Colorfly C3 Discussion Thread

[ilmothedude]

Shure SRH1440 and C3 pairs really well even without amp btw. I haven't listened this combo much because I prefer desktop system when I'm at home. But oh man shures shine with Colorfly! EQ normal, bass is well present, mellow rich midrange and clear treble altough it might be too much for some, but I have used to it because SRH1440 are really bright. It's kind of weird to have so good sounding flat setting as I've often found flat very boring sounding on other players.

 

[Namaskar]

Greetings - I'm new here.... very useful information I read over the last few days / since I finally replaced my never much-liked ipod for a C3. And now the journey seems to have started.... H20, I'm now considering the CCBH amp to further improve the SQ of the C3 (but do wonder about 'real-life' improvements for my new Sennheiser hd 595 and vsonic vsd1s IEM).
 
I think I prefer cleaner, treble rich sound over heavy boomy bass, female vocal and acustic Jazz, Indian/Jazz fusion, and sometimes older pop/rock (I was 20 in the 1980s   ..... my C3 sits on the EQ 'Jazz' setting which I experience as the most 'natural' (i.e. preferable to my ears). Mix of FLAC and mp3, CDs when using the laptop.
 
2 questions - it looks as if the CCBH is an 'amp only', no DAC (?) ... would it be better to buy acombo amp/DAC (maybe E7 or E17) to use with the C3?
Secondly.... my other music source is an old Dell xps1730 .... not sure what the DAC story is with that one... sound is ok - but I'm sure that external gear will improve things majorly (i.e. DAC & amp).
 
Ideally I'd like to just buy one device and switch between C3 and xps depending on what source I use..... is the CCBH (amp only?) still the better option for both or should I look at a combo to support both devices?  (Budget considerations - AUD 130 for BH or up to maybe $170 for E17 [unles the E7 will do anyway, for AU$100] ).
 
Cheers

 

[H20Fidelity]

  Greetings - I'm new here.... very useful information I read over the last few days / since I finally replaced my never much-liked ipod for a C3. And now the journey seems to have started.... H20, I'm now considering the CCBH amp to further improve the SQ of the C3 (but do wonder about 'real-life' improvements for my new Sennheiser hd 595 and vsonic vsd1s IEM).
 
I think I prefer cleaner, treble rich sound over heavy boomy bass, female vocal and acustic Jazz, Indian/Jazz fusion, and sometimes older pop/rock (I was 20 in the 1980s   ..... my C3 sits on the EQ 'Jazz' setting which I experience as the most 'natural' (i.e. preferable to my ears). Mix of FLAC and mp3, CDs when using the laptop.
 
2 questions - it looks as if the CCBH is an 'amp only', no DAC (?) ... would it be better to buy acombo amp/DAC (maybe E7 or E17) to use with the C3?
Secondly.... my other music source is an old Dell xps1730 .... not sure what the DAC story is with that one... sound is ok - but I'm sure that external gear will improve things majorly (i.e. DAC & amp).
 
Ideally I'd like to just buy one device and switch between C3 and xps depending on what source I use..... is the CCBH (amp only?) still the better option for both or should I look at a combo to support both devices?  (Budget considerations - AUD 130 for BH or up to maybe $170 for E17 [unles the E7 will do anyway, for AU$100] ).
 
Cheers

Hi there,
 
There are options you can consider which will do this job for you. Personally, we need to remember C3 is limited in output power, whilst it does a good job with many lower impedance gear something like those HD595 are going to benefit from some amplification.
 
The options I'm going to give you are dac/amps which can accomplish these 2 tasks you want in a one device solution (just like E17). You''re correct C&C BH2 is just an amp and wouldn't do both tasks. however.....
 
So in a short list you can consider:
 
FiiO E17
Topping NX2 
iBasso D-Zero MK2.
 
I can give you the D-Zero Mk2 thread to read: (about $119 USD from iBasso website)

http://www.head-fi.org/t/741541/new-ibasso-d-zero-mk2
 
Topping NX2 is very new we don't have much information, the NX1 (which is just an amp) receives high praise.
 
