bluestorm1992
Headphoneus Supremus
As for your desktop setup, I think you are correct on both. Regarding the sound, you will get different signatures. With line-in you get the tube/SS Cayin sound. With the pre-in you get the topping clean sound. I would personally recommend the line-in setup as you should be quite familiar with the topping sound, and could benefit from having the new C9 sound.Hello, I’m getting read to pull the trigger on the C9, but have some questions about how I intend to use it and what’s the best setting, etc.
Desktop: I have a Topping D90/A90 stack connected via XLR. I believe I could have two options: 1) D90 RCA output to C9 3.5mm input and use C9 in line mode, then volume controlled on C9. 2) A90 XLR preamp output to C9 4.4mm input in Pre mode, then volume is controlled on A90. Are both of those correct? Would one be better than the other in terms of sound quality?
Transportable 1: iFi Micro iDSD Signature RCA output to C9 3.5mm input. I believe the Signature can only be used as fixed output on the RCA out, so Direct would be the only option. That one seems straight forward.
Transportable 2: I’m in between DAPs and currently leaning towards Shanling M8. Does anyone know if the M8 has a true line out? Would I use Direct or Pre with M8 for the best pairing?
Thanks in advance!
I think your transportable setup is also good, and now it is just a matter of which DAP would work best for you. Besides N6ii, I have seen people using Hiby R8 as well and it pairs very well with C9.