User guide

6
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 – LME49860 Detailed and delicate, with less but tighter bottom
sound
NS – LME49720 NS – LM4562NA Cool, more extensive detailed and dampened mid-
range, smooth, Essence ST/STX style
NS – LM4562NA NS – LM4562NA Wider sound stage but less detailed than the above
combination
NS – LM4562NA 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 – LM4562NA
Brighter, dense bottom end, wider sound stage and
articulate with detail, slightly cool
TI – OPA2132 TI – NE5532
Open sound stage, less detailed but with more powerful
bass and bottom end sound
TI – NE5532 TI – OPA2132 Less transparent, softer, tighter bottom end
TI – NE5532 NS – LM4562NA
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 – LM4562NA Natural sounding, punchy, great sound stage with depth and details