Best SuperMacro Config for Sensaphonics 2X-S?

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo Zoide, at the end what kind of Supermacro configuration did you order?

I have the 4 switch version with the OPA627 opamps, socketed. I sent back the amp one time to have the bass boost increased, since it was imperceptible (later builds of the SuperMacro already have the boost increased, AFAIK only the earliest ones had the weaker boost).

Quote:

Originally Posted by stryker There is a gain switch. Did that help? I'm considering the same iPod setup so I'm curious if that worked for you.

I do have the gain switch, but my observations are all with the switch at the lowest position, where it's still too much gain.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo Zoide, Sennsaphonics has 27Ohm I have been using ER-4P which also has 27Ohm with no problem. I mean the volume I can turn it up to 25%(Quarter). It sounds too loud with Sensaphonics although the resistance is the same?

Well, the 2X-S does have a higher sensitivity rating (109dB for 1mW, versus the Ety's 107dB), but I think that the difference wouldn't be noticeable. I usually listen to the 2X-S at the 8 o'clock position or below.

So let's assume that they're volume is just about the same, which means that we use the volume knob at similar positions. Are you having any balance problems with the Etys + SuperMacro? Especially at positions slightly below 25%?

Btw, the iPod line out is much louder than the line out of my DAC, so with the Sik Din I consistently listen to music at even lower than 8 o'clock. I can barely move the volume knob before it's too loud.

 

[jlingo]

I'm currently using ER-4P with Supermacro standard version. I'll be getting the Expert II edition of Supermacro, and will let you know if results changes.The volume
is lowest I think at 7 o'clock.
At 7:30 I think it has a balance problem.
at 8:00 no more problem I think.
and at 8:30 definitely no more balance problem.

That's too bad because if I increase impedance, I usually listen at 9 o'clock when impedance turned on with Etymotic.

 

[mavis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo At 7:30 I think it has a balance problem. at 8:00 no more problem I think. and at 8:30 definitely no more balance problem.

hmm ... I'm experiencing the same thing ...

If I sent the amp back to Xin and had hom change the gain from what it is now (5) to like 3 or something, would that give me more room to make volume adjustments at what is now 8:00-9:00?

 

[iamdone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavis hmm ... I'm experiencing the same thing ... If I sent the amp back to Xin and had hom change the gain from what it is now (5) to like 3 or something, would that give me more room to make volume adjustments at what is now 8:00-9:00?

Maybe you guys can ask him to put in a better pot. After all, you paid a couple hundred dollars, it should work properly. Adjusting the gain might work, but it's still a workaround.

Although I really shouldn't comment. I have a Tivoli Audio Model Two stereo at work that I have to keep at low volume and it has balance problem below 8:00.

 

[Zoide]

Well, I agree with iamdone. While the amp is great and very small, it's still quite expensive at $300+ if you factor in tax and shipping for the model with the extra features...

Given that it's a portable amp, it is to be expected that there be no balance problems with low impedance cans...

Maybe we should point Xin to this thread so that he doesn't see it as an isolated incident?

 

[jlingo]

Zoide,
Xin actually has asked me to send the supermacro to him to reduce the gain to 3.
I haven't send it to Xin yet, since I haven't received my Sensaphonics just yet.

 

[iamdone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide Well, I agree with iamdone. While the amp is great and very small, it's still quite expensive at $300+ if you factor in tax and shipping for the model with the extra features... Given that it's a portable amp, it is to be expected that there be no balance problems with low impedance cans... Maybe we should point Xin to this thread so that he doesn't see it as an isolated incident?

I'd bring this up on his own website's forum. I know he won't post to this site because of problems in the past (questions over advertising in posts), so I don't know if he even bothers to read posts here anymore.

I'm sure he'll work something out. He's always tweaking his amps, so if the pot is in question, he'll find a replacement.

 

[iamdone]

I was just checking my SR-71 to see if it had any balance issues with the sensas and it actually does (sort of). It only plays on the left at about 6:40 and starts to balance just about just before 7:00. This is actually too quite to listen to and is not an issue. The volume markings on the amp don't start until 7:00 and my normal listening position is at just under 9:00.

edited.

 

[Zoide]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo Zoide, Xin actually has asked me to send the supermacro to him to reduce the gain to 3. I haven't send it to Xin yet, since I haven't received my Sensaphonics just yet.

I guess I should do the same... But how could I live without my amp for some days!!!

Oh well...

 

[mavis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoide Maybe we should point Xin to this thread so that he doesn't see it as an isolated incident?

I've emailed Xin about this issue and directed him to this thread - besides taking care of my gain question (lowering the gain) for me, I think he's either aware of the pot problem or will be soon ...

 

[mavis]

OK, good news!!

I've been corresponding with Xin about the channel imbalance at low volumes, and he just sent me this email:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xin I've found a better pot. This new pot will be used in all new production next week. It has MUCH more accurate and detailed (slow) control at low volume area. All current SuperMacro owners can upgrade for free (not a must for many of them though).

So there ya go - if you've got really sensitive phones like the Sensas or the E5c, you can send the amp back to Xin to replace the pot with a "much" better one ...

 

[jlingo]

Wow thanks Mavis, what a timing?
I have just sent my supermacro back to Xin to reduce gain. That would be amazing.

 

[mavis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlingo Wow thanks Mavis, what a timing? I have just sent my supermacro back to Xin to reduce gain. That would be amazing.

Just a thought, but maybe you can leave the gain alone and just get the new potentiometer ... ?

I'd ask Xin what he thinks. Leaving the gain alone would make driving less sensitive phones easier, in case you ever have any.

 

[Zoide]

Awesome! Time to prepare the amp for shipping....