Topping NX2 (about $70 AUD)
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2015-New-Topping-TP-NX2-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-DAC-USB-Rechargeable-AUX-In-/311288230619?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item487a3972db
 
 
As for E17, you will find so much information here it will overload you. My suggestion? Probably focus on the iBasso D-Zero MK2, at least focus on the research to see if it fits for you. Best thing is, C3 takes to amping well, so either of these will work. 

Just remember when amping set the volume on C3 to 40/40.

 

[Namaskar]

Thanks H20 for the quick reply --- hmmm, after rading further (and becoming increasingly confused about everything) I now wonder whether I'm really going to constantly be switching the device from C3 to laptop and back ... maybe a dedicated device for each is the more comfprtable way to go.... (?)
Anyway, it seems DAC devices all have slightly different timbres [as have amps?] -- if I attach an amp/dac combo to the C3 will that override the original sound of the C3 in favour of the external dac sound? I presume an amp will not interfere as strongly with the original source ? Or is that thought a bit too simplistic?
The Senns 598 were a very recent present (my wife thought a 'good headset' would be in line re me raving on about the superior sound from the C3 compared to the ipod) ... I don't really know yet how the 598s are sounding ... (funny - my first headphones in the late 70s were Senns 414). It seems that an amp is not really required  for the 598s - but I presume an amp will lift SQ somewhat? Add a DAC to it or not?
 
Any suggestions what I should consider from here ?   (I.e. - basic cheap DAC for laptop and just an amp for the C3 .... or stick with the idea of a combo for both?) Thanks in advance !

 

[Namaskar]

Oh dear - now commenting on my own post....
I spent more time reading => it seems pretty ranom, some people report huge differences when combining with amp/dac, others feel there's no real gain... some like the 598s, some hate them, some think certain amps are suited, others think the same amp is not a good choice.... everyone's experience is different I guess .... I shall wait and make mine once I've hooked the 598s up to the C3 and the xps.
 
Unless - does anyone here use a certain amp or combo together with the C3 & 598s and would like to comment?
Cheers

 

[H20Fidelity]

  Thanks H20 for the quick reply --- hmmm, after rading further (and becoming increasingly confused about everything) I now wonder whether I'm really going to constantly be switching the device from C3 to laptop and back ... maybe a dedicated device for each is the more comfprtable way to go.... (?)
Anyway, it seems DAC devices all have slightly different timbres [as have amps?] -- if I attach an amp/dac combo to the C3 will that override the original sound of the C3 in favour of the external dac sound? I presume an amp will not interfere as strongly with the original source ? Or is that thought a bit too simplistic?
The Senns 598 were a very recent present (my wife thought a 'good headset' would be in line re me raving on about the superior sound from the C3 compared to the ipod) ... I don't really know yet how the 598s are sounding ... (funny - my first headphones in the late 70s were Senns 414). It seems that an amp is not really required  for the 598s - but I presume an amp will lift SQ somewhat? Add a DAC to it or not?
 
Any suggestions what I should consider from here ?   (I.e. - basic cheap DAC for laptop and just an amp for the C3 .... or stick with the idea of a combo for both?) Thanks in advance !

 
So, you're planning is to buy two devices now? 
 
If you were to get a dac/amp like the ones I mentioned they function accomplishing two tasks.
 
1) They will work as just a stand alone amp (the devices DAC in this situation isn't used ie connecting to C3)
 
2) Work as a dac/amp (which you would plug into the USB of your PC / laptop then you 'do' use the DAC of the device)
 
You have asked many questions, I'm not sure what you're after anymore. What you need to remember is the dac/amps I suggested will work as 1) stand alone amp.; 2) dac/amp. But if you want two devices then you're starting from scratch.
 
Maybe you just want to try Topping NX1 for C3. You can pick them up in Australia for about $45.00.
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rechargeable-TOpping-NX1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-for-MP3-Phone-Computer-AU-/311161450380?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4872aaef8c

 

[Namaskar]

Thanks H20 - sorry for my confusing questions and thanks again for the links-- I guess it reflects my own confusion as to what to do    ..... So far I wasn't  too worried about superior sound (ignorance & lack of experience with 'higher-end SQ' I presume) .... but now enjoying the C3 tremendously and looking for more....
 
There's a good chance that once I bought all of the new music equipment I will use it for years to come, not upgrade any time soon again....
 
