[MWA]

I recently purchased a Cowon iAudio 7 player. The iAudio 7 has no traditional line-out but relies exclusively on the processed analog headphone-out signal. As such, I need to ask a rudimentary question.

Am I limited, for example, to the style exemplified by Travagan's Colors headphone amp? It acquires and amplifies the processed headphone signal. Here's a review from techPowerUp that does a good job of describing the inimitable dog-bone's functions. Alternately, can I run the headphone signal into any portable amp, using its non-DAC line-in?

 

[GreatDane]

You can safely patch the iAudio 7 headphone output into any amp/preamp. I suggest starting with the volume at 30 and maybe bumping up...you just need to play with the volume.

 

[MWA]

GreatDane, thanks for the reply. I'm glad not to be limited. Now, to find the perfect sound . . .

Do you advocate procuring an amp that provides balance to your existing gear, or one that accentuates the sound you have. I have Klipsch Images. My gear presents a broad stage, warm and fun with defined, strong bass. Should I balance that with an analytical sounding amp, or accentuate it with a lush, warm amp?

 

[GreatDane]

I feel that the i7 has an uncolored sound but I still would not pair it with an amp that changes that. If you want to change that I'd simply use the nice sound enhancement features found on the i7...this is what I do anyway.

There are so many nice portable amps these days that it should be fun deciding on the perfect amp.

 

[FrederikS|TPU]

If I were you I would buy a neutral sounding amp. You can always make the sound more "fun" with the i7 harder to do it the other way around.

I'm glad you found a nice pair of IEMs

Have fun!

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrederikS|TPU /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I were you I would buy a neutral sounding amp.

Like an iQube

 

[athenaesword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane /img/forum/go_quote.gif You can safely patch the iAudio 7 headphone output into any amp/preamp. I suggest starting with the volume at 30 and maybe bumping up...you just need to play with the volume.

i've been told that to simulate a clean lineout would be to put at max volume without eq. why start at 30 and push up?

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by athenaesword /img/forum/go_quote.gif i've been told that to simulate a clean lineout would be to put at max volume without eq. why start at 30 and push up?

Just to be safe if connecting to a home preamp or car audio(head unit) in order to avoid overload...or if using a portable amp without low gain for proper volume with IEMs. I base this on my experience.