it, because of the "youtube compression algorithm hiding these SUBTLE nuances". Which is it, spectacular or subtle? BTW, this video uses Opus 160kbps VBR, which is transparent with lossless, and at least as high quality as spotify's maximum ogg. So you are basically also saying: do not change opamps if you use a streaming service for your music, because you can't hear it.
Thanks for watching… and clearly paying attention as well… that’s awesome.
Yes… it can be both… and it often is in life…
The point remains: I don’t have two matching, high quality microphones to record in stereo.
This is why I included 4 links to FOSI Audio’s videos where you can hear these op amps head to head with IC models. So you can hear these op differences for yourself.
The links are in the description… check 'em out!
@@consumertechcheck Haha yes, it can be both. But it isn't.
If the youtube compression is a dealbreaker, then there's no point of listening to the FOSI comparisons. So either the youtube compression is real and thus FOSI is dumb for even trying, or you made it up or are genuinely mistaken.
Then the stereo mic excuse is also just an excuse. Yes, you can't capture soundstage that way, but the clear upgrades in dynamics and clarity should be obvious in mono, as well as obvious for people who only have one functioning ear anyways.
If you said that you didn't want to do it because it's too much effort, fine. But don't say I'm splitting hairs if you are literally promoting products based on the tiniest difference in frequency response or gain level.
Btw, the FOSI examples clearly differ in level, that alone should disqualify it as a comparison.
Instinctively I tend to agree with you on this point. I can confirm RUclips does use compression and this can impact the subtilties and nuances (just like matching levels from video to video)... and because of this I generally don't invest too must time or effort listening to RUclips A/B comparisons myself. So Yes, I kind of agree, producing or listening to A/B comparisons may not illustrate the differences you hope for. However you very powerfully make my counter point... people are passionately eager to experience A/B comparisons, and I understand this perspective too.
Thanks again for watching!
@@johnverbeek7156 I encourage you to visit the Virtual HiFi channel-where Grzegorz has several videos doing comparisons of different op amps-but in Fosi amps- though he may have one with the ZD3 as well. He has one where he tests a whole bunch of Op amps. He uses high-quality microphones and hi quality speakers in a nice room- and does the testing with exactly the same equipment only changing the op amps.
People routinely say there’s a problem with youtube compression so I think linked on his channel he has a way to download files if you really want to listen to comparison without youtube compression. He also points out in one episode that listening via RUclips on your computer yields much better sound than the RUclips app on mobile devices - I don’t know much about how this works, but that claim is made. Again, I think his work is mostly with amps rather than DACs. And he’s also made his own Op amps basically just paralleling IC op amps rather than making discrete designs. There are issues to delve into here- paralleled circuits use much more current and throw much more heat…
These particular sparkos are pretty widely touted by the audio community-the ss3602 are “dual” - paralleled , vs the ss3601 which are single. Some IC op amps are also supposed to be dual like the muses02 I believe.
@@consumertechcheck I don’t think it’s valid to say that discrete op amps as a whole are super high-quality and integrated chips are like a Toyota.
You can make cheap low quality discreet amps, and you can make high-quality integrated circuit op amps.
Among high-quality discrete op amps - there are those that are designed to the max like the large Sparkos 2590 in which compromises that allow space savings are discarded and the SS 3602 which are designed with quality in mind, but where space savings prevents certain optimizations they make in the 2590. The 2590 is single op amp that can be doubled (paralleled), whereas the SS 3602 is already a dual op amp that can be bought in the single version SS 3601. The 3602 will fit in Fosi products-I don’t think the 2590 is small enough to fit. Reviewers have said the 2590 is significantly better than the ss3602 in the Geshelli DACs that have enough space to fit them…
P.s. I put muses02 op amps into the Fosi V3 monos and I liked them. But about a month later one of the V3 amps died-they are sending me a new board. Checking on reviews of the V3s this is pretty common. Im not sure if it’s what I did or if it would happen anyway-I see comments from both situations among the reviews (yes I bought hi quality thermal paste and replaced it when I did the mod-this is actually the biggest pain with these-the board slides in but the heat sink has to be pasted and it slides across the bottom of the chassis when beiNg reinstalled). The bottom line is the V3 monos sound good but are under designed regarding heat dissipation, particularly if you are using 48V power supplies. One commenter all over RUclips continuously make the point these should be used with 36v power supplies-unfortunately Fosi only offers 32v which seem underpowered, and 48v which seem to be too much. Aiyima offers 36v-but I wish I could just buy a 40v linear (non-switch mode) supply for these with a connector I could just plug in, rather than having to do modifications myself…
I have a stock ZD3, and I'm enjoying it. I'm only using it for its HDMI capabilities for a TV room, with the balanced outputs going to a pair of V3 Monos and the unbalanced outputs feeding a subwoofer. I might be interested in swapping out the op-amps, but I'm not interested in spending a lot of money. Would the JRC4580 be the best cost-effective choice?
