this would probably explain some of the sonic differences between the Oade Mod-SBM1 and the Ramsden Mod-SBM-1
I always thought Todd's sounded a little cleaner, less coloration in the highend and less bloat on the bottom...
Wow, interesting thread. Doug always was pretty clear that his mod replaced the op amps, but I didn't realize he also replaced the ADC chip. That would probably explain why he was characterizing his early versions of this as a 24-bit ADC mod SBM1, since I'm sure the ADC chip he used was 24 bits.
Tim -- glad you like the sound of mine. I'd imagine the differences you hear are more of a function of the differenct characteristics of the op amps we choose. (Or at least it's hard to believe that Doug would choose to replace an ADC chip to get less clarity in the top end and more bloat in the bottom.
) Doug now has expanded into offering several different sounding mods, but if the original (warm) mod-SBM1 and m148 are any indication, Doug seems to lean towards the warm sound, or perhaps the euphonic tube-like sound. I guess in recording gear, I more tend towards transparency and detail over warmth, thus I guess my preference of the V3 over the Minime. Of couse playback is a different matter -- I may need to get back to some tubes in my playback....
At any rate, it's always good to have choices so we can get what our own ears best prefer. Too bad the Oade mod-SBM1 isn't offered any more, but at least this explains why.