Orkboy
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2013
- Posts
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- 25
I have a Cowon C2 which I use with sensitive IEMs such as the SE535, so I've never felt a need to amp. Recently Head-Fi has been infecting me more than usual and I want to get into full size cans. I'm thinking AKG K550 with a Fiio E11. The problem is my Cowon doesn't have a line out.
What should I do? Double amp the thing or get a new DAP? Or just not amp the K550 at all?
Cowons are reported to have very decent internal amps; will double amping my C2 cause much of a detriment in sound quality? According to this review http://anythingbutipod.com/2011/07/cowon-c2-review/
So according to this reviewer, it wouldn't even make a difference in sound quality if it had a dedicated line out, which is super relieving because I really don't want to fork out for another DAP.
But I'd like the advice of Head-Fi before pulling the trigger. I know double amping in general increases distortion, but is there anyone who double amps a Cowon? Is the sound quality difference really that negligible? Obviously if I'm spending £200 on audio gear I'd like for it to sound as good as possible.
TL;DR, buying full sized cans, Cowon doesn't have line out. Should I double amp, not amp at all, buy a different DAP or stick to IEms?
What should I do? Double amp the thing or get a new DAP? Or just not amp the K550 at all?
Cowons are reported to have very decent internal amps; will double amping my C2 cause much of a detriment in sound quality? According to this review http://anythingbutipod.com/2011/07/cowon-c2-review/
One thing Cowon doesn’t sell is an audio line-out cable. Actually, since 2004’s iAudio X5, no Cowon player even had fixed-level line-out functionality. Strictly speaking, this isn’t necessary – ‘double amping’ the headphone output results in very good sound quality (since it doesn’t have to drive a difficult headphone load), and I doubt a real line-out would sound any different with the player attached to a home hifi rig
So according to this reviewer, it wouldn't even make a difference in sound quality if it had a dedicated line out, which is super relieving because I really don't want to fork out for another DAP.
But I'd like the advice of Head-Fi before pulling the trigger. I know double amping in general increases distortion, but is there anyone who double amps a Cowon? Is the sound quality difference really that negligible? Obviously if I'm spending £200 on audio gear I'd like for it to sound as good as possible.
TL;DR, buying full sized cans, Cowon doesn't have line out. Should I double amp, not amp at all, buy a different DAP or stick to IEms?