Yes, the 4580 is a great upgrade over the stock op amps. @Douglas_blake feels strongly about that… Douglas, please share your wisdom on the matter…
@Douglas_Blake writes on his Blog the following about the NE5532: The standard chips are NE5532 dual low noise op-amps. Unfortunately these are one of the most frequently counterfeited chips. It is not uncommon to find re-branded "something else" chips when doing service or examination work. So, I've taken to just replacing them with RC4558 chips wherever I find them. There is no appreciable difference in performance or sound between the real 5532 chip and the 4558 chip, so the goal in changing them is to ensure the amplifier is not going to fail because of a fake chip.
While you had the dac open, did you consider upgrading the fuse as well?
Tell me more about why this makes a difference?
I must know more..!
I will be doing a follow up video where I will be comparing other op amps.
Perhaps I should do that then.
Can you make a recommendation as to exactly which one, and which type?
Can you explain why?
I’d love to learn more; as would the viewers.
@@consumertechcheck Audiophile fuse benefits: 1. Upgraded caps enhance conductivity and reduce resistance compared to nickel or tin plated fuses 2. Ceramic cases reduce micro-arcing and resonance and have better EMI shielding compared to glass fuses 3. Damping filler quenches arcs during fuse operation and reduces micro-vibrations in the electrical current compared to non-filled fuses. Caveat: SQ benefits will be generally less than upgrading opamps. Also the overall hifi system must have achieved a certain level of fidelity to be able to hear the benefits. Best one in the market is probably Furutech TF Series Audio Fuse. For nearly as good performance at a lower price there is Telos QBT-18.
@@consumertechcheck Also: Ensure you use a fuse with the same specifications (including voltage rating) as the fuse it is replacing, to maintain the device's safety and proper functionality.
You can also upgrade the power supply on this DAC. The ifi ipower2 is a good one.
Ohhh, I like where this is going …. Now there is a great idea..!!!
Not buying OPamps that cost as much as the DAC, but it's cool that Fosi allows for that. I've tried the JRC4580 and its like listening to a old CD player - and not in a bad way (rolled off bass and really detailed with wide soundstage. The TI Opamps that come with it are very good. I'm currently trying the SX52Bs which are discrete like the Sparkos. Pretty good but still think i prefer the ones that came with the Fosi - which is really solid.
Thanks for sharing your experience. the SX52B's are something I should check out. I agree, the Fosi Audio ZD3 sounds great, straight from the factory!
@@consumertechcheck I'm tempted to buying one sparkos for the rca outs and trying it out
Great way to try them out while keeping the costs down… I suspect you’ll be buying more after that…
@@consumertechcheck SX52B and SX45B are way better than the stock opamps.
The difference the sparkos made in every amp I’ve installed them in is unbelievable. I have now replaced three in the ZA3 and 2 in each V3 mono I have four left to replace and I keep replacing them whenever I have the money to spend.
I wouldn’t bother upgrading for the subwoofer. The LME49720 is just fine for that.
If you do this upgrade, save the stock LME49720s because they are better than the NE5532s you’ll find in a lot of gear. You may want to use them later.
I had the same thought for sure… no question; the frequency range is so narrow and the acoustics detail and nuance is most noticeable by the human ear higher up the frequency range. I must admit… if it was my money, I likely would not do this upgrade below 100hz… these were sent to me by Sparkos themselves… thanks again Sparkos…! I love them!
I was hoping that this dac would sound similar to the AKM4493S Velvet. But no, it sounded aggressive like most D-S. Replacing the op-amps didn't help, nor did the linear power supply. Typical Sabre sound, which is tiring.
I would love to put this DAC head to head with a DAC of similar value that has the AKM4493S.
Is there a specific model you’d recommend for that comparison?
I’d love to do that video.
no measurements = baseless claim
I am planning a follow up video where I swap out 4 different op amps (or more) and sound tests to go along with it.
Sincerely: what measurements would you like to see? I’m open to doing this the best way possible.
Howdy, I am local if you ever need a hand with recording demos. Cheers.
ruclips.net/video/UAVEk8Gt3L4/видео.htmlsi=pf2vrhguAyzCfDSD
ruclips.net/video/YiRxscNccYM/видео.htmlsi=EE6j8dqxyGelHyje
@Jazzboy, Thank you for the great offer... You clearly have done this demo properly.., and I would love to do demos like that. I will email you directly.
@consumertechcheck thanks for the email and look forward to meeting you.😁