Below I've summarized my thoughts and underlined the questions I ponder:
.
Well - after reading the C3 thread and the overwhelming positive experiences with the C3/CCBH amp I thought I'd want that CCBH too - even though nobody seems to use C3/CCBH/598 combo... (hopefully not because the 598 is an unusual choice or its timbre somewhat a missmatch for the C3/CCBH [?] )
Then I read about inferior laptop sound and thought maybe I'd like to boost the SQ when on the laptop too.... that's where the dac/amp combo came up .... (and whether to get one device to switch around or 2 dedicated ones ... in which case I could go back to the C3/CCBH and a basic desktop dac/amp for laptop use).
 
Can I claryfy please:
1.    If I wanted to use a device on the laptop it would need to be a dac/amp combo, right? (The dac part will boost SQ on the laptop?, the amp will provide extra power to the headphones).
2.    For the C3 I don't really need a dac/amp combo because the dac will not be used anyway while connected to the C3 as it has its own dac? That would mean that there's no point buying a amp/dac combo for any players like Colourfly, FiiO etc  ?? right - wrong?
 
So my options would be:
 
A: I could get a cheaper amp-only for the C3 (like the NX1  H20/you mentioned, hopefully not too much inferior than the CCBH? Any take on that?) and for the laptop a combo maybe something like the E7 to stay within budget.
 
B: Get a E17 or D-Zero as a single device (maybe a bit of an overkill for the C3 and for the 598s ?) and switch around when needed, cover both ends.
 
C: Not worry about current laptop sound (in the end this hasn't been a problem for many years, why now...) and just get the best device for the C3 within my budget (likely the CCBH I guess.... or still look at the combo and spend the extra $40?)
 
Any comments on the above?
Cheers

 

[H20Fidelity]

  Thanks H20 - sorry for my confusing questions and thanks again for the links-- I guess it reflects my own confusion as to what to do    ..... So far I wasn't  too worried about superior sound (ignorance & lack of experience with 'higher-end SQ' I presume) .... but now enjoying the C3 tremendously and looking for more....
 
There's a good chance that once I bought all of the new music equipment I will use it for years to come, not upgrade any time soon again....
 
Below I've summarized my thoughts and underlined the questions I ponder:
.
Well - after reading the C3 thread and the overwhelming positive experiences with the C3/CCBH amp I thought I'd want that CCBH too - even though nobody seems to use C3/CCBH/598 combo... (hopefully not because the 598 is an unusual choice or its timbre somewhat a missmatch for the C3/CCBH [?] )
Then I read about inferior laptop sound and thought maybe I'd like to boost the SQ when on the laptop too.... that's where the dac/amp combo came up .... (and whether to get one device to switch around or 2 dedicated ones ... in which case I could go back to the C3/CCBH and a basic desktop dac/amp for laptop use).
 
Can I clarify please:
1.    If I wanted to use a device on the laptop it would need to be a dac/amp combo, right? (The dac part will boost SQ on the laptop?, the amp will provide extra power to the headphones).
2.    For the C3 I don't really need a dac/amp combo because the dac will not be used anyway while connected to the C3 as it has its own dac? That would mean that there's no point buying a amp/dac combo for any players like Colourfly, FiiO etc  ?? right - wrong?
 
So my options would be:
 
A: I could get a cheaper amp-only for the C3 (like the NX1  H20/you mentioned, hopefully not too much inferior than the CCBH? Any take on that?) and for the laptop a combo maybe something like the E7 to stay within budget.
 
B: Get a E17 or D-Zero as a single device (maybe a bit of an overkill for the C3 and for the 598s ?) and switch around when needed, cover both ends.
 
C: Not worry about current laptop sound (in the end this hasn't been a problem for many years, why now...) and just get the best device for the C3 within my budget (likely the CCBH I guess.... or still look at the combo and spend the extra $40?)
 
Any comments on the above?
Cheers

1) If you want to use the device on your laptop its better being a USB dac/amp.
 
Onboard audio with laptops isn't always the greatest option. What the dac/amp does is bypass your onboard audio completely and the device takes control of 1) decoding the data signal into analogue, 2) powering your headphone from its own amp section. You could always just buy a 'portable amp' and connect it to your laptops headphone out, but this defeats the entire purpose of bypassing the laptops onboard audio in the first place. (why the dac in the device is needed)
 
2) In the case of Colurfly C3 you must amp from the players headphone out then feeding the amp AUX in. If you look at the devices I suggested they can be connected in two ways.
 
