Audio GD C2C - Page 3

Listening Impressions

Most of what Im going to say would be compared to my previous reference, IPOD + mini^3, yes I know its a very unfair comparison, but it's what I have right here with me

In general, desktop amp > portable amp as most of us will know So I won't have to say which one won




Desktop PC (Ubuntu/Amarok/ALSA) --> FLAC --> USB --> Stello DA100 (Upsample to 192) --> RCA --> Audio GD C-2C

VS

Ipod 60 GB 5th gen (Rockbox/Lineout) --> FLAC --> Ferds' LOD --> Mini^3 (high performance version)



I don't listen too loud, just volume matched by ear. I used songs that I think are considered the headphones specialty genre, or basically the genre I like to use them with

Let's start My apologies as Im not that good in describing sound so this is just going to be short

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Koss Porta Pro



Yes I tested the Koss for fun. There was improvement in bass control. However I felt there wasn't much difference with the portable setup. My "enjoyment" was equal for both setups. If the porta pro were my only cans, I could live with just the portable setup. This just basically means (for me) that the Porta Pro did not scale up with my desktop upgrade

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Etymotic ER4S



I could also be just happy with the er4s + portable setup. There was improvement with regards to headstage. Detail wise, I think they provided the same (this is the benchmark that is important to me when it comes to the etymotics). I think the biggest benefit for the er4s was that it didn't sound as clinical as it does with the mini^3, but this reason would not be enough for me to reach out for er4s when Im at home

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AKG K701



This was the first headphone I listened to because I wanted to hear that massive soundstage I previously heard when I auditioned a beta 22. And yes there it was. Instrument separation was excellent. I was listening to "Sabre Dance from Gayaneh" and I felt finally, with the K701 all the instruments are finally alive. The C-2C can definitely drive this can!

I also like listening to Stacey Kent when I have the K701 on. Using my favorite "The Ice Hotel", the main difference I found was that everything in the background around Stacey's vocal are now more emphasized or should I say easier to appreciate


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Grado RS-1



Among my headphones, I think this is the easiest one to drive as even the mini^3 can drive this to a deafening level. But still with the mini^3 the grado sounds very small soundstage wise. The C-2C just opens this up though not as wide as the K701 or the HD650. I find the RS-1 more engaging and more upfront with the desktop setup. Detail is superb. With the juice the C-2C is feeding the grado, the mids are even more emphasized, I guess this is the reason why I found this to be more engaging.

I listened to some Led Zeppelin, The Brilliant Green and YUI for the RS-1

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Sennheiser HD650



It was a pleasant surprise when I used the HD650. The sound signature of being in the back row is still noticeable (especially after using the RS-1). Of the headphones I listened to, I would have to hand the "most improved headphone with the C-2C" award to the HD650, because they really sound "different" now. It doesn't sound as slow as before. I'm getting the right amount of bass control and impact that I want. This is one headphone I probably will not use with the mini^3 again

I repeatedly listened to one of my favorite Jpop track (Buono! - Kokoro no Tamago) and found the mids and dynamics very fluid. I could also say the same after listening to Morning Musume - As For One Day I listened to a lot of Jpop for the HD650

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In conclusion, getting this desktop setup is definitely a very good investement for me, as I am enjoying my music more If you were to ask which one I liked best, my anwser would be "well it depends on the genre." That's the reason why I'm keeping all 3 of my fullsized headphones

Thanks adamjames37

With the HD650's I dont go beyond the 11 o'clock position, Im already comfortable at around the 9 o'clock position when using my transport connected to the DAC (an ordinary next base dvd player). I usually also set it at this position when using usb input from the pc.

I lowered the volume on amarok to 15% (normally I set it at 100%) so I could turn the volume knob all the way. Yup there is very little gain at around 4 o'clock to the 6 o'clock position. I think this is normal. But under normal usage I don't find the need to turn it all the way. But I think I might lower the volume on Amarok lower so I could use the volume knob more, though this might be dangerous if I suddenly switch inputs to the transport and forget to adjust the volume on the C-2C

Any news on your DAC19? It could have been shipped separately

That's good news about your DAC19 Let's just hope DHL delivers it properly to you.

Hey be careful with the volume you use, take care of your hearing

Ah Audio GD is really nice for selling you the front panel. I am also awaiting your DAC19 impressions

Thanks Currawong

I also cheated by adding pics