[steelglam]

So, I'd like to try and use the USB DAC function of my X3 for the first time.  I would like to use the computer as a source, connected to the X3 as a DAC, and then the X3-as-DAC connected to the preamp in my home stereo system.  To do this, do I just use the line out on the X3 to connect to my preamp?

 

[Paulus XII]

Just noticed now that the DAC sounds TWICE as better as the DAP

 

[jimmers]

  So, I'd like to try and use the USB DAC function of my X3 for the first time.  I would like to use the computer as a source, connected to the X3 as a DAC, and then the X3-as-DAC connected to the preamp in my home stereo system.  To do this, do I just use the line out on the X3 to connect to my preamp?

Yes

 

[imackler]

  Just noticed now that the DAC sounds TWICE as better as the DAP

 
Do you mean by bypassing the internal amp and using a line out? 

 

[imackler]

  Somewhere around 25mW according to measured voltage output.

 
Thanks! The HD650 only takes about 20mW to get to 110db, so that should be good! 

 

[Koolpep]

Thanks! The HD650 only takes about 20mW to get to 110db, so that should be good! 

But beware, especially the HD650 needs lots of power to sound its best. Volume does not mean it sounds good. You still might get certain frequency ranges that distort.

Check out the HD650 thread - they do appreciate more power a lot.

I reviewed the X3ii with the HD650 and at moderate listening levels the X3ii drove the Senn very good. It has a few reserves and packs some punch.

Cheers,
K

 

[steelglam]

Yes

Thanks, jimmers!

 

[betula]

But beware, especially the HD650 needs lots of power to sound its best. Volume does not mean it sounds good. You still might get certain frequency ranges that distort.

Agreed. With the HD600 it sounds good. But far not at its best...

 

[Paulus XII]

   
Do you mean by bypassing the internal amp and using a line out? 

 
Hi imackler. No, unamped. Sound is much cleaner and powerful from the DAC.

 

[Oldandcurious]

"Why is it so annoying to hear news about the 2nd gen X3 in the first gen X3 thread?"

Because it is akin to ordering a Whopper inside the Golden Arch?  As I see it, it is not annoying, just impolite.
 

 

[betula]

  "Why is it so annoying to hear news about the 2nd gen X3 in the first gen X3 thread?"

Because it is akin to ordering a Whopper inside the Golden Arch?  As I see it, it is not annoying, just impolite.
 

In the 2nd gen X3 thread the 1st gen is mentioned many more times than the 2nd gen here...
Noone complained yet...

 

[x RELIC x]

Hi imackler. No, unamped. Sound is much cleaner and powerful from the DAC.

Still confused here. Are you plugging headphones directly in to the line out socket?

 

[Rozenberg]

Still confused here. Are you plugging headphones directly in to the line out socket?

I believe that's what he did because I did that too.
Sound from line out is obviously cleaner, that's why I'm using portable amp with it.

 

[x RELIC x]

I believe that's what he did because I did that too.
Sound from line out is obviously cleaner, that's why I'm using portable amp with it.

I know line out is cleaner. I caution anyone plugging headphones/IEMs directly in to the line out without a headphone amp (if that indeed is the case). Save your ears and your headphones. it's the same as listening at max volume through the headphone out. Not a good idea, especially with his IEMs.

 

[vince741]

Maybe he connected the X3 via USB, set it on DAC mode and control the sound via the windows/mac sound control panel.
This way he can make an A/B comparison of the HO/LO.