A) By feeding a line in signal with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable from C3's headphone out to the amps AUX in. (interconnect cable).
 

 
The headphone would plug into the other jack. You're are now amping, it is nothing more than just an amp in this situation.
 
 
 
 
B) Plugging a USB cable from the laptop to the rear of the device you'd then be using it as a dac. (your headphone would still plug into the same jack)
 
 

 
 
If you have no intention of upgrading your laptops audio then sure, something like C&C BH will be perfect for C3. It doesn't really colour the signal in anyway or change the timbre. Most importantly, gaining hands-on experience is the best recipe. You can try NX1 is you like too.

 

[Namaskar]

Wow - thx for the quick reply with pictures.... ok, understand now enough to decide.... since found your posts in the nx1 thread re thoughts/comparison to the CCBH too.... the nx1 will be fine for my purposes for now.... $50 is not bad either... and AU stock will mean I'll get it in a few days  rather than waiting for China based suppliers.
 
Thanks again for your help H20!

 

[taffy2207]

Hey, UK newbie here so go easy 

 
I've just purchased a C3 which should be arriving later in the week after the very sad passing of my Sansa Clip+. Eulogies were read, tears were shed but it's time to move on with my life. I used to be a bit of an Audiophile when it came to hifi separates several moons ago  but it appears I've lost my way when it comes to portables. I'm initially pairing the C3 with my AKG451's (I know, some people love them, some people hate them) but I love the sound they generate (SPEC sheet here http://uk.akg.com/akg-product-detail_us/k-451.html), I can always replace them at a future date if they don't pair well. I listen mainly to FLAC & 24 Bit FLAC (Most recently). From what I've read here it seems that the C3 is what I'm looking for in terms of sound. I've read about the software and UI problems and it doesn't bother me that much, Primarily,  I'm all about the sound. I listen (quite loudly usually) to Rock and Acoustic primarily but have been known to dance around in my pants to The Prodigy on occasion. TMI? Yeah, Sorry about that, I do that a lot 

 
I do however, have a couple of suitably noobish (Is that even a word?) questions:-
 
1. I have a 32GB (Class 4) SD card from my Clip+, is that suitable for the C3 or do I have to get a different one? Also, does a 64GB card work in the C3?
 
2. Should I get an amp to go with the C3 (I'm purely using it as a portable device). I'm guessing it's a suck it and see scenario until I've actually listened to it but a head start in case I need an amp would be nice. Amp suggestions etc.
 
3 I've read about the problems with the UI regarding playlists etc Do you guys have any suggestions to overcome these? Primarily I use it as a shuffle player but occasionally I do like to listen to full albums or favourite tracks.
 
Basically, I'm looking for any advice / guidance to enhance my C3 experience. I guess a 'So you've bought a C3 huh? Here's what to do next' post could be what I'm looking for or something like an idiots guide to the C3 

 
 
Honestly any advice / help to enhance my experience with the C3 can only be a good thing. 
 
Thanks for any impending help or ignorance of my post (I'm Welsh, I'm used to being ignored 

)
 
Cheers 
 
Taff
 
P.s.  I'll email the best post in reply some Jaffa Cakes, just to sweeten the pot 

 

[TrollDragon]

Hey taffy2207,
 
I throw you some answers:
 
1. Don't know I have never tried a 64MB card but it should work.
 
2. You state you listen loudly, well the output of the C3 is quite low. You will have to try your headphones with it and see as some headphones are a lot more efficient than others. I have always had an amplifier with mine. I used the FiiO E11 at the start and now have the FiiO E11K with the C3. Check a few posts back, Uncle H20 recommended a few excellent amplifiers to pair with the C3.
 
3. The C3 has no shuffle capability at all, you can listen to a single folder of songs at a time. No playlists and it will not automatically continue to the next folder. For a Favorite Tracks selection, then you would have to put those songs an a single folder and listen to them that way. It does not support playlists either.
 
