[Mediahound]

I'm curious if I should set the gain switch on or off and how to determine this? I'm using Denon AH-D5000 headphones. I think these cans are 50 ohms but not super sensitive.

To me, it sounds great either way but naturally flipping the gain switch on makes it louder so I'm not sure what is ideal.

 

[HiFlight]

If it doesn't sound any different to you, it makes no difference. I would suggest using whichever setting allows you to achieve your desired listening level with the volume control setting at about the 10 o'clock position.

 

[Mediahound]

Well, it sounds different but just louder with it on. No worse quality with it off or anything though for me.

Thanks, with the gain off, at about 10 o'clock it's plenty loud with most songs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiFlight /img/forum/go_quote.gif If it doesn't sound any different to you, it makes no difference. I would suggest using whichever setting allows you to achieve your desired listening level with the volume control setting at about the 10 o'clock position.

 

[wolfen68]

In the D10 thread, one forum member claims that the Hi gain setting is improperly configured and may result in compromised sound. See there for details.

I prefer Lo gain myself....maybe better sounding, and better volume control with my low impedance cans.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

weird..the gain doesn't really do much for me. i always leave it on high because it sounds so soft even with grado's, i always have the volume at least at the 12 o'clock position.

 

[Sennshead]

If it sounds good it is good when it comes to music...if you like it better, it is better. Nothing else to consider.

 

[gabe294]

Yea, I agree with sennshead. Had one for a while, played around with the gain switch for a while and ended staying on low gain but it was personal preference. Whatever you like better.

 

[HiFlight]

When I measured the gain of the D10, it actually only changed about 3db. According to iBasso, either resistor will work properly in the gain circuit, so there is no defect.
As most of my phones are fairly sensitive, low gain works well for me, but technically, there should be no difference in SQ between the two settings, only a small increase in volume in high gain setting.

 

[twylight]

off

 

[Mediahound]

I seem to hear loud vocals and slightly better bass with the gain on (D5000s). It may good too for rock but may not be for other types of music.

With the gain off it sounds more like other my sources (ie probably more normal).

 

[Nigel79]

ON

 

[TzeYang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel79 /img/forum/go_quote.gif ON

NO.

turn it off if your source gives you enough "loudness".

Gain affects the voltage multiplication factor. They make no difference between high gain or low gain.

In fact, there are better benefits for using low gain. You get more volume control range and generally lower noise.

Only use high gain when your source voltage is insufficient, e.g. you have to turn to 11 oclock to get your comfortable listening level.

 

[Nigel79]

Ok, I stand corrected, TzeYang is right, and thanks! I turned it off and it gives a totally different sound depending on the type of music that you are listening to. You live and learn!

 

[eXelero]

I might be a little bit off-topic here with my iBasso D2+, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm also using the Low Gain position, since this way I can control the volume more precisely and the sound is somehow smoother.
My comfortable listening position of the volume control is when set between 10-11 o'clock.