Modding options

Modification Options

Disclaimer: This section has been added for informational purposes only.  Modifying your soundcard without the required knowledge can cause damage to your hardware and is not recommended. 

Opamps - We have been swapping out modules and testing different opamp units for a very long time now.  It is nice to see the companies are catching on to this mainstream DIY user group and offering opamp sockets for those how wish to tune their cards.  Lets look through our extensive opamp collection and pick out a couple units we think might offer some positive changes.

OPA2111AMs

We installed these opamps in the current to voltage converter section; they are a high grade audio opamps and great for modding.

The 2111AMs improve the bass and warm up the overall signature of the card.  We like to test new cards using these opamps as they are one of our favorite units.  It should be understood though that they are hard to find and expensive in comparison to other modules.

LME49710HAs

We already noted this card uses LME49710 modules but they are Dip8 based versions.  For audio use the Guru3D audio Lab prefers the TO-99 metal can versions.  They are higher grade then the DIP8 and offer improved isolation and resistance to any interference that might be present.

The LME49710HA modules we installed offer a similar signature to the DIP8 versions, although we noticed the signature is more refined with these units.  The clarity and detail is amazing on this card stock and more-so with these opamps in the buffer sections.  Out of all the chips in the LM/LME family this chip is arguably the best model from a design standpoint.