I compared this little op-amp to the LME49860 in my first generation Matrix M-Stage. DAC used was a titanium HD. Headphone used was a Fostex TH-X00 and an AKG Q701.
Let me start off with saying that the bass response of this little opamp pleasantly surprised me. My recent ventures into electronic styles of music and purchase of a Fostex headphone have turned me into a bit of a basshead. I still tend to boost the 31Hz and 62Hz sliders quite a bit for that little bit of extra oomph. I can turn that EQ down quite a bit now with the Burson V5i, while I did need it with the LME 49860! The treble sizzles a bit less with the V5i, but I guess that is to be expected with frequency response being a relative thing.
If I had to describe this amp with one word it would be analog. Its sound stage is a little more intimate than the LME as well, making the more old school sound complete. It really is a good thing for my Q701, which can be quite anemic and shrill at times.
I'm not sure if I would keep it for use with the Fostex TH-X00 though, but that's probably due to my set-up as well. Both my DAC and amp are quite warm and bassy on their own and with a very bass heavy headphone with a more intimate soundstage the V5i might push it a little too far into that direction. The bass quantity is impressive, but with this particular combination of equipment it gets a little too closed sounding and the bass a little too loose. An opamp with a leaner sound, together with a slight EQ nod below 60Hz for bass addicts like myself might fit it a little better, because the mid bass stays in control more.
I do prefer it with the Q701 though, because it tames the shrillness and beefs it up where needed. Should I have had a brighter sounding DAC and amp I might have preferred it with the Fostex as well. This is not a bad thing at all though. I think that opamps are a great way to fine tune your system to your wishes and this little opamp does it very well for setups that need a little more roll off in the treble and a little bit more low end.
Would I recommend buying it? As always: it depends. If your set up calls for a bit more analog with a bit of slam I think it's a great choice. If all you need is one dual opamp in your headphone amp, like I did, the price is acceptable. If you need an entire array of them I can see the price being an objection. It is not that dissimilar than cheaper opamps, but it does have its own signature nuances.
Let me start off with saying that the bass response of this little opamp pleasantly surprised me. My recent ventures into electronic styles of music and purchase of a Fostex headphone have turned me into a bit of a basshead. I still tend to boost the 31Hz and 62Hz sliders quite a bit for that little bit of extra oomph. I can turn that EQ down quite a bit now with the Burson V5i, while I did need it with the LME 49860! The treble sizzles a bit less with the V5i, but I guess that is to be expected with frequency response being a relative thing.
If I had to describe this amp with one word it would be analog. Its sound stage is a little more intimate than the LME as well, making the more old school sound complete. It really is a good thing for my Q701, which can be quite anemic and shrill at times.
I'm not sure if I would keep it for use with the Fostex TH-X00 though, but that's probably due to my set-up as well. Both my DAC and amp are quite warm and bassy on their own and with a very bass heavy headphone with a more intimate soundstage the V5i might push it a little too far into that direction. The bass quantity is impressive, but with this particular combination of equipment it gets a little too closed sounding and the bass a little too loose. An opamp with a leaner sound, together with a slight EQ nod below 60Hz for bass addicts like myself might fit it a little better, because the mid bass stays in control more.
I do prefer it with the Q701 though, because it tames the shrillness and beefs it up where needed. Should I have had a brighter sounding DAC and amp I might have preferred it with the Fostex as well. This is not a bad thing at all though. I think that opamps are a great way to fine tune your system to your wishes and this little opamp does it very well for setups that need a little more roll off in the treble and a little bit more low end.
Would I recommend buying it? As always: it depends. If your set up calls for a bit more analog with a bit of slam I think it's a great choice. If all you need is one dual opamp in your headphone amp, like I did, the price is acceptable. If you need an entire array of them I can see the price being an objection. It is not that dissimilar than cheaper opamps, but it does have its own signature nuances.
