[tjw321]

 

Thank crunchie it is Friday - now things are getting tasty.

 
 
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Goes to tjw321
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Congratulations to ‘tjw321’ and ‘Koolpep’ Come on down!
 

w00t! Thank you so much! I've never checked and re-checked that my username is really tjw321 so many times! PM will be on it's way shortly. 

 

 

[Cornan]

 

If you cannot get the pot to 12 o'clock you should try a passive adjustable line-in attenuators like this one that I currently use: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stageline-21-2840-Passive-Level-Attenuator/dp/B0057G44WM It will give you that extra volume level without affecting the sound signature.
Also, I would recommend changing the cable on AKG K7XX. All AKG headphones that I have tried will be improved with a better cable with mini XLR connection. it might just tame the highest as well...depending on cable.

I'm very happy with those.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/rothwell_e.html

The Rothwell is probably better. The good thing with my suggestion is that it is adjustable in three stages (10db/15db/20db). Good to try these cheap ones first to rule out what value you need. If you are happy with the result I suggest to try these ones with the exact attenuation value for your particular system: http://www.russandrews.com/product.asp?lookup=1&region=UK&currency=GBP&pf_id=4800&customer_id=PAA2449071415372PIEUSECWIJZTCFMT
However, you would´nt want to buy them before you know which value you need! 

 

[iFi audio]

iFi XMOS Firmware v4.10 is a go

After having passed extensive testing, the iFi XMOS firmware version 4.10 is ready for public download.

This latest firmware v4.10 is unified (read: works on the following machines):

micro iDAC2
RETRO Stereo 50
micro iDSD
nano iDSD

 

XMOS Firmware v4.10 Improvements

• Further enhancement/improvement of DoP playback which due to the nature of DSD playback on DoP, exhibits clicks/pops during track changes. The DoP click/pop is now negligible.

• Optimisation of the ‘Star-Clocking’ technology inside the XMOS.

• Better XMOS (8 Cores) load distribution.

• Various optimisations regarding muting.

• Improved compatibility with Mac OS for smoother operation.

• Unified firmware across nano iDSD, micro iDAC2, micro iDSD, RETRO Stereo 50

Bug fixes

• Fixed various minor bugs.



iFi XMOS Firmware version 4.10 is NOT suitable for: iDAC, iLINK, AMR DP-777. So please do NOT FLASH these machines with v4.10.

Non-iFi customers should NOT download this firmware for other non-iFI XMOS devices. This firmware is proprietary XMOS firmware and is for iFi-specified products only. You risk damage to your machine if you attempt to flash your non-iFi XMOS dac with this firmware.


Link for the firmware is contained here: http://ifi-audio.com/micro-idac2-ifi-xmos-firmware/

 

[GearMe]

Nope. Not biting. Amp on the iDAC2 is just fine.

For NOW...

 

[gixxerwimp]

If you cannot get the pot to 12 o'clock you should try a passive adjustable line-in attenuators like this one that I currently use: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stageline-21-2840-Passive-Level-Attenuator/dp/B0057G44WM It will give you that extra volume level without affecting the sound signature.
Also, I would recommend changing the cable on AKG K7XX. All AKG headphones that I have tried will be improved with a better cable with mini XLR connection. it might just tame the highest as well...depending on cable.

Thanks. Will try and find some decent attenuators. Guess they're all RCA so I'll need 3.5 to/from adapters on either end.

Actually already have an aftermarket cable fire the K7XX as the stock is too long. It's supposed to be silver/Teflon military grade or something. A local custom cable store made. Actually haven't compared it to the stock cable to see if it sounds different. Phones are at work so I'll try next week.

 

[gixxerwimp]

Nope. Not biting. Amp on the iDAC2 is just fine.

For NOW...

I gots me my micro iDSD so I DON'T have to buy a dedicated amp. iDAC2 is for work use, so as long as it sounds smooth enough, I'm good. I may plunk down for Zach's new Omni after I've had a chance to hear them on the tour later this year. So don't worry, my wallet will still feel the pain.

 

[Cornan]

 

If you cannot get the pot to 12 o'clock you should try a passive adjustable line-in attenuators like this one that I currently use: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stageline-21-2840-Passive-Level-Attenuator/dp/B0057G44WM It will give you that extra volume level without affecting the sound signature.
Also, I would recommend changing the cable on AKG K7XX. All AKG headphones that I have tried will be improved with a better cable with mini XLR connection. it might just tame the highest as well...depending on cable.

Thanks. Will try and find some decent attenuators. Guess they're all RCA so I'll need 3.5 to/from adapters on either end.

