After spending a few days listening to my -dB, using the single-ended output to my MK3 and Pico Slim and with the Ed. 8, DT1350, and UERM, I have some initial impressions. The first is that the -dB seems to have a darker, warmer sound signature than the original CLAS. Whether that's due to a change in tonal balance, or whether the -dB is actually hazy and veiled in comparison to the CLAS, I can't really say without having the CLAS in front of me. But I owned the CLAS for about 18 months and I think I remember its sound pretty well.
The lowered gain is definitely a big plus for me, as it minimizes the amount of hiss that the MK3 produces and allows for more usable positions on the volume dial with sensitive headphones. But I'm somewhat underwhelmed with the sound of the -dB. It just doesn't feel as crisp, transparent and neutral as I remember the CLAS sounding. But I suppose if you found the CLAS to sound a bit harsh or anemic, then the -dB could be seen as more natural and rich. I'm finding the sound slightly dull, but maybe it will grow on me.
I'm interested to see if (and how) the sound might change in balanced output mode, once the "fixed" -dBs become available.
