[jamesino]

I pulled the trigger on a Schitt M&M stack. While waiting for it to arrive, I am listening to my HD 650 on a Fiio E10 that has a adjustable High/Low Gain switch.
 
Even on the low gain setting, I can crank up the volume on my HD 650 to an uncomfortable level. 
 
Would anything be different if I switched it over to High gain and listened to it at a lower amplification level such that the final loudness is the same?
 
In other words, if an amp at low gain can drive a can to an acceptable level of loudness, is it necessary to use high gain at all? Do I miss anything by not using high gain?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I pulled the trigger on a Schitt M&M stack. While waiting for it to arrive, I am listening to my HD 650 on a Fiio E10 that has a adjustable High/Low Gain switch.
Even on the low gain setting, I can crank up the volume on my HD 650 to an uncomfortable level. 
Would anything be different if I switched it over to High gain and listened to it at a lower amplification level such that the final loudness is the same?
In other words, if an amp at low gain can drive a can to an acceptable level of loudness, is it necessary to use high gain at all? Do I miss anything by not using high gain?

I would assume you would want the Fiio E10 on high gain as the HD650s are 300-Ohm.
But the correct setting is whatever your ears like best.

 

[cammerarian]

Agree on this point - your ears know best.
 
If you have sufficient volume and a usable range on the volume control with low gain then great. If not - try high gain. Please remember to turn the volume down before you flick the switch though.