JDSLabs C421 Preorder is live... - Page 31

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeitfliesst 

Maybe I'm going to have to sell this amp... I need to adjust the gain of my mp3 files and bring it down to 72db in order to get proper volume control with my ES5. And after having compared for a little while, the improvement is quite marginal from the ipod H/O that I'm starting to think that it's not worth it. Somebody at hydrogenaudio is calling me a "stupid hipster" for using portable amps for IEM's because this decreases fidelity and increases gain. Well I've seen many people using portable amps with IEM's on head-fi, so are we all stupid hipsters or what ?

Are you using an LOD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeitfliesst 

Well I've seen many people using portable amps with IEM's on head-fi, so are we all stupid hipsters or what ?

No clue about that other forum.

Many IEMs (not all, of course) benefit from amplification but of course your source file and formats also matter too. If you've got a lossy mp3 then you're starting from a lesser-fidelity position than if you had a lossless file to begin with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkanai 

Many IEMs (not all, of course) benefit from amplification but of course your source file and formats also matter too. If you've got a lossy mp3 then you're starting from a lesser-fidelity position than if you had a lossless file to begin with.

These are good points.  It's possible that your particular IEMs don't benefit much from an amp. 
I'd also be curious if you have let the amp burn in a bit.  Leave it running over night (even for a couple of days) on a shuffle of your source library and see if the sound changes for the better.  Mine definitely improved a bit vs. out of the box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mutnat 

These are good points.  It's possible that your particular IEMs don't benefit much from an amp. 
I'd also be curious if you have let the amp burn in a bit.  Leave it running over night (even for a couple of days) on a shuffle of your source library and see if the sound changes for the better.  Mine definitely improved a bit vs. out of the box.

Totally forgot the burn-in. I'll make sure to give it some time and see if I like it better.

Just ordered a c421 2227. I'll be comparing it to the O2, source being the JDS ODAC. I hope to add another opinion to the mix sometime next week :)  

-M

I have the very setup and I prefer the pairing of the C421/ODAC vs the O2/ODAC.  Between the amps, the bass is more prominent on the C421 over the O2 and that's with the switch set to flat.

I've had battery problem with one of my C421 amps before. Recently, the same problem occurred on another C421 amp of mine. It can't charge at all. :( Anyone having the same problem?

Quote:

Originally Posted by idunnosoSTFU 

I've had battery problem with one of my C421 amps before. Recently, the same problem occurred on another C421 amp of mine. It can't charge at all. :( Anyone having the same problem?

Never heard of a C421 charging problem. Contact JDSLabs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by idunnosoSTFU 

I've had battery problem with one of my C421 amps before. Recently, the same problem occurred on another C421 amp of mine. It can't charge at all. :( Anyone having the same problem?

Then I guess you have to plug your C421 in your laptop or desktop overtime , right?

No problem charging mine.

I am really liking my c421 with the 2227 op. It is a little meatier sounding and maybe a bit more sparkly than the O2 at times. Detail retrieval is excellent and as good as the O2 imo. But, the previous statement may be due to the c421 seeming a bit more snappy in the treble. This amp is definitely worth it paired with the ODAC! Killer combo, looks, size, function, and build are excellent. It handles the Paradox, which can be hungry at times, pretty well (with bass boost on and low gain). The D2000 are excellent out of it as well, at times the treble can be hot with the Denon since I think the odac is a bit treble hot mixing with the Denon smiley face freq (note: my d2k are partial markl modded). For me the O2 still wins when I want truth, but dang is the c421 enjoyable.

Thought I would jot down some impressions after 5 days with the c421. 

-M

I'm finally able to use my standalone ODAC paired with my C421 to 1964 Ears Quads... Am I floored? Yes! Absolutely. I've used so many different USB DACs but this ODAC + C421 combo is absolutely amazing. Probably one of the best purchases I've ever made. The form factor is also very cool. It's like the equivalent of CLAS + ALO MKII only without breaking the bank. I want to thank JDS Labs for putting out such amazing products without actually killing our wallets. It is possible to produce great products without actually ripping your customers off, read: ALO