TeslaModelS
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2014
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WARNING: Newbie here!
My current setup is an Heir Audio 4.Ai connected directly to an iPhone 5s. Source files are mostly ALAC with some iTunes Store purchases.
I'm interested in upgrading my setup, including the JH Audio JH13 Pro Freqphase at some point. But as a stepping stone (especially since I gather CIEMs would probably require an amp anyway), I'm considering the JDS Labs C5D. I had the opportunity to test the C5D but only with the amp section (the store didn't have the CCK) and was a bit "disappointed". It's probably not the C5D's fault but just my newbie ears not noticing any significant improvement.
Two (probably related) questions:
1. Although I'm loving the Heir Audio 4.Ai and don't currently hear any significant deficiencies, I believe I'd benefit from getting a cleaner signal through an external DAC. Any thoughts? Do you think it's likely I'd get an SQ bump from the C5D?
2. The 4.Ai's seem pretty easy to drive and I don't listen at high volume - could I get a DAC only like the ODAC and just connect the 4.Ai to the ODAC? Why would I need an amp for an IEM?
Thanks in advance for any pointers!
My current setup is an Heir Audio 4.Ai connected directly to an iPhone 5s. Source files are mostly ALAC with some iTunes Store purchases.
I'm interested in upgrading my setup, including the JH Audio JH13 Pro Freqphase at some point. But as a stepping stone (especially since I gather CIEMs would probably require an amp anyway), I'm considering the JDS Labs C5D. I had the opportunity to test the C5D but only with the amp section (the store didn't have the CCK) and was a bit "disappointed". It's probably not the C5D's fault but just my newbie ears not noticing any significant improvement.
Two (probably related) questions:
1. Although I'm loving the Heir Audio 4.Ai and don't currently hear any significant deficiencies, I believe I'd benefit from getting a cleaner signal through an external DAC. Any thoughts? Do you think it's likely I'd get an SQ bump from the C5D?
2. The 4.Ai's seem pretty easy to drive and I don't listen at high volume - could I get a DAC only like the ODAC and just connect the 4.Ai to the ODAC? Why would I need an amp for an IEM?
Thanks in advance for any pointers!