Actually already have an aftermarket cable fire the K7XX as the stock is too long. It's supposed to be silver/Teflon military grade or something. A local custom cable store made. Actually haven't compared it to the stock cable to see if it sounds different. Phones are at work so I'll try next week.

Well, there is 3.5mm attenuators out there (as well as XLR). I did´nt seem to find it now when i Google around for it.I think it was an American company who had them (who makes cables, headphones amps and dacs...and starts with an A I think)?

 Anyway, they are out there somewhere and if you look for the 3,5mm attenuators just be careful not to chose the ones made specificity for microphones. 
 
Rule of thumb is generally that a silver cable will make the hight better and more detailed and a copper cable will warm up the sound and give you better bass performance. I personally prefer silver coated copper cables in since it is the best of the two worlds IMO...but others may disagree (ie. just a personal opinion).

 If you want to cure the treble the silver/teflon cable might not be the perfect choice (if it is pure silver cables w/o copper)....but no harm trying! 

 

 

[Cornan]

Just Google around for headphone attenuators...and guess what I found http://www.head-fi.org/t/695086/ifi-nano-ican-name-that-attenuator-competition-winner-no-1-winner-of-ican-nano-is 

Apparently a previous iFi competition on Head-Fi to name these attenuators. They have to be the perfect match! 

 

 

[Cornan]

Here is another one that works in a different way. Instead of being an attenuator this one add an impedance of 75 ohm (or many other impedances to chose from)...but should IMO give a similar result to the attenuator (that really just suppress the volume/power instead of adding a load) http://www.ebay.com/itm/ETYMOTIC-ER4P-TO-ER4S-RESISTOR-ADAPTOR-3-5MM-PLUG/291329605627?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D7ac05929ded24afd8098786192312c85%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271683808801 
Made for Etymotic ER4P...but in theory they should work. Could´nt be sure...but it might change the sound a bit (ie. slightly better or worse...so you will need to gamble a bit).

 

 

[gixxerwimp]

I just tried using my ER•4P to 4S adapter (basically a pair of 75 ohm resistor in series) and it gets me to from 12 to 3 o'clock with my ZMF Blackwoods (T50RP). Sound signature is the same, but the planar magnetic drivers are effectively a resistive load so that's not surprising. I left the K7XXs at work, but I tried the 75 ohm adapter with my DT 1350s and the change in sound sig is minimal.

 

[Cornan]

I just tried using my ER•4P to 4S adapter (basically a pair of 75 ohm resistor in series) and it gets me to from 12 to 3 o'clock with my ZMF Blackwoods (T50RP). Sound signature is the same, but the planar magnetic drivers are effectively a resistive load so that's not surprising. I left the K7XXs at work, but I tried the 75 ohm adapter with my DT 1350s and the change in sound sig is minimal.

I guess you mean that you got from 3 to 12 o'clock (ie. The other way around). If that is true and there is no change in sound signature I guess that there is no need to look further. I am happy it worked out...and happy you already got the adapter!

 

[gixxerwimp]

Sorry, I meant it got me from just past 9 o'clock to between 12 and 3 o'clock depending on the track.

 

[Cornan]

Sorry, I meant it got me from just past 9 o'clock to between 12 and 3 o'clock depending on the track.

Then I guess you will need a lower impedance to get the optimal 12 o'clock under normal circumstances with the headphone you tested. Check with the AKG K7XX and see the result. Optimal is 12 o'clock without hurting your eardrums!

 

[gixxerwimp]

  Here is another one that works in a different way. Instead of being an attenuator this one add an impedance of 75 ohm (or many other impedances to chose from)...but should IMO give a similar result to the attenuator (that really just suppress the volume/power instead of adding a load) http://www.ebay.com/itm/ETYMOTIC-ER4P-TO-ER4S-RESISTOR-ADAPTOR-3-5MM-PLUG/291329605627?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D7ac05929ded24afd8098786192312c85%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271683808801 
Made for Etymotic ER4P...but in theory they should work. Could´nt be sure...but it might change the sound a bit (ie. slightly better or worse...so you will need to gamble a bit).

 

 
I actually tried using my 4P-to-4S adapter before I saw your post

. Can't claim to have thought it up on my own, as I found a mention somewhere in here Googling around.
 
This is exactly what I'm looking for. iFi, when/where can we buy this? A set should actually be included with each amp that doesn't have a gain setting.
 

Originally Posted by iFi audio /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
iSolution/iSOLATION
 

  Thank you, Avatar Acoustics was able to send me a set of the pre-production attenuators, so I'm all set.
 

 

[Gaghiel]

@gixxerwimp, read again your earlier post, any particular reasons for ifi micro to sound best when turn the volume at 3 o'clock level? I could have missed out info/post here and there.
 
I have been listening with max to 10 or 11 o'clock level.