[jisu]

For those waiting for a Windows 10 driver, I have managed to nab a beta version from Centrance. Unfortunately I don’t have a working PC at the moment so I can’t test it.

If you’d like to try it out PM me with your email.

 

[JoeDoe]

Soon to be DM CX owner checking in. My cans are RS1s and HE400i's. I got a decent deal on a used model, but it doesn't have the 1ohm mod. For the Hifiman, is this a mod that I need or will I be alright without it? 97% of my listening with the Grado is through my MAD Ear HD.
 
thanks in advance!

 

[Armaegis]

I wouldn't worry about it. Grado impedance curves are actually quite flat, so the effect on frequency response will be minimal. Some will crow on about damping factor, but the effect is not that apparent.

 

[JoeDoe]

I wouldn't worry about it. Grado impedance curves are actually quite flat, so the effect on frequency response will be minimal. Some will crow on about damping factor, but the effect is not that apparent.

Thanks for your input.

 

[roker]

So I got the 1 ohm mod a long time ago:
 

"Headphone Linearity" Mod (1 Ohm output)

DACmini CX stock unit comes with 10 Ohm headphone output impedance. To our ears, it offers the most musical, transparent sound. Users have described it as "warm" and "analog-like". However we can lower the output impedance to 1 Ohm, if flattest possible frequency response is desired in your application. Customers have described the sound of this mod as "more clinical".

Tip: Use this mod to get the best out of low-impedance headphones.

 
Thing is, now I'm considering buying some Senn HD600s, will this be a problem?

 

[zilch0md]

^ Not in my opinion.  I have the CX with the 1-Ohm mod and found it to be a good match to the neutral HD600.  If it was your goal to have a warmer amp, then the default output impedance would be better, but it has its greatest impact on low-impedance headphones, where the ratio of the headphone impedance to the amp's output impedance is much less than 1:1 8:1.
 
The HD600 is renowned for being neutral so, again, I think the 1-Ohm modded CX is the better way to go.
 
Mike
 
Updated errors in my original post - I was in too big a hurry.

 

[Rynsin]

  So I got the 1 ohm mod a long time ago:
 

"Headphone Linearity" Mod (1 Ohm output)

DACmini CX stock unit comes with 10 Ohm headphone output impedance. To our ears, it offers the most musical, transparent sound. Users have described it as "warm" and "analog-like". However we can lower the output impedance to 1 Ohm, if flattest possible frequency response is desired in your application. Customers have described the sound of this mod as "more clinical".

Tip: Use this mod to get the best out of low-impedance headphones.

 
Thing is, now I'm considering buying some Senn HD600s, will this be a problem?

 
I agree entirely with Mike/zilch -- I've used the HD600s with my 1-ohm modded DACmini, it's great. 10-ohms is just too much resistance. In general, unless you have a headphone with crazy, 30db swing like the HD800, you'll want the amp and DAC to have a flat frequency response. 

 

[roker]

Thanks, fellas!
 
I've been rolling with my Denon D2000s for a long time and felt a nice change of pace would be nice with the more open design of the HD600s.
 
I'll do a mini-review when I score a pair!

 

[wolfz]

I heard that the gain mod can improve the SQ when driving the Beyer T1.
Is there anybody who has experience with this?
 
Thanks 

 

[Armaegis]

No personal experience with that combo specifically, but I highly doubt it. The T1 doesn't actually need that much power behind it, and typically lower gain is friendlier overall regarding distortion and assorted voodoo.

 

[zilch0md]

^ I agree.
 
I still have the default gain CX with 1-Ohm mod and I previously owned the T1.  The default gain CX had plenty of power for the T1.  Adding more gain would raise the noise floor and give you less finesse at the volume control.

 

[JoeDoe]

Well I ended up returning the CX that did not have the 1 ohm and picked up one that has the 1-ohm and Variable Out Mods. Funny thing with that is that now I have a Geek Pulse Infinity and I need to sell the CX. If you're interested, I'm letting it go for a good price.

 

[thatonenoob]

Hello chaps, first time here and I suppose better now than never! 
 
So I just got the DACmini CX - it's very nice, and I do like it very much.  However, I do have a question.  Does it have to be plugged into a computer the whole time?
 
I plug my DAP in through the Coaxial, and my computer through the USB.  
 
When I play my DAP with the CX in coax, things work great.  However, the moment I unplug the USB (even though it's inactive), I am no longer able to switch the input or hear music from the DAP until I plug in the USB again!  I need to plug in the USB before the DAC becomes functional again.
 
I've emailed Centrance with this question, but I was hoping that community feedback could resolve this a little faster -and whether or not people have similar experiences.

 

[Armaegis]

If I unplug the usb from my computer (PC) while the Dacmini is on (any input), then it freezes. If it's in standby mode, it's usually ok for me.

 

[thatonenoob]

If it's on standby and unplug usb...can't really turn the thing on. Need to unplug power and so on and so forth. Odd quirks.