I need some help (probably from an experienced ~iFi Xcan~ owner)
Aug 11, 2020 at 11:42 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 10

ViolinsNVolta

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Im kind of a noob and I need some help here-
I have the Fiio M11 DAP and I’ve got the iFi Xcan amp coming to me tomorrow. I thought I had everything handled, but as I continued to read up on the connectivity/pairing with the Xcan amp with various DAP’s I became really confused (I am also extremely tired and my brain is shutting down).
So the Xcan has 2.5 to 2.5 balanced connectors, and 3.5 to 3.5 single end connectors for pairing to a DAP, thus having both 2.5 balanced inputs and outputs and 3.5 inputs and outputs.
The Fiio M11 DAP has 2.5 and 4.4 balanced headphones ports and a 3.5 port for unbalanced headphones.
So my question: which connectors do I use to pair the DAP to amp and into which ports? Once again, sorry
Thx in advance
 
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Aug 11, 2020 at 1:46 PM Post #2 of 10
Not familiar with that amp specifically. Some require you use the balanced input to get balanced output, single ended input to get se output. Some will drive both outputs regardless of the input used. So long as you have a 2.5 to 2.5 and 3.5 to 3.5 cable you'll be fine. A minute of experimentation will make it clear.
 
Aug 11, 2020 at 6:36 PM Post #3 of 10
Not familiar with that amp specifically. Some require you use the balanced input to get balanced output, single ended input to get se output. Some will drive both outputs regardless of the input used. So long as you have a 2.5 to 2.5 and 3.5 to 3.5 cable you'll be fine. A minute of experimentation will make it clear.
Here is the same question with maybe easier answer. I know the 3.5 LO on the FiiO DAP is obviously for headphones AND also used as a LO to connect to my FiiO A5 amp... So Ive just bought (1st time owner) balanced headphones with 2.5 jack that obviously connect to 2.5 LO in DAP. I just want to cfm that the 2.5 balanced headphone port can be used in the same manner as the 3.5 port- in that I can use that 2.5 port as a balanced LO to connect to my balanced amp?
 
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Aug 11, 2020 at 7:06 PM Post #4 of 10
So far as I know, yes. Even if it's a "headphone out" you can just reduced the volume on the DAP and use the amp volume control.
 
Aug 12, 2020 at 12:11 AM Post #6 of 10
For best results, use a male 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable from the DAP to the X-Can, set your DAP's volume to 100% and control volume from the X-Can.
 
Aug 12, 2020 at 12:52 AM Post #7 of 10
For best results, use a male 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable from the DAP to the X-Can, set your DAP's volume to 100% and control volume from the X-Can.
Thanks
I understand when they are paired up the volume will be controlled by the amp. Can I ask what setting the vol to 100% on the Dap does not exactly? Just trying to learn these little bits of info...much appreciated!
 
Aug 12, 2020 at 1:00 AM Post #8 of 10
Having your source volume as high as possible (or at line level) means that your signal to noise ratio is as low as possible. If you have your DAP's volume at 5% (for example), you'd need to turn your amp waaaay-up, meaning noise and distortion becomes amplified.
 
Aug 13, 2020 at 8:09 AM Post #10 of 10
For best results, use a male 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable from the DAP to the X-Can, set your DAP's volume to 100% and control volume from the X-Can.

Exactly. a DAC's volume control should be bypassed, which in most cases is done by pushing it all the way up, and an amp's volume is the only one needed.
 
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