This Amp Hack is Changing the Hifi Industry! No more Gate Keeping

Summary

The video enthusiastically promotes upgrading inexpensive class D amplifiers by replacing their operational amplifiers (opamps) to customize and optimize sound. It describes swapping various opamps in an FZYA Audio amplifier, assessing impacts to clarity, warmth, soundstage, etc. The sparkos opamps excel, intensely pulling the listener in with expansive, immersive sound. Opamp rolling mimics changing phono cartridges. Upgrade costs start small, so those with limited budgets can incrementally improve their systems and resell unwanted opamps.

Takeaways

• 😀 These budget amps can be upgraded to get high-end performance for a fraction of the cost
• 🤔 The opamps significantly change the sound characteristics like clarity, warmth, sound stage etc
• 🧐 You only need to change 2-3 opamps in the amps to get most of the benefit
• 😮 The Sparkos opamps gave the biggest improvement in sound stage, imaging and dynamics
• 🤩 The Burson opamps made the sound smoother and more laidback
• 😲 The TI opamps emphasized cleanliness and clarity in the treble
• 🔧 The amps are easy to modify by swapping opamps in sockets on the circuit board
• 💰 Start with cheap amp, upgrade opamps incrementally as budget allows
• 👍 Can resell opamps later if you don't like them after trying out
• ✅ Overall changing opamps is an inexpensive way to tune the sound of budget amps

Q & A

What was the first high-fi product the narrator purchased?

The first proper high-fi product the narrator purchased was a used 12 watt per channel receiver that cost about $100.

How much power can the class D amplifiers discussed put out?

The class D amplifiers discussed can put out 70, 80, or 200 watts per channel depending on the power supply.

What does the narrator recommend to help protect yourself from getting hacked?

The narrator recommends using a quality VPN service like NordVPN to help protect yourself from getting hacked when using public Wi-Fi.

Why does the narrator think upgrading cheap amplifiers makes sense?

The narrator thinks upgrading cheap amplifiers makes sense because you can upgrade components over time as your budget allows, much like upgrading a car.

Which op amp did the narrator say adds warmth and smoothness?

The narrator said the Burson Audio V5i dual op amp adds warmth and smoothness, making it good for taming harsh-sounding speakers.

What op amp did the narrator say was his favorite for the amplifier?

The narrator's favorite op amp for the amplifier was the SparkOS SS3602, which he said made the sound more intense, immersive, and dynamic.

How did the narrator compare op amp rolling to other audio upgrades?

The narrator compared changing out op amps to changing phono cartridges on a turntable in terms of altering and customizing the sound.

What speaker was used for the op amp comparisons?

The speaker used for the op amp comparisons was the PSB Alpha 3.

How can readers support the narrator's channel?

Viewers can support the narrator's channel by signing up on Patreon, using affiliate links, liking videos, subscribing, or sending money via Thanks on YouTube.

What does the narrator recommend listeners do instead of binge watching tv/movies?

The narrator recommends listeners "binge listen" to music through their favorite new op amp rather than binge watch shows.