Cowon C2 volume seems low

[ccw71]

Hi, I'd like others opinion. I've just recieved my C2 which I bought on vacation in USA from Jet Audio through Amazon. Having read many reviews, I was disappointed that I need the volume above 33 (usually 35) to get any kind of engaging sound from it. I'm not deaf, I was a sound engineer for several years and still have very keen hearing. I'm driving 16ohm Meelectronics sp51 earphones (I tried others too with the same result). Many reviews compliment the powerful internal amp of the c2, with other users rarely going above 15 on the volume! If I turn it up full to 40 it is certainly no where near uncomfortable. I initially set it to Europe, but after a bit of searching realized that was a bad idea and changed my location to another to prevent the EU volume restriction.  Do you think have a defective unit?

 

[ccw71]

I just update from the firmware from 1.02 to 1.11 but that didn't help. I'm really disappointed with the sound of this player, not the quality, it sounds nice, but very low level. Below 8, I cant hear it at all!

 

[ExpatinJapan]

I usually have my sound set at 35-39 using ATH-ESW9.
 
I checked the specs before buying and it seemed to have enough power.
 
But yes, I am also maxing it out.

 

[ccw71]

Cowon's output seems to be a bit "Hit or Miss" it appears. I've read a few posts now of other Cowon users (not just C2) complaining of low volume on easily driven 16ohm IEMs. Whilst others say their Cowon player is very loud. Some are resolved by removing the EU volume limitation, other are not, like mine. I'm seriously considering getting a headphone amp, which seems crazy with 27mW output into 16 ohm IEMs!

 

[Berkovajazz]

My C2 is loud but not powerful.
I can't listen him on 40, but on 30 i can't hear what i want.

 

[lestercabs]

Hey ccw71, are  you still having problems with your c2 re: power / loudness? you sure it ain't the EU cap that's bringing it down? reason being is this is really whats keeping me from purchasing a c2. If this is one of those ISO cases then i think its fine then. Did you try contacting cowon to see their take on this? (even tried returning it for a possible rma?) just askin. thanks!