Soundtracs Topaz Upgrades-opamp and recap

quamen · 13th September 2005, 10:43 AM

Hello:

I have a Soundtracs Topaz 24 channel/eight buss. It has TL072/074 throughout the channels and NE5532 on the master summing. It uses a +/- 17 volt @ 1.5amps power supply.

It uses generic electrolytic capactitors throughout.

I am wondering if there is any benefit in replacing the opamps with OPA2604/OPA2134 or similar opamps. I would likely have to upgrade the power supply.

Any suggestions?

What about discrete summing amps?

Also it is worth it to re-cap the console with Panasonic electrolytic caps?

I like the sound of the console but sometimes it sounds congested and muddy compared to more expensive consoles.

It doesn't matter if someone has done these upgrades to this specific console or not. Any experience with similar consoles would be helpful.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Kevin

ddanyboy · 13th September 2005, 04:43 PM

just wanted to say that im also very interested in this, since i have it to.

Jim Williams · 13th September 2005, 07:13 PM

You can try out the BB's, but you will need a scope to determine if the opamps are stable. Adding some .1 uf mono ceramic caps from the opamp's power pins to ground is helpful. I've redone this console with LT1358's for the duals and LT1359's for the quads. Increase the coupling caps. Bypass with polyprop film caps and you will have air.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

needlz · 12th March 2006, 02:02 AM

Hey Jim,

I know this thread is long dead but I stumbled across it in my quest to upgrade my newly acquired Topaz 24. I have read some other chatter talking about the merits of the LT1469CN8 from Linear Technology, SSM2135, and other manufacturer 5532 (JRC 5532D, and 5532 from Philips or Raytheon). Have you had any experience and/or thoughts about these chips as replacements for the stock 5532 in the Topaz? Also... can you share some specifics in cap type/brand/value you use in your mods as upgrades to the stock Topaz.

Thanks man. I really am stoked there are people like you out there making stock consoles sound even better.

cheers,
erik

Jim Williams · 14th March 2006, 04:07 PM

Oh yeah, lets bring this one back. I used mostly either Panasonic FM, Nichicon HE or Rubycon Z or Black Gates. All require a film bypass cap. Try the LT1358 against those others. Like when your ears pop after landing in a jet. LM6172 is very good but somewhat tougher to stabilize.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

severe · 9th August 2006, 12:58 AM

Hey Jim?

Any chance of getting a semi-detailed list of the upgrades available for the Topaz? Benefits? I've read about your master section mod but not firsthand. Anyone here had this done?

Rather than calling you, I thought it may be a good idea to have this info posted here at GS for all Topaz owners that may be interested.

Thanks.

Jim Williams · 9th August 2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by severe

Hey Jim?

Any chance of getting a semi-detailed list of the upgrades available for the Topaz? Benefits? I've read about your master section mod but not firsthand. Anyone here had this done?

Rather than calling you, I thought it may be a good idea to have this info posted here at GS for all Topaz owners that may be interested.

Thanks.

Only if you promise to open your studio to all and don't charge them for your time.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

GL Respect Due · 9th August 2006, 04:20 PM

I've got a Topaz here that I rechipped with JRCs. I also modified the power supply board. Sounds much smoother now, a bit more open, and quite a bit punchier. I'm contemplating selling it though, as I haven't used the board in quite some time. That said, I highly reccomend the above modifications. It really takes the stock Topaz sound up a few notches.

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13th September 2005, 10:43 AM	#1
quamen Gear interested Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 7	Soundtracs Topaz Upgrades-opamp and recap Hello: I have a Soundtracs Topaz 24 channel/eight buss. It has TL072/074 throughout the channels and NE5532 on the master summing. It uses a +/- 17 volt @ 1.5amps power supply. It uses generic electrolytic capactitors throughout. I am wondering if there is any benefit in replacing the opamps with OPA2604/OPA2134 or similar opamps. I would likely have to upgrade the power supply. Any suggestions? What about discrete summing amps? Also it is worth it to re-cap the console with Panasonic electrolytic caps? I like the sound of the console but sometimes it sounds congested and muddy compared to more expensive consoles. It doesn't matter if someone has done these upgrades to this specific console or not. Any experience with similar consoles would be helpful. Thanks for any suggestions. Kevin

9th August 2006, 12:58 AM	#6
severe Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,134	Hey Jim? Any chance of getting a semi-detailed list of the upgrades available for the Topaz? Benefits? I've read about your master section mod but not firsthand. Anyone here had this done? Rather than calling you, I thought it may be a good idea to have this info posted here at GS for all Topaz owners that may be interested. Thanks. __________________ "Some of you people just plain don't know s---. No offense." -theblue1 "Tell us if it looks like it will sound good." -RKrizman "The many truths we cling to depend greatly on our point of view." -Obi-Wan Kenobi

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13th September 2005, 04:43 PM	#2
ddanyboy Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 189	just wanted to say that im also very interested in this, since i have it to.

13th September 2005, 07:13 PM	#3
Jim Williams Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 4,071	You can try out the BB's, but you will need a scope to determine if the opamps are stable. Adding some .1 uf mono ceramic caps from the opamp's power pins to ground is helpful. I've redone this console with LT1358's for the duals and LT1359's for the quads. Increase the coupling caps. Bypass with polyprop film caps and you will have air. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades

12th March 2006, 02:02 AM	#4
needlz Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 216	Hey Jim, I know this thread is long dead but I stumbled across it in my quest to upgrade my newly acquired Topaz 24. I have read some other chatter talking about the merits of the LT1469CN8 from Linear Technology, SSM2135, and other manufacturer 5532 (JRC 5532D, and 5532 from Philips or Raytheon). Have you had any experience and/or thoughts about these chips as replacements for the stock 5532 in the Topaz? Also... can you share some specifics in cap type/brand/value you use in your mods as upgrades to the stock Topaz. Thanks man. I really am stoked there are people like you out there making stock consoles sound even better. cheers, erik

14th March 2006, 04:07 PM	#5
Jim Williams Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: beautiful Carlsbad, CA Posts: 4,071	Oh yeah, lets bring this one back. I used mostly either Panasonic FM, Nichicon HE or Rubycon Z or Black Gates. All require a film bypass cap. Try the LT1358 against those others. Like when your ears pop after landing in a jet. LM6172 is very good but somewhat tougher to stabilize. Jim Williams Audio Upgrades

9th August 2006, 04:20 PM	#8
GL Respect Due Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Wally World, AR Posts: 523	I've got a Topaz here that I rechipped with JRCs. I also modified the power supply board. Sounds much smoother now, a bit more open, and quite a bit punchier. I'm contemplating selling it though, as I haven't used the board in quite some time. That said, I highly reccomend the above modifications. It really takes the stock Topaz sound up a few notches.