I would suggest a FiiO X1, X3 or X5... iBasso DX50 or 90. You will find that the functionality of the new players far exceeds the good ole C3. Two years ago the C3 was amazing, today not so much. The FiiO X1 has a similar price and will do everything in your list of required functions. It will also play your 24Bit FLAC's where the C3 is limited to 16Bit only.
 
Sorry for the bad news, but there are just too many DAP's available today that would be a better choice.
 
I still dig out my C3 every now and then for a listen but the X3 is my daily carry.

 
 
I don't know about chocolate covered cookies with Marmalade core...

 

[Namaskar]

Hi taffy  .... from newbie to newbie
 
I don't hold alot of first-hand knowledge (but have read hours on this thread over the past days) -- just bought a C3 too and I love it!
Some thoughts:
 
Check the C3 forum ... 160 pages to read, lots of good infor re shuffle (it does only have basic shuffle functions within a folder/album), how to trick C3 into listing albums in alphabethical order, amps, silicon cover, what mSC cards work, etc. And there's an older thread too....
 
Seems the C3 was really big a couple of years back.... especially together with a Chinese amp ... see here
http://www.head-fi.org/t/644363/c-c-bh-portable-headphone-amp-80-hours-from-a-single-charge-buyer-review  (US$100).... there're cheaper options with a little (but not much?) less SQ .... see re nx1 on this page 160 ... there's another thread re the nx1, with good info and comparisons.
Volume goes up to 40.... 32+ with in-ears becomes very loud (my teenage kids listen on 26 and say it's too loud ... still very sensitive ear drums I presume    )...
 
The UI is somewhat awkward (i.e. very basic) but once you get your head around the few otions (yes, very few) it works out well, no problems to report, easy to operate, not much to remember either....
Playlists etc are difficult.... need to compile in a folder on your pc, then move across... I don't do playlits nor shuffle - happy to put on an album and listen to it as it was recorded....
Still, the UI should be better for a 21st Century device ....
 
I planned on the Fiio X1 but bought the C3 (some people believe the SQ is better on the C3 - I don't have a comparison so don't know.... all I know it sounds much better than my old ipod nano g4 or my kids SansaClip+).
 
64 gig is reported as working ok... the UI may make a huge music list a bit cumbersome though.... depends how you sub-folder the card (abc or any other way you like). Still, I have 32gig and find/access everything within a few seconds now (once you have worked out the most intuitive folder order for you).
 
Buying a X1/3/5 .... depending on the headphone I think you may still need to get an additioal amp (again, there're lots of forums [fora?] re the X series, what amps with what headphone etc... check there for first-hand experience).
 
I'm very happy with my C3 - hope you'll enjoy yours!

 

[waynes world]

No problem with 64G cards.

> 3. The C3 has no shuffle capability at all

It does (within a folder).

 

[H20Fidelity]

Its funny you know.
 
Tonight I was going through some sources with a pair of Aurisonics ASG-2, which had a Tralucent pure silver cable arrive today. 

 
The sources in question were:
 
DX50
S:Flo2
Cowon J3
Colorfly C3
Microsoft Zune
 
In all honesty, after going back and forth several times (too many times actually) I settled on the little Colorfly for this hybrid IEM.
 
This doesn't mean its perfect as the bass is a little loose / rolled off - (very neat / tight bass response on the Zune with ASG-2 compared, impressive) but C3 just puts out the best tonality and overall baseline performance with Aurisonics ASG-2 for me. DX50 while having a slightly more detail (with this pairing at least) simply didn't sound as airy or wide in soundstage, bit congested. The Cowon was a bit meh (but I like it with SE535). So what you have here with this testing is not the 'best everything' but one that meets a high level point  in most areas.
 
As for the UI, the little Colorfly drives me a bit batty these days. (I really like the iBasso UI) 

 

[taffy2207]

Thanks for your feedback fellas 

 There's nothing that worries me too much at this stage. I've only downloaded about 6 or 7 24 bit FLACS so it's no big loss. It was a massive difference in SQ on the Clip+ but I'm guessing the general jump in SQ with the C3 will make up for the loss of the 24 Bit abilities. 
 
I'm still confused about the class thing with SD cards. I guess I'd better get my reading glasses on.
 
I should get it in the next couple of days so I'll endeavour to update with regards to my pleasure / frustations / thoughts on the C3