A quick update on op-amps for the MyRef Rev E: One of the side-benefits of the Rev E compensation modification is that there is some flexibility for rolling opamps other than the stock LM318. Here are my preliminary tests with a few opamps.
1. Burr-Brown OPA627AU (the flagship Burr-Brown single-opamp, which still holds its own after 15+ years against the latest Si-Ge offerings from TI/Burr-Brown like the OPA211/1611 and the OPA827)
This is a SOIC-8 internally-compensated single opamp, mounted on a Sjostrom Audio ADP05 DIP-8 adapter (similar to a Brown-dog adapter) and plugged into the DIP8 socket of the MyRef Rev E.
Audible impressions: Excellent micro-detail and dynamics, slightly edgier than the stock LM318, and has the typical laid-back Burr-Brown sound. Perfect for jazz instrumental, strings, piano, etc. Unconditionally stable, but the LM3886 chipamp runs warmer than with the LM318.
2. NatSemi LME49710HA (formerly the flagship NatSemi single-opamp, now overtaken by the SOIC-8 LME49990).
This is the TO99 metal-can version, reputedly the best-sounding of the LMe497xx series. I formed the leads slightly, plugged it into a spare DIP-8 socket, and then plugged the combination into the DIP-8 socket of the MyRef Rev E.
Audible Impressions: Astonishing micro-detail, very dark and quiet. It would have been my favourite, except for the fact that it's unstable in the MyRef Rev E, and SPiKe protection starts kicking in after a few minutes. Maybe this can be fixed with some compensation mods, but then it will no longer be a Rev E - we'll see.
3. LF-01 discrete-hybrid opamp.
This is a SOIC-8 LM318 with an additional Class-A discrete BJT output stage, all mounted on a small DIP-8 module that fits directly in the DIP-8 socket of the MyRef.
Audible Impressions: Very smooth, full-bodied and non-fatiguing, but does not reach the darkness of the LME49710 or the detailed, laid-back presentation of the OPA627AU. Vocals sound exceptional, and just about all genres of music sound fine.
Not tested:
LT1028 (the flagship Linear Tech single opamp) and the AD797B (the flagship Analog Devices single-opamp). The LT1028 is unstable in simulation, so I'm certain it won't be stable in a real MyRef Rev E. The AD797B is unobtainium for now, but will probably be as good or better than the OPA627AU.
Conclusions: The LF01 and the plain LM318 are still the best tradeoffs overall in the MyRef Rev E, because of their unconditional stability and compensation optimized for the MyRef. The Burr-Brown OPA627AU is a good, if expensive, alternative.