My observations, which I have already written about earlier in this thread.
Using PA10 and IEM headphones with low impedance < or =16Ω - like my Astell & Kern AK T9iE - the power is astonishing
and I suggest going down to LineOut from DAP to 2V (Dedicated LineOut from Kann Ultra) but this is just a compromise to have more volume control options with the PA10.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, a higher LineOut voltage of 4V with DAP is recommended.
and 300 Ohm headphones like HD800s give a better effect 1/3 of the volume knob is loud enough.
When I reduce LineOut to 2V using HD800s connected to PA10 I go into the region of 1/2 or higher volume.
But most importantly, in my opinion, this sound is no longer so lively, expressive, it lacks the edge that with LineOut voltage of 4V we simply lose a lot.
I will say more, in the case of really effective and sensitive IEMs with low resistance <16Ω
(just my opinion), driving them directly from the Kann Ultra DAP (I can set 4 GAIN presets in it) is probably a better idea.
PS. I do not recommend using adapters that increase resistance like
IFI iEMatch+, the sound quality degrades significantly,
not to mention the poor quality of the resistance slider switch in this adapter.
But as I always say - check it out, test it and listen to it yourself.
Using PA10 and IEM headphones with low impedance < or =16Ω - like my Astell & Kern AK T9iE - the power is astonishing
and I suggest going down to LineOut from DAP to 2V (Dedicated LineOut from Kann Ultra) but this is just a compromise to have more volume control options with the PA10.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, a higher LineOut voltage of 4V with DAP is recommended.
and 300 Ohm headphones like HD800s give a better effect 1/3 of the volume knob is loud enough.
When I reduce LineOut to 2V using HD800s connected to PA10 I go into the region of 1/2 or higher volume.
But most importantly, in my opinion, this sound is no longer so lively, expressive, it lacks the edge that with LineOut voltage of 4V we simply lose a lot.
I will say more, in the case of really effective and sensitive IEMs with low resistance <16Ω
(just my opinion), driving them directly from the Kann Ultra DAP (I can set 4 GAIN presets in it) is probably a better idea.
PS. I do not recommend using adapters that increase resistance like
IFI iEMatch+, the sound quality degrades significantly,
not to mention the poor quality of the resistance slider switch in this adapter.
But as I always say - check it out, test it and listen to it yourself.
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