Apogee Duet: HD-600 or 650s?

[grawk]

I don't use maestro save files personally. I also found that I got better performance by using the line out and not instrument out setting, and just setting the volume at max on the duet.

[ingwe]

Originally Posted by _j_

Yar!

Question for you ingwe if you own a Duet (or Ensamble?)... when you create Maestro save files, then double click on them, does your Maestro software launch?

When I double click on a Maestro save file... nothing happens, unless Maestro is open. IE; clicking the save file will not launch the software and will not change the settings. This only works if Maestro is already open.

I just tried this with same result. Since I'm three days into working with a Mac I'm afraid I can't tell you how to map file types to applications.

Originally Posted by grawk

I don't use maestro save files personally. I also found that I got better performance by using the line out and not instrument out setting, and just setting the volume at max on the duet.

Interesting...yesterday at our mini-meet I tried it with both settings with a variety of amplifiers and I prefer instrument amp output setting when feeding into a separate amp. I'm not going to elaborate now because thats just an initial impression.

EDIT: Change "prefer" to "at that time I preferred".
I'll elaborate slightly: After level matching as best as I could, the instrument amp setting seems more neutral--less "hotness" or glare in the treble. This was most apparent with my Bryston.

Bleh, I hate these types of descriptions, especially when it is I who makes them.

I would like to know exactly what the difference is between the two modes: does one involve additional processing and of what type.

[grawk]

I think instrument amp just lowers the output to be more in line with what an electric guitar puts out (less than 1v)

[_j_]

Originally Posted by ingwe

I would like to know exactly what the difference is between the two modes: does one involve additional processing and of what type.

Originally Posted by grawk

I think instrument amp just lowers the output to be more in line with what an electric guitar puts out (less than 1v)

This is all I could find on the difference between the modes:

"Line out – level is variable between 0 and -64 dB of attenuation, at a
nominal output level of –10 dBV.

Instrument Amp – The output level is fixed at a nominal level of –20 dBV, suitable for connection to an instrument amplifier."

Maybe a more powerful fixed line out could be accomplished somehow through the breakout cable? I really don't like having multiple volume controls in my chain... regardless, the 'Instrument Amp' setting still sounds better than any of my other gear to me so I am a blissfully happy camper.

[leveller1642]

I bought a Apogee Duet a couple of weeks ago mainly for playback on a Mac Mini in my stereo system, but not having time to set it up used the headphone amp to drive my low end Sennheiser HD-477 and Etymotic ER-6i. I was delighted with the sound compared to my Macbook Pro and even my G4 1.67 Powerbook (which i feel has superior sound to the MBP) and after reading a more than a few Head-Fi threads decided to buy the HD-600s.

I am reasonably happy with sound of the Duet and the HD-600s (the bass is a little heavy at times and the soundstage does seem a bit narrow), but am curious to know if the Duet's 30 ohm output rating is sufficient to power the HD-600s to their fullest potential or is a dedicated headphone amp with 300 ohm output necessary?

[indianbraker]

many reviews suggest the hd600 had a better overall sound while the hd650 had better individual characteristics that apparently didnt blend as nicely as the hd600s

[ingwe]

Originally Posted by indianbraker

many reviews suggest the hd600 had a better overall sound while the hd650 had better individual characteristics that apparently didnt blend as nicely as the hd600s

Please cite said reviews.

EDIT: 8/14/08: No response. Figures.

[lbcliff]

I personally like 650 better.

[leveller1642]

I asked Apogee if the Duet was capable of driving 300 ohm headphones.
Their response was non committal.

The 30 Ohm headphone output will drive 300 Ohm headphones, but there will be less SPL. If it is too low, then you should get an external headphone amp.

[grawk]

which 300 ohm headphones? I have used the duet with 580s, 600s, and 650s all with some success. Not better than my m3, but still sound good.