Op-amp pairing impression, English, 3 swapping op-amps – Asus Xonar Essence One User Manual
Page 6: Essence one - alternative pairing, Essence series and xonar xense
ASUS Op-Amp Swap Guide
English
Essence One - Alternative Pairing
DAC I/V Slot 1
DAC buffer Slot 2
Sound Impression
TI – OPA2107
TI – OPA2132
Sweet and articulate, brighter vocal, slightly less
bottom end sound
TI – OPA2107
NS – LME4980
Detailed and delicate, with less but tighter bottom
sound
NS – LME49720
NS – LM42NA
Cool, more extensive detailed and dampened mid-
range, smooth, Essence ST/STX style
NS – LM42NA
NS – LM42NA
Wider sound stage but less detailed than the above
combination
NS – LM42NA
NJRC – MUSE02
Powerful, punchy sound with good sound stage
and richness, less resolution but good dynamic
NS – LME49720NA
NJRC – MUSE02
Brighter, sweet sound and more detail than the
above combination
TI-OPA1232
NS-LME49720NA
Wider sound stage, brighter and more detailed but
less body
Essence Series and Xonar Xense
1. Loosen the screws with a screwdriver.
2. Remove the EMI shield.
2.3
Swapping Op-Amps
1. Use an IC clamp to clasp an Op-Amp and remove it vertically upwards.
2. Replace it with a new Op-Amp from the Op-Amp kit.
3.
Op-Amp Pairing Impression
Recommended Op-Amp Pairing combinations:
Essence One
I/V Slot 1
Buffer Slot 2
Impression
TI – OPA2132
NS – LM42NA
Brighter, dense bottom end, wider sound stage and
articulate with detail, slightly cool
TI – OPA2132
TI – NE32
Open sound stage, less detailed but with more powerful
bass and bottom end sound
TI – NE32
TI – OPA2132
Less transparent, softer, tighter bottom end
TI – NE32
NS – LM42NA
Brighter and more detailed, airy, a little distant and less
warm
Essence Series and Xonar Xense
I/V Slot 1
Buffer Slot 2
Impression
NS – LME49720
NS – LM42NA
Natural sounding, punchy, great sound stage with depth and details