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Cymax Purifi 1ET9040BA with Weiss OP2-BP Dual-Mono Power Amplifier

Let’s tone this down and be tolerant of others. Thanks!

P.S. some posts were deleted due to personal attacks
 
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darcman said:
I bought some Weiss opamps, a guy had some for sale locally at a good price so I snapped them up. I wanted to remain neutral on what effect the Weiss might do, so I went into it thinking the Weiss probably wouldnt do much. I kept my expectations low. The Weiss OP2-BP are definitely different than the Sparkos SS2590. Now if you ordered a Cymax with the Sparkos its something you could easily live with, I could have. I was curious...so my first impressions I thought maybe the Weiss werent as extended in the highs. With further listening the Weiss are, just maybe smother. The soundstage depth is definitely greater with the Weiss and taller too. I thought the soundstage width was about the same, but its just a touch wider too. Another thing the decay is increased. So in general now I would say the Weiss are airer, with increased soundstage in all directions, with depth being probably being the most noticeable. Listening to more music the Weisss are a little more detailed.

Now its not to say the Sparkos are bad or the Weiss are way better. Like I was saying I easily could have lived with the Sparkos, they sounded great. Its just when you hear both, there definitely are differences. The Sparkos do have a little warmer presentation and that sounds contrary to my first impressions where I thought the Sparkos might be a little more extended (weird). I think its going to come down to a preference. I would have to say I prefer the Weiss. I have always loved a deep soundstage so the Weiss tick that box. The Weiss are airier and more detailed, so thats a couple more boxes ticked. When I say the Weiss are more detailed, its not over detailed to the point where music sounds clinical. The Weiss just have greater detail which in turn makes music sound airier. I would have probably lived with the Sparkos for a long time. You dont see the Weiss opamps used for sale very often at all. So when the oppurtunity presented itself, local sale, price, and I had the money I figure I better jump on them.

Anyways I am glad I bought the Weiss OP2-BP. If someone was buying a Cymax Purifi 9040 and funds were limited and you wanted save a quite a few dollars, ya sure go for the Sparkos SS2590, they sound great. I guess that why I ordered the Cymax Purifi 9040 with the Sparkos. I wanted to see how I got along with it, I mean I wasnt sure that I would even like it. I am glad I got the Cymax with the Sparkos as it gave me a chance to live with and compare. The Weiss opamps fell into my lap, hard to refuse. If a person had the funds to get the Cymax with the Weiss, go for it, if thats the sound that you think you would prefer and work for you in your system. I guess ultimately it would be nice to get both Weiss and Sparkos. There might be cases where if you had a super detailed DAC, maybe the Weiss might be to much or not.

I lost count how many hours I got on the Cymax now, it must be 200. I think it has settled for the most part. It was sounding really great before and now with the addition of the Weiss, I think it sounds even better. Ya wow the Cymax Purifi 9040 with the Weiss opamps sure sounds good.
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Thanks for sharing your experience going from the Sparkos to the Weiss op-amps. I have always wondered the difference between them. The best microphone to hear the difference is our ears. I’m thoroughly enjoying my Cymax 9040/Weiss. Between stereo music and home theatre, it sounds wide, deep and effortless. A friend has another unit coming soon and for his, the whole top edge of the copper partition around the Weiss is insulated.
 
The challenge with “the best microphone is our ears” approach, is that individual hearing is different and adaptive. You may not get the same results on your system as another member does.

The lack of hearing consistency is highly problematic. Measurements at least can be consistent. In the end, it is your money if you choose to solely trust someone else’s hearing.:oops:
 
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vipersg said:
Thanks for sharing your experience going from the Sparkos to the Weiss op-amps. I have always wondered the difference between them. The best microphone to hear the difference is our ears. I’m thoroughly enjoying my Cymax 9040/Weiss. Between stereo music and home theatre, it sounds wide, deep and effortless. A friend has another unit coming soon and for his, the whole top edge of the copper partition around the Weiss is insulated.
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Is your friend getting the Cymax 9040 Weiss. The insulation you are talking about, on mine they put pieces under the ribbon and the input wire. I guess they must of thought might as well insulate the whole thing.
 
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ChatGPT:


Sparkos SS2590 vs Weiss OP2-BP – Sound Differences Between Discrete Op-Amps​


The Sparkos SS2590 and the Weiss OP2-BP are both discrete operational amplifiers designed for high-end audio applications. While they aim for similar goals, they differ in their sonic character and technical design.



Sparkos SS2590 – Transparency and Precision​


The Sparkos SS2590 is a discrete op-amp used in professional audio gear such as microphone preamps, equalizers, and consoles. It features:


  • High open-loop gain: 165 dB up to 100 Hz
  • Two-pole compensation: For maximum open-loop gain in the audio band
  • Wide bandwidth: 10 MHz at unity gain
  • Low noise: 1.5 nV/√Hz at 20 kHz bandwidth
  • Fully discrete BJT design: With input bias current compensation
  • Unity-gain stable: Suitable for a wide range of audio applications

The SS2590 is engineered to be as transparent as possible, aiming to reproduce and capture music with utmost accuracy. Sparkos Labs’ design philosophy is “a piece of wire with gain,” focusing on faithful sound reproduction. It has been used in various professional audio setups, including RCA Studios microphone preamps. (sparkoslabs.com)



️ Weiss OP2-BP – Musicality and Warmth​


The Weiss OP2-BP is another discrete op-amp tailored for high-end audio use. Key characteristics include:


  • Fully discrete design: Engineered for premium sound
  • Optimized for audio: Designed specifically for professional audio gear
  • Sonic flexibility: Offers a warm, musical tonal signature

The OP2-BP provides a warm and musical sound that’s often appreciated in systems where a touch of character and tonal richness is desired.



