[FrostyJac]

I just received my AKG K550 and FiiO E17 today. I just want to ask, what does gain really do? Aside from making the volume a little bit louder.. Are there any stuff aside from that that the gain gives?

 

[Papander]

High gain is used when you can't get enough volume without it.

 

[garetz]

If the volume sounds abit faint, using the gain, increases your base volume.

 

[FrostyJac]

I see.. Thanks for the replies people! I'll be using 12db most of the time.

 

[Antipika]

Should gain be used if the volume is high enough without? I.e is it better to have volume "lower" with a higher gain, or not touch gain and put the volume higher?
 
(Currently using the E17 with E9 and a pair of HD650)

 

[Matt head 777]

their is digital gain like the type on the side of a graphic eq, if you turn it up too much it may distort. Digital gain is different to the gain you typically use when turning up the volume button/knob on the side of your device. Turning up the knob/button is usually pretty safe to turn up.