[WindowsX]

I've just tried pairing k701 with iMod Photo G4 and found it can drive k701 at certain point with little low volume. Moreover, volume control can be what you need instead of amp...

 

[3X0]

External volume control via means of variable resistor = sound degradation.

You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise.

 

[WindowsX]

Personally, I use it with ER-4S so I don't need volume control. For volume controller, even it's degraded, it's still easier to use for portable and it sounds as good as camping with kimber hero mini cable and Xenos' amp (my friend's rig to test with my iMod). What about volume attunder?

 

[mrarroyo]

I read somewhere that there will be a mismatch of impedences and an amp is required.

 

[robm321]

So you spent a rediculous amount getting the most out of your portable source, and you want to not pair it with an amp

 

[WindowsX]

Actually, I owned very good portable amp and few of over 100$ cables. But since some people claimed iMod to be for portable use with amp only, I kindly disagree. It even sounds good without amping itself at comparable rate to normal player with amps.

 

[krmathis]

Perhaps not needed, but certainly recommended!

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I read somewhere that there will be a mismatch of impedences and an amp is required.

how does that work?

 

[Pangaea]

I have played around a little with using just a Shure Attenuator and it does work. And it does sound good, better than an ipod. So I would agree with the OP that it is an option if you want to be a little less baggage. I think he realizes that full potential reqs an amp.

 

[WindowsX]

Yes. That's it. It sounds better with amp but must use really good cable like 100$ or higher.

 

[Kabeer]

Thats actually quite useful to know if you want to have less bulk on certain trips. I might grab a Shure attenuator (damm Shure e5 didnt come with one).

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindowsX /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes. That's it. It sounds better with amp but must use really good cable like 100$ or higher.

So your saying in you use: imod + less than $100 cable + quality amp. It wont be any different than iMod + volume control?

Ill have to demo myself obviously, but I find this hard to believe!!

 

[bellsprout]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WindowsX /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes. That's it. It sounds better with amp but must use really good cable like 100$ or higher.

oh god i really don't wanna go there again

 

[WindowsX]

I tested it. That's why I can say it.

iMod -> Kimber Hero -> Xenos' amp comparing to
iMod -> Volume Control

Sounds almost the same quality (imagine it can partially drive k701 shouldn't be a lie) Without volume control, it sounds even better than any cheap cable no matter how good amp is. But with good cable like Panorama, it sounds much better with amp. YOU GOTTA TEST IT

P.S. If you use rockbox, you can use EQ setting to pre-cut the volume. I think it should make less degrading than external hardware.

 

[bellsprout]

the cable itself doesn't degrade the signal as much as the interconnects. get a good connection and even cat 5 cable will sound good. besides, $100 is preposterous price to pay for a mini-mini cable for an imod.

 

[Kabeer]

Im assuming that you cant do this with lower impedance headphones, like IEMs?

And even with larger ones, is it safe? As I think Vinnie and Ken have said not to do this?