Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Mini3 circuit question
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Mini3 circuit question - Page 2

post #16 of 27
3/17/10 at 4:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gilency View Post
does that mean the mini3 is not ideal for sensitive IEMs such as the ES3X?
I'd say that most IEMs don't need gain at all. If anything, they need attenuation. So it's not just a Mini³ thing.

Keep in mind that the raison d'etre for most IEMs and low-Z headphones is so that they would work well with battery-powered audio players with limited output power.
Reply
post #17 of 27
3/17/10 at 11:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kibble Fat View Post
I played around with the numbers a bit and determined that a resistance of 9 ohms added to the right channel would tighten up the channel agreement.

Here's some graphs, just for fun:
I'm impressed how you worked it through. Well done!

It is also interesting that just a 9ohm difference can cause such a big alteration in your listening experience. Something to be said for good quality volume control......
Reply
post #18 of 27
3/17/10 at 11:45am
Why not use an inverting opamp at gain of less than 1?
Reply
post #19 of 27
3/17/10 at 12:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikongod View Post
Why not use an inverting opamp at gain of less than 1?
You're talking about using an op-amp vs. a resistor, correct? That would still be an external add-on (correct me if I'm wrong) which I'm trying to avoid. I don't quite see how that's any different than lowering the gain of the existing right channel op-amp by a tiny bit (correct me if I'm wrong).

I can understand Ti not liking when people make a mess of his mini3 layout, but I'm looking for an internal solution. I've contacted someone who may have a stockpile of these potentiometers that I can test. We'll see how that turns out
Reply
post #20 of 27
3/17/10 at 1:41pm
I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0

Something like the Etymotic P to S converter could be made very compactly.
Reply
post #21 of 27
3/17/10 at 1:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikongod View Post
I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0
3.0? Quit it with these drive-by answers haha
Reply
post #22 of 27
3/17/10 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by nikongod View Post
I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0
Thing is, I see nothing wrong with having a higher gain from the amp, providing your volume control is well done.

The Pico Slim proves that it can be done very, very well. A DIY equivalent would be a compelling project.
Reply
post #23 of 27
3/17/10 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
If all else fails, I was planning on just re-terminating my headphones with a neutrik 3.5mm plug and somehow mounting an SPDT switch on/in the plug to disable the 9 ohm resistor
Reply
post #24 of 27
3/17/10 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beefy View Post
The Pico Slim proves that it can be done very, very well. A DIY equivalent would be a compelling project.
^this
Reply
post #25 of 27
3/19/10 at 1:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by amb View Post
I'd say that most IEMs don't need gain at all. If anything, they need attenuation. So it's not just a Mini³ thing.

Keep in mind that the raison d'etre for most IEMs and low-Z headphones is so that they would work well with battery-powered audio players with limited output power.
so, what is raison d'etre for portable amps if IEM's don't need them?
Not trying to be a PITA, just asking a question.
Reply
post #26 of 27
3/19/10 at 1:59am
^ Among other things, not all folks use IEM's with their portable devices.

To the op... While I admire the work you did to figure the resistance need to correct your imbalance. I would suggest adding resistance to both channels, you may find that it improves the sound of the phones. You will find many a thread discussing the merits and it is something you can do inside a mini-plug for a nice clean solution.
Reply
post #27 of 27
3/19/10 at 2:32am
Indeed, most (non-IEM) "portable" headphones do benefit from amplification, and Mini³ has enough cojones to drive many full-sized can well.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Misc.-Category Forums › DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Discussions › Mini3 circuit question