Brother Bach
New Head-Fier
I am testing the Philips fidelio x2hr (30 Ohm), the AKG Q701 (62 Ohm), the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus (headphone output impedance: 50 Ohm) and Scarelett Focusrite 3 gen (headphone output impedance: 50 Ohm <1 Ohm).
The sonic difference between the two headphones are understood. When plug the x2HR into the Cambridge Audio the sound is as expected from popular reviews, wonderful. However, when I plug them into the Focusrite, the sound is even richer and more present. When I plug the AKG into the Cambridge Audio, the sound is more distant and thin, which has been described in written reviews. However, when I plug the AKGs into the Foocusrite, the AKGs are much more full and present, really wonderful. Here, the differences between the two head phones are what would be normally expected. It would seem that the Focusrite is doing a much better job as a headphone DAC Amp than the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus, at less than half the price.
To make sure it was not just due to a volume difference, I turn up the volume on the Cambridge Audio. The AKGs still sounded thin and distant, just louder. However, on it's own, the paring is still pleasant to listent to; This is only by comparison to the Focusrite. I read that the it is a myth that the AKGs are hard drive because of their efficiency. I would have to agree as the Focustite does a fantastic job on its own.
Are the differences that I am hearing due to the higher headphone output impedance associated with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus?
Best Wishes,
BB
The sonic difference between the two headphones are understood. When plug the x2HR into the Cambridge Audio the sound is as expected from popular reviews, wonderful. However, when I plug them into the Focusrite, the sound is even richer and more present. When I plug the AKG into the Cambridge Audio, the sound is more distant and thin, which has been described in written reviews. However, when I plug the AKGs into the Foocusrite, the AKGs are much more full and present, really wonderful. Here, the differences between the two head phones are what would be normally expected. It would seem that the Focusrite is doing a much better job as a headphone DAC Amp than the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus, at less than half the price.
To make sure it was not just due to a volume difference, I turn up the volume on the Cambridge Audio. The AKGs still sounded thin and distant, just louder. However, on it's own, the paring is still pleasant to listent to; This is only by comparison to the Focusrite. I read that the it is a myth that the AKGs are hard drive because of their efficiency. I would have to agree as the Focustite does a fantastic job on its own.
Are the differences that I am hearing due to the higher headphone output impedance associated with the Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus?
Best Wishes,
BB
