[amb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilency /img/forum/go_quote.gif does that mean the mini3 is not ideal for sensitive IEMs such as the ES3X?

I'd say that most IEMs don't need gain at all. If anything, they need attenuation. So it's not just a Mini³ thing.

Keep in mind that the raison d'etre for most IEMs and low-Z headphones is so that they would work well with battery-powered audio players with limited output power.

 

[Beefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kibble Fat /img/forum/go_quote.gif I played around with the numbers a bit and determined that a resistance of 9 ohms added to the right channel would tighten up the channel agreement. Here's some graphs, just for fun:

I'm impressed how you worked it through. Well done!

It is also interesting that just a 9ohm difference can cause such a big alteration in your listening experience. Something to be said for good quality volume control......

 

[nikongod]

Why not use an inverting opamp at gain of less than 1?

 

[Kibble Fat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why not use an inverting opamp at gain of less than 1?

You're talking about using an op-amp vs. a resistor, correct? That would still be an external add-on (correct me if I'm wrong) which I'm trying to avoid. I don't quite see how that's any different than lowering the gain of the existing right channel op-amp by a tiny bit (correct me if I'm wrong).

I can understand Ti not liking when people make a mess of his mini3 layout, but I'm looking for an internal solution. I've contacted someone who may have a stockpile of these potentiometers that I can test.

We'll see how that turns out

 

[nikongod]

I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0

Something like the Etymotic P to S converter could be made very compactly.

 

[Kibble Fat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0

3.0? Quit it with these drive-by answers haha

 

[Beefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikongod /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking more along the Mini^3 V2.0

Thing is, I see nothing wrong with having a higher gain from the amp, providing your volume control is well done.

The Pico Slim proves that it can be done very, very well. A DIY equivalent would be a compelling project.

 

[Kibble Fat]

If all else fails, I was planning on just re-terminating my headphones with a neutrik 3.5mm plug and somehow mounting an SPDT switch on/in the plug to disable the 9 ohm resistor

 

[fierce_freak]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Pico Slim proves that it can be done very, very well. A DIY equivalent would be a compelling project.

^this

 

[gilency]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amb /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd say that most IEMs don't need gain at all. If anything, they need attenuation. So it's not just a Mini³ thing. Keep in mind that the raison d'etre for most IEMs and low-Z headphones is so that they would work well with battery-powered audio players with limited output power.

so, what is raison d'etre for portable amps if IEM's don't need them?
Not trying to be a PITA, just asking a question.

 

[Postal_Blue]

^ Among other things, not all folks use IEM's with their portable devices.

To the op... While I admire the work you did to figure the resistance need to correct your imbalance. I would suggest adding resistance to both channels, you may find that it improves the sound of the phones. You will find many a thread discussing the merits and it is something you can do inside a mini-plug for a nice clean solution.

 

[amb]

Indeed, most (non-IEM) "portable" headphones do benefit from amplification, and Mini³ has enough cojones to drive many full-sized can well.