[iFi audio]

it is not something recommended to use with wet or still damp hair after a shower ...

True

 

[stuck limo]

Can someone please clarify: can this be run by itself or does it need an external amplifier to operate? A video reviewer (YouTube) on this explicitly stated it could just be plugged into the wall and run by itself, and the official documentation indicates it needs an amplifier plugged in to run.

I really am just looking for options to run my Koss ESP/95x.

 

[Zblarg]

No, you need an external amplifier to use it.

 

[iFi audio]

Can someone please clarify: can this be run by itself or does it need an external amplifier to operate? A video reviewer (YouTube) on this explicitly stated it could just be plugged into the wall and run by itself, and the official documentation indicates it needs an amplifier plugged in to run.

Yes, you need an external amp, otherwise Pro iESL it won't work

 

[alexdemaet]

I wonder if the iFi chain pro iCan and pro IESL can drive Focal Jmlab Electra 946 speakers?
Here are the specs of the Focal Electra 946:
Frequency Response: 32Hz to 23kHz +/- 3dB, -6dB @ 27HZ – JM Lab is known to understate their specs…

Power Handling: 300 Watts

Recommended Amplifier Power: 40-250 Watts

Crossover Frequency: 200, 2500Hz

Impedance: 8Ω

Sensitivity: 93dB (Small tube amplifiers sound fantastic on these as they are very efficient!)

Bass: 2 x 2600mm (2 x 10 1/4”) “W” Sandwich cone woofers

Midrange: 1 x 165mm (6 ½”) “W” Sandwich cone

Tweeter: 1 x 25mm Tioxid inverted dome

Dimensions: 1258mm x 325mm x 514mm (49 ½” H x 12 13/16” W x 20 ¼” D)

Weight: 55kg each (121Lbs)

 

[iFi audio]

I wonder if the iFi chain pro iCan and pro IESL can drive Focal Jmlab Electra 946 speakers?
Here are the specs of the Focal Electra 946:

Might be a stretch, but I'll ask internally about this.

 

[h1f1add1cted]

@iFi audio

Small question about Pro iESL, I'm a bit curious about the output impandance of the 4-Pin XLR Dynamic Headphone Socket, I can't find it in the techical specifications, is there any reason for this?

Other question, if you would feed the Pro iESL using this DAC https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2dac_e.pdf using balanced XLR line out, would the 21,5 dBu (10 Volt) sufficient for 580 V Stax Pro Bias output (using the best Impedance Adjustment on Pro iESL in this case)? Is there a possible calculation for this output power?

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio
Small question about Pro iESL, I'm a bit curious about the output impandance of the 4-Pin XLR Dynamic Headphone Socket, I can't find it in the techical specifications, is there any reason for this?

As a transformer is involved, you get a impedance that is dependent on the source impedance and setting, but generally speaking the output impedance will be broadly equal to or lower than the source.

Other question, if you would feed the Pro iESL using this DAC https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2dac_e.pdf using balanced XLR line out, would the 21,5 dBu (10 Volt) sufficient for 580 V Stax Pro Bias output (using the best Impedance Adjustment on Pro iESL in this case)? Is there a possible calculation for this output power?

The concept of "power" in the classic sense doesn't apply in case of electrostatic headphones. The step-up of the transformer used is selected as 1:16 (64 Ohm setting) or 1:32 (16 Ohm setting). The source impedance should generally be 1/10 of the selected impedance.

It depends on ratings and behaviour of used electrostatic headphones if a given signal (of sufficiently low impedance) is enough. For the Stax SR-007 sensitivity is given as 100dB/100V, thus 100V for these headphones will produce 100dB. Stax's own "drivers" usually allow approx. 400V signal for these cans, which allows for 112dB of maximum SPL. That's why if SR-007 were used with the iESL in the '16 Ohm' setting, then the driving signal should be 12.5V maximum, obtained from a source impedance of 1.6 Ohm.

