[Andykong]

so using mid or high on xlr or SE for lets say a h6se or D8000pro isn't ideal ? even though it seems to provide more power ?!?

Yes, in our opinion. Matched output will deliver better sonic performance for planar headphones, The more obvious different is the linearity and definition in the bass frequency range.

 

[Andykong]

so I have a blur b2 bomber Dac which has output level selector and it actually increases/decreases volume (it sounds like adding/subtracting Gain) I find this a little odd that a Dac can provide loudness to the sound ? It would be interesting to know how that works in more detail.

Probably the digital volume in the DAC chipset. Line out was meant to be fixed value output, but some manufacturer has revised their design to "variable line out" by keeping the digital volume control in DAC chipset. Theoretically that is an attenuator that lower the output of your line out so you should set it to a relatively higher level or maximum in order to deliver the standard 2V SE or 4V BAL rated output level for line out.

 

[wazzupi]

Probably the digital volume in the DAC chipset. Line out was meant to be fixed value output, but some manufacturer has revised their design to "variable line out" by keeping the digital volume control in DAC chipset. Theoretically that is an attenuator that lower the output of your line out so you should set it to a relatively higher level or maximum in order to deliver the standard 2V SE or 4V BAL rated output level for line out.

thank you for the explanation I appreciate it.

 

[musicman59]

About the digital volume control, doing it in the digital domain the disadvantage is if you go lower than about -16db you start affecting the resolution of the DAC because it start eliminating significant bits with information.

 

[Andykong]

About the digital volume control, doing it in the digital domain the disadvantage is if you go lower than about -16db you start affecting the resolution of the DAC because it start eliminating significant bits with information.

Modern DAC chipset are operated in 32bit. if we playback 24Bits music files on a 32 bit DAC and lower the volume by 48dB (8bits), we still have 24 bits "untouched" in the DAC chipset, so 16 bits is definitely not a problem. Some DAC even compute the signal at 64bit internally because and that will safeguard a 32 bit data path without truncation.

 

[xand]

Looking forward to the update with the 4.4mm port and 130 step volume control...

 

[wazzupi]

Looking forward to the update with the 4.4mm port and 130 step volume control...

doesn't need a 4.4mm port..

 

[xand]

Sure.. To be clear of the source - 4.4mm given the 6A has it (doesn't need it either) and 130 steps given the C9s volume control (although I have no clue if a similar scheme would work for a DHT amp).

Oh and I have a 4.4mm cable already... As I'm sure others have or will more often have from now on...

 

[Level5]

Anyone else notice that certain 6SN7 tubes are more microphonic (hiss) when plugged via balanced out, but no hiss with SE out. This is with HD800S on Hi impedance btw.

 

[donato]

Just joined the club (bought from @Level5 )! A bit too soon give impressions since I just unboxed and set it up a couple hours ago, but more to come.

 

[rulerofrecords]

I gave this some hard thinking - but I have not seen a more impressive desktop-setup anywhere yet. Congratulations! However - A tube-amp to go with the Pass SS = sure. But - what is that truly impressive 845 Viva amp missing that got you to go for the 300b Cayin?

 

[donato]

I gave this some hard thinking - but I have not seen a more impressive desktop-setup anywhere yet. Congratulations! However - A tube-amp to go with the Pass SS = sure. But - what is that truly impressive 845 Viva amp missing that got you to go for the 300b Cayin?

Not anything "missing" per se with the 845. It is an impressive headphone amp to be sure, but a bit overpowered for sensitive headphones and there is a little bit of buzz when using those. I bought the 845 to use with my Susvara, LCD-4, and soon Abyss Phi TC. But I was also interested in what a 300b-based tube amp sounded like, hence the HA-300. Plus, the 845 does draw a lot of power, 300W+, and of course generates a commensurate amount of heat (fortunately, the weather is very moderate almost all year here).

 

[llamaluv]

I've been pretty enamored with the Egoista since giving it a serious listen a few years ago. Will be very interested to hear any comparisons to the HA-300 that you'll share!

 

[rulerofrecords]

I gave this some hard thinking - but I have not seen a more impressive desktop-setup anywhere yet. Congratulations! However - A tube-amp to go with the Pass SS = sure. But - what is that truly impressive 845 Viva amp missing that got you to go for the 300b Cayin?

yeah, I'll sure would like to change that shitshow called "Spring in Germany" for that "moderate" weather you guys are dealing with Anyhow I've heard people saying they have similar issues with headroom on their sensitive cans on the 300b, too. So I'm very interested as well in hearing your thoughts on the two amps ...

 

[jambaj0e]

Just joined the club (bought from @Level5 )! A bit too soon give impressions since I just unboxed and set it up a couple hours ago, but more to come.

Congratulations and welcome to the family!