[shep]

My Marantz cdp was upgraded to BrownBurr opa2134 but there was a further option of the opa627
that I was too late to try. Since it has to go back for repairs I was going to have this option done. I would appreciate thoughts and experience on this subject. Here's the link to the guy who did my machine.   http://www.sercal-electronics.co.uk/ In for a penny, in for a pound...I guess the question is, is it worth it?

[Occam]

Hi Shep,

The OPA627 (for gains of <5, for gains >5 the OPA637) is the best of the Burr Brown 'sound' opamps. That sound is typically described as warm and extended, but lacking the 'jump factor' of stereotypical AD opamps like the AD8620. Its a subjective preference. These are singles (quite expensive) and to replace dual opamps, 2 are mounted on Cimmaron Technology (browndog) adapters.
Is it a worthwhile upgrade? I certainly think so, although my own diy swaps are to OPA2107 dual opamps as its simpler and IMO, in spitt'n distance to the more complicated and expensive 627 swaps.

The upgrades offered by Sercal seem very reasonably priced in the scheme of things. There is a long running thread over on diyaudio -
http://www.sercal-electronics.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=8
where the proprietor of Sercal [their real biz seems to be test equipment repair and callibration] posts as 'rowemeister'. He is open and communicative to the diy community which is allways appreciated.

[shep]

Thank you Occam. I might suggest that alternative if he is willing. The sound of the Opa2134 is a touch hard and metallic and since this is by no means a hi-end machine (cd-67), every little bit helps. I wouldn't have gone this route but he sold this machine on e-bay and the price was right so...