Role of op amps in CD players

tpatton · 2068

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Offline tpatton

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on: March 11, 2012, 07:37:54 AM
I'm told that replacing/upgrading the op amps in a good CD player, a Denon 1500 II, for example, helps the sound even more than replacing old caps.  But my only use for a CD player is as a transport, used with a truly outstanding DAC that this Forum has heard about from me before.  So my question: are the op amps in the CD player's circuit as part of its DAC function?  If so, it would seem that replacing them would not help the sound, given the intention to use an external DAC.  Does that make sense?  And where in the circuit do the op amps serve?  I bet someone in this Forum knows, and can advise me on this.  As usual, thanks in advance.


Offline Jim R.

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Reply #1 on: March 11, 2012, 08:52:49 AM
Typically they are used for the I/V conversion and/or output stages (which are often one in the same), so you're correct in that if you are using it as a transport only, the op amps shouldn't matter.

HTH,

Jim

Jim Rebman -- recovering audiophile

Equitech balanced power; uRendu, USB processor -> Musette DAC -> 5670 tube buffer -> Finale Audio F138 FFX -> Cain and Cain Abbys near-field).

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Offline coca

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Reply #2 on: March 11, 2012, 01:16:45 PM
Jim is correct that the op amps are found in the DAC. However, if someone knows their way around DAC's. op amp subitutions can be made in certain units. The op amps in my tube unit uses plugins, and I took avantage of purchasing two additional ones for just a flavour change. My next mod is to install an upsampler  that was designed for my particular CD player, so my total of three opamps will no longer be of any use in my player.

Bernie.


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