opamp upgrade worth?

Started by Dimitree, December 11, 2013, 04:16:59 PM

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Dimitree

Hi everyone
I have some good quality opamp in smd format, like OPA2132 and other burr brown dual opamps.
Do you think it is worth if I put these in my not-diy effects, like Line6 M13, Digitech Whammy and DD20? I opened those pedals, they use 4580, TL072, and similar. I don't have any problem in desoldering-soldering smd ICs.
Would there be audible differences?

Mark Hammer

Guitar signal doesn't have a lot of bandwidth to begin with.  If you feel that the units in question are a little noisy, then it is possible that replacing the op-amps might improve S/N ratio.  But I doubt they will improve the sound quality.  Behringer and other budget manufacturers can make some bad chip choices and go with what's cheapest, but once you're paying the sort of prices those pedals command, the chances are low that the manufacturer will have skimped on op-amps for the sake of saving a cuple of cents or avoiding a purchase requisition.  The 4580 is a pretty decent chip, and even higher-end stuff is quite content to go with TL072s.  The weak link in terms of sound quality in those types of pedals will be in the algorithms and how much is being demanded of the DSP more than the op-amps.