Sparkos Labs  has already build up quite a good name in the high-end audio community, driven by a simple yet powerful philosophy: ‘exceptional’ sound demands ‘exceptional’ components.

Based in the USA Colorado, Sparkos Labs specializes in creating fully discrete, class-A biased operational amplifiers, headphone amps and power supply solutions tailored specifically for audiophiles seeking uncompromising sound quality. 

Sparkos Labs was founded by Andrew Sparks, an engineer with deep expertise and a genuine passion for music and electronics. He has a lot of experience, his parents propably were not very happy about it in his childhood, sabotaging the house, trying to figure out how things work. Sparkos Labs designs each product to bring unprecedented quality. One of those products I will be reviewing, the Sparkos Labs SS3602.

The SS3602 consists of two stacked circuit boards equipped with components on the upper surface and standard DIP-8 connectors on the underside. I have a certain level of understanding how opamps work, but if you want a full technical description, you can find more information on the sparkos labs website here: SS3602 

Their commitment to precision engineering and attention to detail has earned them a (deserved) loyal group of followers worldwide. 

In this review, I’ll dive into how Sparkos Labs’ discrete opamps perform in practice, exploring whether their bold claims of sonic excellence truly hold up under critical listening conditions.

Before I started testing, Sparkos Labs SS33602 run in for a full of 48 hours.

Test equipment:
– Headphone: The new Hifiman Arya Unveiled
– Amp: Burson Soloist 3XR GT + 5A Supercharger
– Streamer: Eversolo A8 + upgraded LHY LPS
– DAC: Chord TT2 + Mscaler

The Sparkos labs are not much bigger than regular opamps, which makes them a perfect in nearly any device that supports opamp swapping.

Why discrete build opamps?
In the fascinating world of audiophile listening, nuance is everything. Music isn’t merely sound, it’s emotion. Where a lot of people just hear music, audiophiles really ‘listen’ to music, yes there is a difference. At the heart of this emotional connection lies the delicate architecture of an operational amplifiers called opamps.

Unlike standard integrated chip-based opamps, which squeeze hundreds or more transistors into a small casing, discrete opamps are handcrafted from individually selected high-quality components. Each transistor, resistor, and capacitor is chosen explicitly for audio quality rather than manufacturing convenience or cost-cutting.

Looking at the SS3602, they actually look real high tech from close up. Some brands lock descrete opamps in a metal casing, for obvious reasons like cooling ofcourse, but Sparkos Labs don’t need them, they look really cool without, if you ask me!

Standard chip opamps, while convenient and efficient, tend to deliver a sound that’s competent but in most cases constrained; music feels subtly flattened; dynamics are compressed, less vibrant. Their compact construction often introduces more noise, distortion. It’s like the same with many DAC chips, compared to their FPGA counterpart.

Discrete opamps, in contrast, reveal music with breathtaking clarity and nuance. Bass notes are tighter, deeper, more controlled. Midrange frequencies bloom naturally, revealing voices and instruments with lifelike presence. High frequencies shine with transparency, yet never feel harsh or overly bright.

Discrete opamps aren’t merely a component, in the case of Sparkos Labs, they are crafted instruments in their own right, ensuring that every nuance and emotion intended in the recording reaches the listener unspoiled.

For audiophiles, the journey from chip-based to discrete opamps isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a rediscovery of music itself.

Note:
Before installing the opamp, it’s important to identify the proper orientation. Most circuit boards have a marking to show where Pin 1 should be placed, match this indicator with the gold-colored marking found on one corner of the op-amp.

How do they sound?
One of the first differences I noticed after installing the SS3602 discrete op-amps, how controlled the bass became. The Sparkos units deliver bass with accurate precision and definition without sacrificing depth. Kick drums gained extra punch, and bass guitars showcased rich textures.

Bass
This enhanced bass control positively impacts the midrange, offering greater spaciousness and clarity against a noticeably quieter background. Many times I heared bass bleading into the midrange, not here. Transients appear sharp, quick. Vocals and instruments are forward and engaging and with perfect separation, especially noticeable during complex musical passages.

Treble
Treble performance are smooth yet extends effortlessly. Notes ascend with a refined, almost infinite delicacy, revealing layers of micro-details. This transparency makes the listening experience feel richer and more nuanced. 

Soundstage and imaging
Soundstage and imaging represent another area where the Sparkos SS3602 clearly excels. While the overall dimensions of the stage remain similar to other discrete opamps, the SS3602 organizes the soundstage with greater precision. Instruments and vocals are positioned more tangibly, enabling better clarity and easier perception of individual elements within the music. The overall effect is a more natural listening experience.

I just had a review with the new Burson V7, so I made a comparison too ofcourse.

The Sparkos SS3602 discrete op-amps are more close than they are different from the Burson V7, quality wise, there are both extreme performers! But signature wise they are different. The SS3602 have an impressive tonal accuracy and clarity. Where the Burson V7 presents a somewhat warmer, denser signature, the SS3602 offers superior precision, allowing music to be heard exactly as intended, without coloration. 

It is all a matter of taste in this case. But in practice that means the SS3602 are a little less forgiving, but rewards more with good recordings.

Bass
Bass reproduction is one key area where the SS3602 excels. While the V7 certainly delivers controlled bass, the SS3602 manages a little tighter, more articulate low-end performance. Bass notes are very defined and detailed, resulting in clear textures and superior impact.

