Latest Thread Images

IMG_8152.jpeg
11.jpg
10.jpg
2.jpg
8.jpg
1.jpg
7.jpg 5.jpg 9.jpg 6.jpg 3.jpg IMG_7804.jpg PSX_20161201_193301.jpg PSX_20161201_194046.jpg image.jpg image.jpg IMG_5539.jpg Stacked.jpg C3-1_zpslybquws1.jpg C3-2_zpsj5irqdga.jpg
See full thread gallery...
JDS Labs C5/C5D (pg96) portable amp/amp+DAC
Jan 25, 2014 at 9:23 AM Post #2,028 of 3,417
I'm taking my first steps in trying to identify the right DAC for me. I want to be able to using my headphones as well as (possibly even primarily) using my active speakers.
 
Is the C5D appropriate for this role? It seems like people are saying good things about the transparency of this unit, but as there is only one output I'm guessing that even when using my monitors I would be using the headphone amp, and hence the signal would be amplified twice. Is this correct? Is it a problem?
 
I have skimmed this colossal thread but the only relevant comment I could find was this, which is a similar but different scenario in which someone is using the C5 (without DAC) with some Alesis studio monitors (in my naivety I can't understand why you would use a headphone amp with active speakers).
 
So would I get transparent results from such an arrangement? Or would I be better off with a separate headphone amp and DAC? If so does anyone have suggestions for alternative products?
 
Hope that all makes sense.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 10:23 AM Post #2,029 of 3,417
You'd be better off with a separate DAC and amp or get a DAC that has line out and a headphone amp. Like the iFi audio iDAC (not battery powered) or many others.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 12:46 PM Post #2,030 of 3,417
05scissors said:
I'm taking my first steps in trying to identify the right DAC for me. I want to be able to using my headphones as well as (possibly even primarily) using my active speakers.

Is the C5D appropriate for this role? It seems like people are saying good things about the transparency of this unit, but as there is only one output I'm guessing that even when using my monitors I would be using the headphone amp, and hence the signal would be amplified twice. Is this correct? Is it a problem?

I have skimmed this colossal thread but the only relevant comment I could find was this, which is a similar but different scenario in which someone is using the C5 (without DAC) with some Alesis studio monitors (in my naivety I can't understand why you would use a headphone amp with active speakers).

So would I get transparent results from such an arrangement? Or would I be better off with a separate headphone amp and DAC? If so does anyone have suggestions for alternative products?

Hope that all makes sense.
Click to expand...
That was me. There is no real reason to use it with powered monitors, but i did it just as a test, and it worked perfectly with no loss of quality. Now the c5d would make sense if you want a good dac before the monitors, since the amp section doesn't degrade any quality. Another dac with line out would work fine too, but the c5d is pretty affordable and very reference.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 1:57 PM Post #2,031 of 3,417
Hey everyone, thinking of pulling the trigger on a pair of Beyer DT-990's in 250 ohms.  Do you think the C5 would be able to power these phones?  Thanks in advance.
 
Steve
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 2:07 PM Post #2,032 of 3,417
molika said:
thx. would be nice to have one to protect it. how easy is it to change the aluminum case. I'm planning to use 3m dual lock to attach the amp to my dx50 and I'm not sure how easy is it to remove the dual lock later on wehen I don't need it any more.
Click to expand...

 
I use something similar and make a base using blue painter's tape, as it's designed not to leave residue.  YMMV, of course.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 2:33 PM Post #2,033 of 3,417
desmoface said:
  Hey everyone, thinking of pulling the trigger on a pair of Beyer DT-990's in 250 ohms.  Do you think the C5 would be able to power these phones?  Thanks in advance.
 
Steve
Click to expand...

Yep it will drive them fine.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 6:03 PM Post #2,034 of 3,417
First time poster, long time lurker.
 
I currently have a FiiO E12 paired with an iPod Classic and a pair of Kef M500's.  I am getting a bit of hiss from the E12 between tracks and during quiet passages.  I am considering getting a C5.  Should I expect any hiss in my Kef M500's or will there be silence?
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 7:18 PM Post #2,035 of 3,417
There should be silence. The C5 is a very quiet amp, I have not heard any hiss with any of my headphones.
 
Jan 25, 2014 at 9:25 PM Post #2,038 of 3,417
hello, yes it will, well depending on the volume, when i'm listening to very quiete music, like some piano music, i hear a hissing with the c5d, BUT, i am usually listening my music very loudly, but if i put the volume down a bit, the hissing just disappears. same was with my fiio e07k but i had to put the volume even lower to not hear the hissing anymore. so i think that it will be better than with your fiio e12.
 
Jan 26, 2014 at 12:11 AM Post #2,040 of 3,417
vemon said:
  Any1 use C5 with shure 535, is there any hiss? 
Click to expand...

I have a Shure SE530 and there is no hiss with the JDS Labs C5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)
Back
Top