You two are more expert than I, but I think a 5532 is fine in this application because you have
built-in level limits by the nature of digital zero. So as long as you can design your analog
sections to accomodate low distortion at digital zero (and leave a few dB headroom for over-sample
problems with rate and format conversions), then I'm not sure what audible differences there would
be in using a designer chip. Aren't the designer chips more appropriate for mic preamps or inside
condenser mics?
With the high-resolution formats in the download world, I'm starting to see marketing again based on
crazy claims of dynamic range. Benchmark, a company that can stand on its reputation, showed a new
power amp at the AES Convention. Their marketing hook is that they can demonstrate something like a
120dB range from their noise floor to whatever distortion figure they find objectionable. But, what
listening environment outside of an anacholic chamber has 120dB dynamic range? And what music that
provides any pleasure needs 120dB dynamic range? It's not good for your ears to be exposed to 120dB
above silence, but no one seems to talk about that. I remember the dynamic range claims with early
digital, which definitely had a lower noise floor than any tape recorder. The problem was, when
there was sound, it often wasn't as good as the sound coming off the allegedly noisy tape.
-- Tom Fine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Stamler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 6:48 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] $1K DSD recorder
> On 10/25/2013 4:28 PM, Ellis Burman wrote:
>> But it's funny how manufacturers are still touting the NE5532 op-amp. I
>> used them over 25 years ago in my designs for Quad Eight. They're fine (a
>> lot of legendary consoles used them - Neve, Quad Eight, SSL, etc) but there
>> are many better op-amps available now.
>
> Yes, the good ol' 5532 has been surpassed in many ways by more recent designs -- but for an
> excellent balance of low noise and clean performance *at low price*, it's hard to beat.
>
> Peace,
> Paul
>
>
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