In the midrange, the Sparkos SS3602 provides a greater openness and separation. Vocals and instruments have more breathing space, and are effortlessly transparent. This additional clarity ensures a lifelike presentation, whereas the V7, though engaging, can sometimes blend layers together during demanding musical segments. 

I have compared them both, and honestly, it would be my mood that would have to decide which I like at a specific moment. Because They are both amazing. Isn’t it great, brands like these exist!

Treble
Regarding treble, the SS3602 has a more delicate finesse.  The SS3602 retrieves more micro-details without becoming overly bright or harsh. The result is an airy, transparent upper frequency range. 

Soundstage and imaging
Lastly, the SS3602 provides a very great soundstage and imaging. Its precise staging is exceptional, instrument placement offer superior realism. Creating a convincing three-dimensional stage, with height and depth.

Although the Burson V7 offers depth and width,  the Sparkos SS3602 are a little ahead regarding pinpoint precision. 

What also is important  to mention though, is their size. The Sparkos Labs SS3602, fits almost anymore, their size is not much bigger than most normal opamps, making them a perfect fit in almost any situation.

 

Let’s run through a few songs, like I always do, to show what I mean.

Miles Davis – So What
Listening to one of my favourite tracks ‘So What’ by Miles Davis,  revealed just how effortlessly these op-amps handle space and detail. Nothing but AMAZING! The upright bass is tight yet full, and Miles’ trumpet floats with natural decay and air. Each instrument occupies its own distinct place, creating a huge soundstage. The SS3602 doesn’t just reproduce the music. It places you right in the room with the musicians.

Norah Jones – Don’t know Why
‘Don’t Know Why’, captured Norah Jones’ voice with intimate realism, soft, breathy with air, emotionally present . The piano is warm almost creamy but still articulate. The background remains whisper-quiet, letting every nuance shine through.

It had been ages since I last heard this song, but the smile that crept across my face said it all, the way those opamps breathed life into this track was pure joy!

Christian McBride Trio – Down by the Riverside Live at the Village Vanguard
Here the Sparkos delivered the energy of the live performance with precision and control. The double bass hits with authority and control, the piano sparkled with clarity. The audience ambiance added realism. The SS3602 kept everything in control, even in the most dynamic moments.

It captured that unmistakable jazzy New York vibe, as if I were right there at the Village Vanguard, soaking in every note from a front-row seat.

Three selections from Harry Potter Hedwig’s theme from the album – Celebrating John Williams  Live at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Here the Sparkos SS3602 brought the magic of John Williams’ music to life with breathtaking clarity. The delicate sparkles like stardust, while strings sweep in with a graceful, cinematic warmth.

Every instrument was precisely placed and the dynamic swells felt natural and full of emotion. It is like stepping straight into the enchanted world of Hogwarts. It is an amazing track, especially when it is portrayed so delicate and detailled through the SS3602.

Águas de Março, on the ‘Live in Tokyo’ album from Emilie-Claire Barlow
The SS3602 unveiled every playful nuance of Emilie-Claire Barlow’s performance with crystal clarity. Her voice flowed effortlessly across the stage, light, precise, and full of charm. The band surrounded her with warmth and intimacy. The Ambiance and finesse were perfectly captured, preserving the natural reverb of the room.  

It gave you the feeling as though you’re right in the music, basking in the rhythm of brazilian jazz.

To sum things up, the Sparkos SS3602 dual discrete op-amps deliver a truly impactful improvement to the listening experience. Regular opamps don’t stand a chance, The bass becomes noticeably more controlled and articulate, unveiling finer detail and clarity without sacrificing depth or presence. This sense of precision naturally flows into the midrange, offering a cleaner, more open soundstage while preserving the lively character of vocals and instruments. Treble is refined and extended, allowing high frequencies to float effortlessly and uncover subtle nuances that enrich the overall presentation.

Their compact design makes them an excellent fit for a variety of setups, especially in devices with limited space. Installation is straightforward, thanks to their sturdy construction and thoughtful engineering. Altogether, the SS3602s stand out as a smart and rewarding upgrade for anyone looking to elevate their system’s performance or fine-tune its sonic character.

In the vast landscape of audio components, the Sparkos Labs SS3602 stands out like a finely cut gemstone, craftmanship, rich in character, and undeniably precious. Its sonic signature is one of clarity, control and refinement, revealing the hidden facets of music much like a diamond reveals light from every angle. With each note it renders, the SS3602 peels back layers, exposing detail and dimensions.

It doesn’t shout for attention with exaggerated warmth or overly romantic coloration. Instead, it presents the music as it truly is, pure, balanced and breathtakingly natural.

For the listener who values fidelity over flair, depth over drama, the SS3602 isn’t just an upgrade, It’s a sonic jewel that elevates any system, a testament to what truly high-end audio should sound like!

I highly recommend the Sparkos Labs SS3602

Pros:

– Exceptional sound quality: Delivers high resolution with tight, well-defined bass, an open midrange, and extended, airy treble.
– Fully discrete Class A design : Outperforms many op-amps
– Low-profile design: Shorter height makes it suitable for enclosures with limited vertical space.
– Impressive imaging and soundstage: Offers precise instrument placement and a holographic presentation.

Cons:
– Footprint, While short in height, it takes up more space horizontally, which might be an issue in tight layouts (there are solutions for that in most cases though)
– Price point, Discrete opamps are always more expensive than mass-market op-amps
– Not ideal for warm, colored sound lovers: Leans toward accuracy and transparency, but if that fits your taste, you are in for a treat!

Sparkos labs discrete opamps product page