I have a question for owners of the A & K SR15. I am sorting feverishly through reviews of moderately high-level IEM's ($1200-$2000). I can afford to buy ONE new IEM, not three, which is what I will end up with if I remain indecisive
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I have a new A & K SR15. My other main source is my iPhone XS with Dragonfly Red DAC amp. I like the A&K, but I confess that for certain kinds of music (e.g., rock) I like LOUD--not hearing destroying loud, but fairly loud, as that is how this music is played, yes? The A &K's output is marginal in this regard with some quality IEM's (depends mostly on impedance, I guess).
Actually, my question has to do with the 2.5mm balanced output option, which I currently cannot use. If I am using IEM's of low impedance, is there a real advantage to utilizing "balanced output?" I know some people are skeptical. I ask because certain IEM options (e.g., Campfire Audio Solaris 2020) seem to offer only a 3.5mm terminated cable. Others come with two cables or at least offer a 2.5mm terminated balanced cable with can be outfitted with a converter to 3.5mm for source that don't have a 2.5mm.
Should I be seeking an IEM that is equipped for the balanced output option, or is the difference in this context so small that I should not use it in decision-making?
Oh, and I have read that the Campfire Solaris 2020 is prone to background hiss. Is this a consideration with the A&K SR15?
Thanks for any opinions and responses.
Doug Greenberg, Berkeley, CA