[kphooligann]

I've listened  to my T50RP's through my NAD D3020 and my Audeze Deckard.  Through the NAD I found the T50RP's to be very fatiguing.  Yet through the Deckard not fatiguing at all.  I haven't noticed this with other headphones I own such as the Audioquest Nighthawks or Sennheiser HD 700's.

 

Has anyone else found the T50RP's (edition previous to MKIII) to be fatiguing and if so what amplification were you using?

 

[pbui44]

It's probably the Deckard's gain switch giving it an advantage over the NAD D3020. What gain level are you using for the T50rp?

 

[kphooligann]

I was using the high setting.

 

[pbui44]

Then the NAD D3020 was primarily designed to be a integrated amplifier with its "Class D" rating and the Audeze Deckard was primarily designed to be an headphone amplifer with its "Class A" rating. I would explain what I heard about these Class ratings, but wikipedia will be better suited for this, so read up on it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifier#Class_A

Some explanations on each item's "Class" rating:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2014/01/nad-d-3020-review-part-1-vs-nad-3020i/

https://www.audeze.com/products/amplifiers/deckard

 

[kphooligann]

Then the NAD D3020 was primarily designed to be a integrated amplifier with its "Class D" rating and the Audeze Deckard was primarily designed to be an headphone amplifer with its "Class A" rating. I would explain what I heard about these Class ratings, but wikipedia will be better suited for this, so read up on it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplifier#Class_A

Some explanations on each item's "Class" rating:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2014/01/nad-d-3020-review-part-1-vs-nad-3020i/

https://www.audeze.com/products/amplifiers/deckard

I'm aware of the differences between Class A and Class D.  But, I believe the Class D power amplification circuitry on the NAD D3020 drives the speaker outputs only.  It probably uses an operational amplifier for the headphone out.  From the objectivist standpoint I should hear no difference?  I don't know.  Because I can't find headphone out specs for the NAD D3020.  Or, maybe, the difference in specs would be considered inaudible.  Anyway, this is where I'm at with this issue.