If the implementation is sound and the supplies are good

the discrete will master the chip,

but there are some good chips

used wisely the 5532 still has potential, in practice rarely realised

Layout , grounding, and supplies need to be top notch for it to happen

Martin C

I could tell of a number of superb measuring op amps but which either have a certain sterility and 'whiteness'

or sound really good in all respects except musical involvement , they are not entertaining

a 5532 on form, in a great layout , can be fun and audiophile

Martin Colloms

In my very limited experience so far, it would seem that an ic that measures well does not guarantee similar effects when used in audio equipment, as Martin said. Many discrete op amps measure more distortion than ic's, yet, according to many who have implemented them correctly, sound superior. Ken, you clearly enjoy a clean, less euphoric sound? (not criticising!)

I have two Burson discretes on order, so will be able to compare them with the AD843 i currently have installed in the ASR Emitter 2 ( Martin, you should do a review on this amp, have you ever used one?), and the Texas Instruments OPA551 that was originally fitted. I find the AD843 to be more open, and combined with my recent work on my ML Spires, inc full rebuild of the passive crossover using Clarity Caps MR's, Duelund Cast resistors and Mundorf's 16 gauge copper foil inductors, see here, it is clear that op amp's effect presentation and texture of instruments. I can honestly say that i have not heard music this good, anywhere, in 27 years in audio.

I will also try NewClassD if possible, Nick at HiFi Collective is sourcing these for me, as he does most of my specialist bits.

Edited by user 04 January 2012 08:10:11(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified