Electronics Overview
Opamps
Headphone/front channels output JRC2114Ds
These opamps are a generic unit but they are usually paired with this DAC as part of the reference design. These units have been used for current to voltage conversion on many higher specification soundcards.
Multichannel output JRC5532s
These opamps have to be the most widely used opamp in audio electronic design. They would be considered the generic opamp by many but can provide some excellent sound when put in the proper support circuit design.
Modding Options
The first place to start would be the opamps. ASUS put the stock opamps in sockets atleast for the main headphone output. So lets dig into the Guru3D audio Lab opamp collection and pull out a few choice units.
LME49720HAs
These TO-99 modules have been used with great success on many different sound sources including the Xonar series. These opamps seemed to provide a tighter bottom end, offering more low bass while removing a bit of the low-mid bass. Excellent clarity and details present with these modules.
OPA2111AMs
These chips have become some of our favorites and provide some excellent sound in the newer soundcard designs. These chips offer more of a low end weight to the cards signature and a more tube flavoring. These chips offered a very nice synergy with the DACs and other components of the Xense.