Rhodes Chroma Polaris

> From: Ryan Freer
> 
> I purchased two TL084CN Quad JFET-Input Opamps from DigiKey 
> almost a few years ago after seeing this video on youtube. 
> (Two in case one didn't work for some reason.) I've still not 
> installed it...but if this is the correct IC, it appears to 
> be readily available and very cheap. The opamp in my Polaris 
> is actually soldered onto the output board, and since I have 
> no experience removing soldered ICs, I'll have to take it to 
> a certified tech. If any of you know about these opamps and 
> whether I can--or should--replace the existing one, 
> definitely let me know. Paul; your advice would most greatly 
> be appreciated!

Removing a DIP from a board can be done with solder wick or with a solder
sucker. But there is an alternative trick that can be used in a pinch, which
is simply to cut the leads on the old chip right next to the package, and
then solder the new chip to the old leads. The new chip will be sticking up
higher, but for an audio op-amp that's irrelevant. Personally, I'd use the
correct tools because I've got them, but if the choice is between doing an
ugly but probably reliable hack job for free, or paying a pro to do a neat
job, I'd choose the former.

But I'll reiterate, I doubt you'll hear much of a difference.

-- 

Ciao,               Paul D. DeRocco
Paul                mailto:pderocco@...