[iFi audio]

Oops, double.

On the other hand we can use this space to say that iGalvanic3.0 arrives on the 25th of August!

 

[Painterspal]

I have to say I'm extremely impressed with this little product. It's completely transformed the performance of two of my portable amps with low impedance IEMs - it basically does exactly what it's supposed to do. I was hopeful that it would do the trick with my Fostex HP-V1 hybrid tube amp and it duly did, banishing background hiss almost completely with my Westone W60s and Noble Kaiser Encores. What I didn't expect was the impact on my solid state Oppo HA2, which I'd actually planned to sell. Instead, my impression of this amp is completely changed and, combined with the iEMatch and the Nobles, its simply become a world beater. I've been using a Questyle QP1R as the source and I actually prefer the sound through the Oppo to the built in amp - it really is that good. Without the iEMatch I find the Oppo almost unusable with sensitive IEMs but whatever the weird aural alchemy going on inside ifi's little gadget, it's created a truly amazing synergy with the Oppo, particularly on the high gain setting. I can only urge you to try it.

 

[iFi audio]

I have to say I'm extremely impressed with this little product. It's completely transformed the performance of two of my portable amps with low impedance IEMs - it basically does exactly what it's supposed to do. I was hopeful that it would do the trick with my Fostex HP-V1 hybrid tube amp and it duly did, banishing background hiss almost completely with my Westone W60s and Noble Kaiser Encores. What I didn't expect was the impact on my solid state Oppo HA2, which I'd actually planned to sell. Instead, my impression of this amp is completely changed and, combined with the iEMatch and the Nobles, its simply become a world beater. I've been using a Questyle QP1R as the source and I actually prefer the sound through the Oppo to the built in amp - it really is that good. Without the iEMatch I find the Oppo almost unusable with sensitive IEMs but whatever the weird aural alchemy going on inside ifi's little gadget, it's created a truly amazing synergy with the Oppo, particularly on the high gain setting. I can only urge you to try it.

Much appreciated for your kind words!

 

[ultimdan]

Hey guys,
Do you think that product would help using low impedance headphones with OTL tube amp? Or would it still color the sound too much?

Regards,

Dan

 

[audionewbi]

It is the only impedance adaptor I came across which to my ears doesn't alter the sound.

 

[ultimdan]

It is the only impedance adaptor I came across which to my ears doesn't alter the sound.

Oh god, I'm ordering ASAP then. Thanks!

 

[iFi audio]

Hey guys,
Do you think that product would help using low impedance headphones with OTL tube amp? Or would it still color the sound too much?

Regards,

Dan

Hi Dan

No. OTL Tube Amplifiers simply are not suited to driving low impedance headphones.

The iEMatch presents an appx. 16 Ohm load to the driving Amp, this is not suitable for any OTL Tube Amplifier.

The only solution to use an OTL Tube Amp with low impedance headphones is called "Transformer". A custom made 600 Ohm to 16 Ohm Transformer would be needed.

This will correctly match the high impedance from the OTL Tube Headphone Amplifier to the low impedance of the Headphone. Of course, after that it is no longer "OTL" but WOT (With Output Transformer).

I hope that this answers your questions.

Best wishes

iFi audio Team

 

[ultimdan]

Hi Dan

No. OTL Tube Amplifiers simply are not suited to driving low impedance headphones.

The iEMatch presents an appx. 16 Ohm load to the driving Amp, this is not suitable for any OTL Tube Amplifier.

The only solution to use an OTL Tube Amp with low impedance headphones is called "Transformer". A custom made 600 Ohm to 16 Ohm Transformer would be needed.

This will correctly match the high impedance from the OTL Tube Headphone Amplifier to the low impedance of the Headphone. Of course, after that it is no longer "OTL" but WOT (With Output Transformer).

I hope that this answers your questions.

Best wishes

iFi audio Team

Yes, that answer my question really well. Thanks a lot for your time. I'm still considering this or the headphone buddy to have more volume knob range available for my low impedance headphones on my SS amps. Would it work great, or is it only for iem?

 

[iFi audio]

Yes, that answer my question really well. Thanks a lot for your time. I'm still considering this or the headphone buddy to have more volume knob range available for my low impedance headphones on my SS amps. Would it work great, or is it only for iem?

Hi Dan

It works for all headphones that are too sensitive, it's just that with IEM's the problems tend to be very pronounced. A fair few customers also use iEMatch with full size headphones.

I hope that this answers your query.

Best wishes

iFi audio Team

 

[sha007]

Hi. can i use the iematch with the sennheiser hd 700? I hear sibilance on this headphone.

 

[Bansaku]

Hi. can i use the iematch with the sennheiser hd 700? I hear sibilance on this headphone.

While you can absolutely use the IEMatch with the Sennheiser HD 700, it will do absolutely nothing in regards to sibilance. The IEMatch will not alter the frequency response or sound signature of a headphones as it is not it's purpose nor design. Amplifier hiss and driver sensitivity has nothing to do with sibilance on the HD 700. All the IEMatch does is reduce noise and improve dynamics. You best bet is to purchase a 3rd party OCC cable.

 

[bartzky]

The IEMatch will not alter the frequency response or sound signature of a headphones as it is not it's purpose nor design.

Okay, I know I'm super petty now, but in some cases it will alter the frequency response. Or to be more precise: In most cases it will restore the original frequency response if it was altered by a higher output impedance of the original source. That's only true if the output impedance changes significantly (normally to the lower) by adding an iEMatch and will only be relevant if the headphones are somewhat picky in that regard.

Of course @Bansaku is absolutely right and the HD700 will not become less sibilant with an iEMatch.

 

[willowbrook]

Definitely will alter the frequency if the IEM/headphone is sensitive to impedance change. It may also compress the sound a bit and sound closed in. I've used the IEMatch for a long time, but I don't anymore.

 

[psikey]

Still using my IEMatch with my SE846's.

I can use them with any source without hearing background hiss and to my ears, do not degrade sound in any way. Sounds better actually.

If I use my SE846's with my Dragonfly Red in PC I often have to have volume at only 6% leaving no room for alteration. At anything over 12% I'd nearly blow my eardrums out!! With the IEMatch on "High" I can now be at 25% or on "Ultra" around 40% leading to more adjustable volume control.

 

[iFi audio]

Still using my IEMatch with my SE846's.

I can use them with any source without hearing background hiss and to my ears, do not degrade sound in any way. Sounds better actually.

If I use my SE846's with my Dragonfly Red in PC I often have to have volume at only 6% leaving no room for alteration. At anything over 12% I'd nearly blow my eardrums out!! With the IEMatch on "High" I can now be at 25% or on "Ultra" around 40% leading to more adjustable volume control.

Good to know that it works for you!