"Rolling" Op Amps in Voyager
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Headphone Audio
Forum Name: Portable Headphone User
Forum Description: Technical Q&A, hints and tips
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=788
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 6:08am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: "Rolling" Op Amps in Voyager
Posted By: krismusic
Subject: "Rolling" Op Amps in Voyager
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2010 at 10:25pm
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Hi, I am using a Voyager and iPod with great results. I have the Sennheiser IE8 IEM's. As you may know these are a very warm sounding headphone. I have read of people taming this, with other amps, by changing the op amps. Is this something that you would recommend with the Voyager? Thanks  |
Replies:
Posted By: thepoetboy
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 11:08am
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I do wander why people stay quiet on this, maybe it is to keep the integrity of the signature sound mr graham has spend pain staking hours to preserve and also if you are a newbie, you might risk damaging the op amp if you do not have any decent tweezers/tools. But if you interested, I will pm you but at your own risk. Eric ------------- Graham Slee Voyager, TU-PH01, TU22 Earsonics SM3, Fit Ear 111, IE8 |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 4:46pm
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The Voyager is configured in such a way that the op-amp used will function properly. Other op-amps may not have an adequate common mode input voltage range and in such cases will either not work at all... or some will get damaged by a condition known as latch-up. I always encourage people to learn about electronics where it is of interest to them, but frown upon people who don't know what they're doing but do so anyway. I also feel very frustrated to see the blind leading the blind. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: BAK
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 6:39pm
Please!!!! Do NOT "roll" op amps!
The one used in any device was hand-selected by the designer for it's specific purpose.
Therefore one should not expect any improvement.
"Rolling" op amps is a breach of contract; voiding the warranty.
Graham, as the designer, would have to approve of any modifications to his design!
This is copywrite law.
His designs are more complex than they appear.
------------- Bruce AT-14SA, Pickering XV-15, Hana EL, Technics SL-1600MK2, Lautus, Majestic DAC, Technics SH-8055 spectrum analyzer, Eminence Beta8A custom cabs; Proprius & Reflex M or C, Enjoy Life your way! |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 7:34pm
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I feel I must add that even using an op-amp who's common mode input range is wide enough for the type of bias used in the Voyager, there are other matters that should be observed. One regards high frequency stability, or instability if you get it wrong. All op-amps (and discrete implementations) have a Gain Bandwidth Product, which at some frequency falls to unity gain. Left uncompensated the amp would ring or oscillate and some people are known to like the sound that produces. Often that is considered a success in "chip rolling", and often many follow. Some then go on to found companies making unstable products, and with there being so many uneducated reviewers on the internet, such products are very well received. It is often then noted that these things can run hot, and that is perceived as good hi-fi.... ...then the electrolytic capacitors burn out early and the "nodders" will in no way disagree with themselves, but instead put up with the failing sound quality, and eventually find somebody like me to make things better. And it goes round and round and upside down, and it doesn't do me any favours at all. ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Posted By: Ash
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 7:46pm
 I'm quite amazed that Graham hasn't already lost his rag on this topic...  ------------- We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. |
Posted By: Humboldt
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 9:43pm
In my opinion a good amplifier should be transparent, i e neutral in it´s sound signature. Of course there is no absolute neutrality, but if the sound is to warm i would recommend changing the headphones instead. Changing the op-amps to get a less warm sound is for me like putting the wagon in front of the horse. |
krismusic wrote:Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 10:28pm
Cruel sarcasm Ash but that is a corking graphic and caption. I may need to take it to meetings from now on. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2013 at 10:29pm
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I would add that I agree with Humboldt about the transducer's character. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: BAK
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2013 at 2:43pm
 ------------- Bruce AT-14SA, Pickering XV-15, Hana EL, Technics SL-1600MK2, Lautus, Majestic DAC, Technics SH-8055 spectrum analyzer, Eminence Beta8A custom cabs; Proprius & Reflex M or C, Enjoy Life your way! |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2013 at 10:32pm
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This still makes me laugh when I see it. Thank you Ash. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2013 at 12:16am
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Yes, well done! And if anybody is good at this sort of thing they can make their own right here: http://diy.despair.com/ ------------- That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |