jamato8
Headphoneus Supremus
Yes, the DB2 will offer single ended input and output and dual dacs and I would imagine some other refinements.
I heard that the DB2 has both balance and SE outputs and dual DAC. But if they use the same WM8740 than it is not much of an upgrade for me. It will be nice if someone can ask them if the DACs they use in the DB2 are the same.
By the way, Jam, there are no SE vs balance input for DAC. They are either USB, Optical or Coax inputs
Compared to the PB-1, the PB-2 has an almost identical sound signature and tonal balance. Ignoring the power output differences, the PB-2 on the stock op-amp and buffer sounds slightly warmer with less aggressive treble and more low end body, while the PB-1 has a better clarity on the treble area. When you take out the buffer and only run it on the stock OPA604 op-amps, then the PB-2 sounds improves the clarity on the treble to match the PB1 while still being warmer and more neutral.
With custom IEMs like the JH16Pro, the balanced drive gives an instant boost in soundstage size and bass quantity and you get a much bigger sound than you do when driving in single ended. However, I do think that while very impressive in short listening sessions, the balanced drive only increases the phase inaccuracy already inherent in the multi-driver IEM design. The balanced drive also didn’t improve things like articulation, detail extraction, imaging precision, or bass control out of the JH16, and again I will have to go with the Pico Slim or the RSA Shadow for my JH16.
Throughout my listening time with the PB-2, I almost never see the need to use the mid or high gain level, other than just testing how loud it can drive the HE-6 headphones. But for actual listening, I actually find the low gain to be enough even for the HD650 and the HE-6. With the HE-6, though the voltage swing is plenty, it didn’t quite have the authority to make a slamming bass impact. However, with the 300 ohm HD650, the experience is very enjoyable as the PB-2 is perhaps the most affordable amp I’ve tried with the HD650.
Hello again, A bit ot maybe but what are peoples experiences with running iems se vs balanced (and with or without an amp for that matter)? My be-all end-all rig will consist of the jh16 custom iems and I am thinking what to do with them cable and amp-wise. Greetings, Anouk,
I heard that the DB2 has both balance and SE outputs and dual DAC. But if they use the same WM8740 than it is not much of an upgrade for me. It will be nice if someone can ask them if the DACs they use in the DB2 are the same.
By the way, Jam, there are no SE vs balance input for DAC. They are either USB, Optical or Coax inputs
Quote:I heard that the DB2 has both balance and SE outputs and dual DAC. But if they use the same WM8740 than it is not much of an upgrade for me. It will be nice if someone can ask them if the DACs they use in the DB2 are the same.
By the way, Jam, there are no SE vs balance input for DAC. They are either USB, Optical or Coax inputs
ermm, there is AES which is balanced digital input (I use this along with i2s on my dac), USB is actually a balanced signal too consists of 2 twisted pairs, one for signal and one for power, the signal pair is balanced/differential. I thought the DB2 was using the WM8741? which is actually a pin compatible upgrade to the WM8740; might be too power hungry
Sorry to digress a bit..
Just ordered the DB1, should i wait for the DB2 or should i just stick with the DB1 to feed it into my SR-71B?