️ Sound Character Comparison​


FeatureSparkos SS2590Weiss OP2-BP
Sound CharacterTransparent and preciseWarm and musical
ApplicationsMic preamps, EQs, consolesVersatile audio with tonal focus
Design Philosophy“A piece of wire with gain”Musicality and sonic character


Conclusion​


Choosing between the Sparkos SS2590 and the Weiss OP2-BP depends on your specific audio needs. The SS2590 is ideal when accuracy and clarity are paramount, while the OP2-BP is preferred when warmth and musicality are desired.


For more detailed specs and recommendations, it's best to consult manufacturer documentation or dedicated audio forums.



Would you like a comparison chart image or audio samples if available?
 
This sure turned into a battle royal lol. The derailers are coming out from every where. How many here actually own a Cymax Purifi 9040 or any Purifi 9040??? I would rather hear from people that actually own the Cymax. By the way, I might do an oil change on my car today.
 
I have a pair of 9040 monoblocks driving a pair of Acoustat 6600's. They just output what is input, only larger. They aren't "musical", "warm", or otherwise impart any coloring or augmentation to the signal that I can audibly discern.
 
darcman said:
This sure turned into a battle royal lol. The derailers are coming out from every where. How many here actually own a Cymax Purifi 9040 or any Purifi 9040??? I would rather hear from people that actually own the Cymax. By the way, I might do an oil change on my car today.
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It's not derailing to comment on OP amps when the topic was brought up.

This being a science forum, it is especially prudent to try to objectively correct misunderstood topics so that those who are reading are not given wrong ideas that perpetuate long standing myths.
 
goryu said:
I have a pair of 9040 monoblocks driving a pair of Acoustat 6600's. They just output what is input, only larger. They aren't "musical", "warm", or otherwise impart any coloring or augmentation to the signal that I can audibly discern.
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Do you have Buckeye Purifi 9040? It depends on how you want to define your amp. An amplifier is supposed to do that, amplify the signal. You must remember the old days where as soon as you mention class D, people would hold their ears and say "my ears are bleeding" Die hard class A or AB guys would say those sound COLD and CLINICAL. I know early class D stuff to me sounded a bit unnatural and almost mechanical. Instruments didnt sound quite correct.

I think the 9040 sounds what I would call natural which is part of being musical to me. With my Sparkos when I first had the Cymax, I forget the song, but I thought that has just the right amount of warmth. While I think the Sparkos leans to a slightly warmer sound, I think its the 9040 that produces the warmth, if thats what the music call for. Maybe not quite like a tube warmth, but leaning that way if need be, I find that musical.

I guess you are happy with your amp. I sure am happy with my Cymax, I think it sounds great
 
darcman said:
Hey you make some nice amps and that is great. Your amps dont offer the ability to try different opamps, thats your design. The Cymax amp I bought has various options and you can change opamps. We all know ASR is all about measurements and tests. Probably most people here dont believe opamps can have any effect on sound. I merely commented on an option I tried for my Cymax Purifi 9040 amp in the Cymax Purifi 9040 amp thread.

It is derailing the thread when zealots attack. This thread isnt intended to take anything away from your business. Cymax is just a differ manufacturer with different options. I may very well have phurchased a 9040 amp from you, but I think you didnt offer a stereo version. The US started a trade war with Canada and I just couldnt take a chance and buy an amp from you. The tariffs seemed to be changing daily, I didnt want to get stuck paying an extra 25% or whatever for your amps.
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My responses here are independent of my business (I am not commenting on Cymax, but rather on OP Amp rolling). They are responses as an informed enthusiast.

And no one is "attacking". They are simply pointing out the objective truth behind rolling OP amps so that others reading will have the correct information to read and work with in hopes of not falling for audio gimmicks that can cost them a decent amount of money.
 
Mnyb said:
It has nothing to with the cymax product it’s probably very nice . But bizarre tales about sonic characteristics of op amps ? As this is ASR where we have come to discuss audio without the usual mythology.
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If you visit the Cymax Purifi 9040 page there is all kinds of options. One of the options is opamps. I bought mine with the Sparkos SS2590 and then I tried the Weiss OP2-BP. I know I am not going to change a zealot nonbelievers mind. I just gave my impressions in this Cymax Purifi 1ET9040BA thread. Now its got all wonky from opinons that should be saved for a opamp thread. Thats why I said take it or leave
 
Buckeye Amps said:
My responses here are independent of my business (I am not commenting on Cymax, but rather on OP Amp rolling). They are responses as an informed enthusiast.

And no one is "attacking". They are simply pointing out the objective truth behind rolling OP amps so that others reading will have the correct information to read and work with in hopes of not falling for audio gimmicks that can cost them a decent amount of money.
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Attacking...yes Independent of you business...hard to remove yourself Ojective Truth...you have your opinion and I have mine
 
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