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Fiio E5 v cMoyBB

post #1 of 7
11/7/10 at 2:13pm
Thread Starter 

Am I mad? I think the FiiO E5 sounds 'better' than a cMoy BB. Headphones are SRH750DJs, AD700s and SR60s - and CX300s - from an iPod Classic through an LOD.

 

The E5 goes much louder before distorting - especially with the CXs; I'm a bit deaf so I like it loud (just to make me even more deaf) and the cMoy distorts at fairly ordinary volumes. And the bass boost adds distortion at such low volume it's not worth having. Although the E5's soundstage and separation isn't as rewarding as the cMoy, the overall sound is thicker and juicier and, importantly, doesn't beak up when it gets loud. 

 

Am I doing something wrong? I tried wiring two 9vs together to get more from the cMoy, but it didn't make any difference. 

 

I'm disappointed because I thought the cMoy would be a big step up, but it isn't. I'm a bit reluctant to spend more on a portable amp now... I was thinking ibasso, Voyager, something like that.., but not so sure now. Are they really worth it? 

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post #2 of 7
11/7/10 at 6:07pm

There could very well be something wrong with your cMoyBB, as mine doesn't distort at all from a iPod line-out.

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post #3 of 7
11/7/10 at 8:30pm

SimH, send your cMoyBB back to JDS Labs and we'll adjust it for your equipment (see first item of discussion here). I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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post #4 of 7
11/7/10 at 8:39pm

All depends on a Cmoy build quality and layout, which cmoy are you useing? Regarding your other question, considering you useing full sized headphones i suggest looking into ibasso D4 or the P4 if you want to roll opamps as well as the arrow 12 all of these will give good improvment in SQ over just the E5, even ibasso T3 is a step up from an E5.  Cmoy is basic of basics its good starter set up but nothing amazing, Ibasso T3 as far as I can see is a minituarized cMoy with imroved ground circute while ibasso D4 is a whole difffernt beast all together. basicly anytihng below 200$ will be just a sound booster and slight SQ improvment most amps above 200$ will provide noticable SQ improvement when it comes to full sized cans, hard to drive IEMs will see a great boost in SQ with a cmoy or a T3.

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post #5 of 7
11/8/10 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 

Hi Jon, sorry about that, I should've emailed you first of course. Rude of me. It was late last night and it was just a general enquiry after a long day at work and a lot of head scratching.

 

Before I fire it back to you, just a quick question: is there really - no, really - a burn-in time for the cMoy? I can understand why something like a pair of headphones, with moving parts, might change with use, but a circuit? And if there is a change over time, then maybe I simply need more hours' use on it. Please advise...

 

If I do send it back, please forgive me... er... some butchery on your beautifully presented and built cMoy - I, er, hate to admit this... but I tried the circuit with two 9vs and had to splice across the + battery wire. I'm so sorry, it must pain you when a hamfisted fool interferes with your design. I apologise in advance. And, naturally, I'll be happy to bear any costs of rectifying my vandalism!

 

That said, if you could work your magic and give me more volume, that would be great! Again, I'd be happy to bear the costs. I'd be quite willing to stump up for trying out a few more opamps, if you are willing to include them!

 

I must say, this whole audio/headphone/amp thing is proving very hard to judge consistently. I can listen to a headphone/amp set-up one morning and it'll sound completely different later that evening, or a couple of days later. Why is that? 

 

And thanks for the advice soviet911... I'll put the P4 on a Christmas wish-list. 

 

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post #6 of 7
11/8/10 at 4:57pm

Passive elements change with time and usage, so it's not unreasonable to believe in burn-in. Aged amplifiers I have on hand sound quite different from brand new, electrically identical units.

 

Three modifications can be made to your cMoyBB to achieve higher volumes with your particular headphones and LOD (modified input stage, doubled current handling, and reduced gain). These changes are normally made when your order is filled, but only if equipment is mentioned during checkout. Send me an e-mail before you return the amp.

 

--John

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post #7 of 7
11/8/10 at 4:57pm

that would possible be burn in where the resistors and capacitars alitteraly burning them selfs in (those pesky imperfections) its said that 200hr is need for an amp to burn in. My T3 still is burning after 120 hrs, yesterday it sound nice and warm and pretty today in the morning it was dark and heavy >.< Anyway hopefully ur cmoy will be fixed and you will be on your way!

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