Toft ATB Question about changing Opamps/Transformers

[mos]

Im thinking of getting a ATB, after hearing it at a friends place. I read somewhere in a Thread that the channel opamps can be replaced. Does anyone know if its possible to
change the opamps to for example API 2520 type opamp? (for a more punchy sound)

Also is there room on the channel pcbs to add a input/output transformer?

thnx!

[TAVD]

Sticking in a 2520 footprint is a major surgery. You could possibly roll your own discrete amp on a dip8 footprint and I even believe Alan mentioned offering such a product at one time. There are good IC amps available so I'd just stick with those.

There is no provision on the channel strip pcb for a transformer but there is room between channels.

[amorris]

Do you have any idea what a 2520 is? these are a factor of 10 times larger (taller, wider and longer x10)than a regular IC. they require a different power supply voltage, and cost around $100 each. (you cant buy them new from API because too many cloners would buy them all up and leave none for API customers).

So go figure out what chip is in the thing and then ask us. there are swappable chips, but unless you reconfigure input impedances and freq compensations and power supply isolation, just swapping them only gives minimal changes, nevermind actual improvements.

re-chipping an allready designed console would cost as much in research and redesign than it would cost to buy the board you want at the beginning. several posters around here have done the research and redesign and its a little unfair to ask for that info to free. (some do give it, but it is not to be assumed).

[Brad McGowan]

My personal feeling is that transformers have more of an impact on the sound of an audio circuit than opamps. Changing from a Cinemag, to a Lundahl, to a Carnhill tranformer is way more obvious than the swap from a 5534 to a 2520 to my ears, especially if you are seeking "color".

Brad