[Cobertizo]

Firstly, I apologise if this has been answered elsewhere. I have had a trawl through past posts, but I haven't really found much more than a few passing comments!

From reading around on this forum, I have discovered that the European version of the Sony D-EJ2000 has a lower power output than the US/Jap versions. However knowing that the output is 0.5mW doesn't really mean much to me, and I was wondering whether it will actually be a problem for me.

Some background: I am looking for a PCDP that needs to be very portable, and, at least in the near future, will be un-amped. I have some Senn 580s, but these aren't really suitable for my portable needs, so I think I may well get some Senn PX200s. I was tempted by the PX100s, but I would like a degree of isolation, so the closed design looks like a better bet. It seems that these should represent a fairly light load, being 32ohm, and allegedly quite sensitive. In case it is of interest, I mostly listen to stuff ranging from ambient electronica through to trance and drum and bass, with a fair degree of rock and pop thrown in too!

So I suppose that my question is this: Would a European D-EJ2000 with some PX200s suit my needs okay? Is it fair to assume that it will be able to drive these headphones reasonably well? While I could get a US/Jap D-EJ2000, it would be more expensive, and I would prefer not to unless I would get a result worthy of the expense/hassle!

I would really appreciate any help you can give me!

 

[Duncan]

Hiya

It all depends on how loudly you listen...

Whilst the EJ2000 is bearable, it is (to my ears) nowhere near adequate in terms of overall volume...

...Do you like deafening music, or background music?

Cheers

 

[Cobertizo]

I think perhaps something in between! I like to be able to attain a volume that lets me get properly immersed in the music, but I don't like listening too loud. Sorry for not being very helpful in this regard, but it is a bit difficult to quantify! I suppose part of the attraction of closed cans is that with lesser background noise, it is easier to reach the level of the music being all you can hear, but without it being either painful, or too difficult for the PCDP to cope with!

Thanks for your reply though! I see from your profile that you own the PX200s. Were these the headphones that you used when testing the D-EJ2000?

 

[Duncan]

Hiya...

I honestly don't remember what cans it was that I did use... All I can remember is that the unit sounded smoother than the current top of the line player, the EJ1000... but quieter.

Its (according to a few people here) certainly one of the better, newer players... but - as you'll see from my posts around here... i'm more of an old school person

Thanks

 

[blr]

I tried it with PX100 and IMO there is not enough power to drive these adequately. It's not only a question of volume. Due to the very anemic power output the sound lacks body. In my test only MDR-E888 (earbuds) could be driven OK. I guess earbuds is pretty much the only choice with this player

 

[Cobertizo]

Okay then. Thanks for your responses. (Well, apart from the fact that you are implicitly encouraging me to spend more money by importing...

)

Let's say that I wanted to import a non-crippled D-EJ2000. I've taken a look at AudioCubes, and they seem to have a decent enough price (although I haven't checked shipping to the UK yet...). I don't know whether there are any other places I should be considering. However, I have seen references to a "Tourist" model in another thread. D555 described it as such: Quote:

Why the "Tourist" model? 1. Nice box 2. Worldwide voltage AC adapter with adapter plug 3. Multiple language manuals 4. No crappy headphones, just crappy earbuds 5. Available in all silver

The main question I have is what "worldwide voltage adapter" means. Does that just mean that it is fine in the US, or the UK (230V) as well? If not, then I guess that the "Tourist" model isn't really worth worrying about, and I should be looking for other ways of dealing with the voltage issue. Is it possible just to buy a D-EJ2000 UK power adapter separately, or do I really have to get a step-down transformer?

Once again, many thanks for your help!

 

[D-EJ915]

the universal adapter supports from about 100V to 240V, and has adapters, I think

 

[D555]

Hello,

The "Tourist" model contains a switching power supply which should work with any voltage between 100VAC and 240VAC.

The package also includes a plug adapter for use with "round plug" outlets used in some parts of Europe (Germany?).

The output is 3VDC. The tourist version is an extra $20USD.

While the player is not sonically better than the D-555 there are certainly worse choices amongst today's current players and it's actually pretty good.

Best regards,

Paul

 

[Cobertizo]

Thank you all for your input. I had a little think, and decided that there wasn't really any point in going for the easy (i.e. UK) option, so I investigated getting a D-EJ2000 from Japan. It seems that the Tourist model is discontinued or something though, so the guy I asked to see if he could find it had some difficulties. I then discovered that Hong Kong runs off the same voltage/frequency as the UK, and I have a friend who was going to return to the UK today, and so I asked him to pick one up for me. He has very kindly done this, and so when I'm back at university on Saturday I can get it off him!

I'm looking forward to receiving it, but I really must repeat my thanks for the guidance you have all given me! I'm glad that you gave me the shove I needed to make the effort to get the superior version of the product.