Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC upgraded using Burson V6 OpAmps

[GotNoRice]

I've had the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D2 DAC for a while and I've been going back and forth between using LM4562 Opamps and the OPA627 Opamps that came pre-upgraded with this unit (each two single OPA627 OpAmps on an adapter board to create a dual opamp).  Each had it's pros and cons but neither really seemed to be giving me everything I wanted.  The OPA627 seemed more smooth, but almost too smooth, to the point of lacking texture in some cases.  The LM4562 had more of the texture that I preferred, but can also be just a bit harsh, especially for long listening sessions.  The tube output, using a Sylvania 5670W tube, did help, but only so much.

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I've had good results with [URL='https://www.bursonaudio.com/products/supreme-sound-opamp-v6/']Burson Audio[/URL] OpAmps in other devices, so I decided to try some Burson Audio V6 OpAmps in the D2.  Since the TubeMagic D2 DAC uses 3 OpAmps, I decided to mix it up a bit, with one V6 Vivid Dual and two V6 Classic Dual Opamps, each type in a different stage of course.

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Installing them was somewhat tricky, due to the fact that they are so tall, while also being fairly wide at the bottom.  Each Burson Opamp comes with an optional riser that can help keep the OpAmp above the surrounding components, but that also makes the already tall OpAmps even taller.

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Here you can see all the OpAmps installed using risers.  The single V6 Vivid is [I]just[/I] short enough to allow the top cover to be installed.  Unfortunately, due to the design of the sockets, the V6 Classics in the middle sit just a tiny bit higher, and that tiny extra bit of height was enough to prevent the cover from closing properly.  My only other good choice was to try and install the V6 Classics without the risers.  That made them awfully cozy with some of the surrounding components, but seems to not be a problem.  That made them shorter and the cover is able to close correctly with them installed.

http://gotnorice.com/BursonReview/BursonSide3.jpg

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 Listening tests were done using my Little-Dot I+ Headphone Amplifier, using Sylvania 408A tubes, powering a set of Beyerdynamic DT770-Pro 80-Ohm headphones.

http://gotnorice.com/BursonReview/D2littledot.jpg

During my tests, the difference sounded fairly subtle.  They definitely have texture, more like the LM4562 than the OPA627, but they also were not fatiguing at all.  Vocals were vibrant and and the mid-bass was very energetic.  When I really noticed the difference though, was when I took them out.  The OPA627 and LM4562 OpAmps just seemed dull compared to before.  Not terrible, but there was clearly something missing.

Both the Tube output and the Normal output seemed to benefit from the upgrade, but I still prefer the Tube output overall, as was the case with the previous OpAmps that I used.

Hopefully there will be no long-term issues with the V6 Classic Opamps being in contact with some of the surrounding components, but so far there are no issues.  It turned out to be a very worthwhile upgrade.

[Voltron]

You really joined 10 years ago and this is your first post? Opamp reviews on some random dac? What the fuck is that? 

[grawk]

he didn't come back between those 2 visits

[skullguise]

There was a lot to prepare apparently!