As such, the RME's line outputs at 200 Ohms (Balanced) are not usable, the level is too low as well. This product's headphone out has low enough output impedance, but output levels appear still too low. As a source for iESL, we recommend a headphone amplifier capable of producing 20V into 16 Ohm with < 2 Ohm output impedance, such as the iFi iCAN Pro

 

[alexdemaet]

Might be a stretch, but I'll ask internally about this.

Maybe the outputs are meant to be used for connecting the AKG K1K through speaker connectors?

 

[h1f1add1cted]

As such, the RME's line outputs at 200 Ohms (Balanced) are not usable, the level is too low as well. This product's headphone out has low enough output impedance, but output levels appear still too low. As a source for iESL, we recommend a headphone amplifier capable of producing 20V into 16 Ohm with < 2 Ohm output impedance, such as the iFi iCAN Pro

Thank you for the detailed reply. So I guess using this device https://www.rme-audio.de/downloads/adi2profs_e.pdf (page 64 Balanced Phones mode Hi-Power mode enabled) having only 0.2 ohms output impedance and can deliver +28 dBu (19,5 V) should a possible option instead?

 

[alexdemaet]

Dear greenkiwi

It works with cables that 100% implement the HDMI Standard, as for example detailed here:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hdmi2.htm

Unfortunately, we found that few commercial cables follow this standard. So the issue is not that we stepped outside the standard, but that in many cases the standard is simply not followed.

For any customer needing details for a custom cable to be made, please open a ticket with our support team who will assist in clarifying which exact connections are needed. Here's the link: http://support.ifi-audio.com

Best wishes

iFi audio Team

Anyone knows if the Cordz Lux hdmi cable can be used?
Technical Specs:

• 4K Ultra HD video, 1080p60, 3D, HD Audio and High Speed across all lengths
• Solid core conductors ensure highest data speed
• High gauge solid-core OFC (Oxygen free copper) with 12% silver plating
• SureFit™ palladium plated die-cast connector with copper pins
• reduced capacitance and digital jitter for consistently high data rate support
• Copper pins for consistent and reliable signal integrity
• Proprietary B.O.S.S cold solder connection method
• 2kg retention force, fits firmly into HDMI receptacle without falling out
• Ethernet and Audio return channel
• Immortal Lifetime Warranty

 

[alexdemaet]

Anyone knows if the Cordz Lux hdmi cable can be used?
Technical Specs:

• 4K Ultra HD video, 1080p60, 3D, HD Audio and High Speed across all lengths
• Solid core conductors ensure highest data speed
• High gauge solid-core OFC (Oxygen free copper) with 12% silver plating
• SureFit™ palladium plated die-cast connector with copper pins
• reduced capacitance and digital jitter for consistently high data rate support
• Copper pins for consistent and reliable signal integrity
• Proprietary B.O.S.S cold solder connection method
• 2kg retention force, fits firmly into HDMI receptacle without falling out
• Ethernet and Audio return channel
• Immortal Lifetime Warranty

Someone from Kordz says: "
Yes, the LUX HDMI cable is compliant to the HDMI High Speed with Ethernet specifications."
So it should be compatible with the iFi pro Iesl and iCan.

 

[alexdemaet]

Here is a response from the Kordz company: "
Our LUX -HDMI cables adhered to HDMI Licencing’s Cable Test Specifications at the then time, 2009. (High Speed with Ethernet). We also over engineered the cable construction so you should be able to use the LUX cable for more current higher total bandwidths. – I could be clearer for you if you could kindly share which length you have and which version of HDMI electronics the source device is? "

 

[robo24]

It's surprisingly difficult to get a sense of the difference between the iESL and Stax 300 series amps by someone who has owned both, especially with the Pro iCAN. I just got the Stax SR-007 MK2, and it's pretty great with the SRM-323A, but I would go for the iESL if it was pretty clearly a step up.

Anyone have comments on the SR-007 with the iESL, especially compared to lesser Stax amps or when used with the Pro iCAN?

 

[robo24]

Took the plunge on an open box model with full warranty from an authorized dealer. Can't wait to see the changes in my SR-007 & Koss ESP/95X!