[vlach]

Are you 100% positive? I thought i saw a flowchart somewhere showing all the modules between input & output, DAC, filters, etc and no dedicated amp section...i could be wrong.

SDBiotek,

You were right and i was wrong. I found the chart i was referring to, it's from the Headphone Zone website and indeed the schematic shows an amplification stage following the dual DACs.
So basically the absence of a true line out means double-amping when connecting to an external amp.

 

[SDBiotek]

"Double amping" is not evil incarnate, despite the many posts from folks complaining about it.We're all free to choose to use an external amp, or not. When I just want simplicity, I use my AK 100 II to directly drive my iems or headphones. Otherwise, I'll hook it up to an external amp for variety.

 

[vlach]

"Double amping" is not evil incarnate, despite the many posts from folks complaining about it.We're all free to choose to use an external amp, or not. When I just want simplicity, I use my AK 100 II to directly drive my iems or headphones. Otherwise, I'll hook it up to an external amp for variety.

Yeah, i use the CDM and i must say the expanded soundstage and separation is quite enjoyable on some tracks, especially mids focused instruments. Sax & trumpets get some extra fat!

 

[thor777]

"Double amping" is not evil incarnate, despite the many posts from folks complaining about it.We're all free to choose to use an external amp, or not. When I just want simplicity, I use my AK 100 II to directly drive my iems or headphones. Otherwise, I'll hook it up to an external amp for variety.

It really is not. I triple amp going from AK100ii (max volume, 'pseudo line-out') to Oppo HA2 (volume at 2, high gain) to my '99 Honda Accord stock stereo, and it sounds marvelous, as close to live as it can get.

 

[DanAudio]

Anyone found a 2.5mm TRRS female to TRS 3.5mm male to use as an "adapter" for regular ole stereo sockets?

I need to opposite of this adaptor - 2.5mm TRRS male to 3.5mm TRS female adapter. This would enable me to use a Linum Super BAX cable which currently is only supplied with a 3.5mm plug. But the adaptor would convert the Linum connection to a 2.5mm TRRS plug so I can connect to my Pioneer XDP-300R DAP in balanced mode. Is this possible, and does such an adaptor even exist? I've had a look around the forums here, and the web in general, without much luck. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[philk34]

I need to opposite of this adaptor - 2.5mm TRRS male to 3.5mm TRS female adapter. This would enable me to use a Linum Super BAX cable which currently is only supplied with a 3.5mm plug. But the adaptor would convert the Linum connection to a 2.5mm TRRS plug so I can connect to my Pioneer XDP-300R DAP in balanced mode. Is this possible, and does such an adaptor even exist? I've had a look around the forums here, and the web in general, without much luck. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Such adaptor is not suitable. And dangerous for the amp section.
If your super Bax is supplied with 3.5TRS use it in SE plug as it is designed for.

You can only use adaptors that convert balanced headphone to single ended. Basically it is what the splitter does in every "ole school stereo plug" as single ended plug.

 

[DanAudio]

Such adaptor is not suitable. And dangerous for the amp section.
If your super Bax is supplied with 3.5TRS use it in SE plug as it is designed for.

You can only use adaptors that convert balanced headphone to single ended. Basically it is what the splitter does in every "ole school stereo plug" as single ended plug.

Thanks for the input. So ultimately, if I want to use a Linum Super BAX on my Pioneer DAP - in balanced mode, I would have to have a 2.5mm TRRS terminated cable, and there is no other way?

 

[philk34]

Thanks for the input. So ultimately, if I want to use a Linum Super BAX on my Pioneer DAP - in balanced mode, I would have to have a 2.5mm TRRS terminated cable, and there is no other way?

Exactly. SuperBax does not seem to be available balanced, yet.

 

[DanAudio]

Exactly. SuperBax does not seem to be available balanced, yet.

It looked like that was the case. Do you know of any good quality IEM cables with MMX connectors, and a 2.5mm TRRS termination?

Thanks again for your advice: much appreciated.

 

[philk34]

I use Linum Balanced 2 pins. Available in MMCX and T2 connectors too.

 

[PinkyPowers]

It looked like that was the case. Do you know of any good quality IEM cables with MMX connectors, and a 2.5mm TRRS termination?

Thanks again for your advice: much appreciated.

The ALO Reference8 is one of my favorites.

 

[DanAudio]

I use Linum Balanced 2 pins. Available in MMCX and T2 connectors too.

Based on my current setup;
Pioneer XDP-300R
Westone UM PRO 50
Mostly HiRes FLAC source material
Some Qobuz streaming

Would you recommend this cable?

Many thanks for your opinion.

 

[DanAudio]

The ALO Reference8 is one of my favorites.

Based on my current setup;
Pioneer XDP-300R
Westone UM PRO 50
Mostly HiRes FLAC source material
Some Qobuz streaming

Would you recommend this cable?

Many thanks for your opinion.

 

[DanAudio]

The ALO Reference8 is one of my favorites.

Looking around online, this cable certainly reads very well, and sounds like the kind of cable I'm looking for. The stock Westone cable is fine btw, but I'm looking to squeeze out every last drop of detail from these fantastic IEMs. I'm assuming that considering Westone provide an ALO cable with the W80s, that ALO cables are a good partner for Westone IEMs? That is my only concern really - how well the cable and my UMPRO 50s will partner up. I live in London, UK, so it's not as though I can demo these together. I checked on ALO's site and couldn't find any dealerships.

 

[PinkyPowers]

Based on my current setup;
Pioneer XDP-300R
Westone UM PRO 50
Mostly HiRes FLAC source material
Some Qobuz streaming

Would you recommend this cable?

Many thanks for your opinion.

Take a look at my review, see if it doesn't sound like something you'd like.

http://theheadphonelist.com/her-swe...view-of-the-alo-audio-reference-8-ciem-cable/