[Allanmarcus]

I didn't think you could use anything but a dedicated stat amp...

He's using the lyr as a variable pre-amp. The ESP-950 amp is still amping the sound. 

 

[doctorjazz]

I didn't think you could use anything but a dedicated stat amp...

He's using the lyr as a variable pre-amp. The ESP-950 amp is still amping the sound. 

But, why?

 

[thefitz]

But, why?

I have one DAC and two amps. We discussed setting up one DAC with two amps fairly thoroughly a few posts back. I was debating between using the Lyr's preamp out against using RCA splitters at the DAC's sole analog out.

 

[doctorjazz]

Ahhh, my bad, been reading, but senior moments are kicking in.

 

[crazychile]

 

Turn the E90 up halfway. ( or more....find the magic spot) and leave it. Then just use the Lyr volume knob.

I turned the E90 to the 'second tick' and use the Lyr. Oddly, it sounds better!

As in about 2 o'clock on the dial? I think that may have been where I had mine when I used an E90. Basically you just set it to the loudest it would go before distorting. Then the Lyr varies between 0 and that max level. I've been using an Exstata amp from Birgir for about a year in preparation for a future Stax purchase. My amp has a passive volume control so I leave mine pegged at all the way open and just use the Lyr. I may be losing just a very slight touch of  detail, but I think the overall sound might be a little ballsier. I like it.
 
I have a Bifrost MB also, but will move up to a Yggdrasil or Gungnir MB because of the balanced outputs. My 'stat amp is balanced only inputs and I have to use RCA adapters on it now.

 

[thefitz]

The current setup I have has the volume knob on the Lyr at a comparable setting to other headphones. I'll play around.
 
It's a little hard to tell what "o'clock" the E90 knobs are at! What I did was turn it all the way down. Then, I rotated the first knob until the line passed the second knob's line for two lines. Then, I moved that second knob up two lines relative to the first knob's line. Real scientific, you know???

 

[mrstrangeguy]

My used ESP-950 (just purchased) have pink colored grills, instead of the black shown on Koss's website, is this indicative of a different model revision?

 

[timb5881]

To the best of my knowledge, they only came in black.

 

[crazychile]

  My used ESP-950 (just purchased) have pink colored grills, instead of the black shown on Koss's website, is this indicative of a different model revision?

 
Sounds like you got the custom Hello Kitty version....
 

 

[Oldfella]

I use the 950,,HE1000. HD 800,and i feel the 950,must be one of the most underrated headphones. These, for me, are a hidden gem.

 

[BoogieWoogie]

  I use the 950,,HE1000. HD 800,and i feel the 950,must be one of the most underrated headphones. These, for me, are a hidden gem.

So True.. 
When I had the KGSS with the 007 I noticed I was giving much more time to the esp950 than the O2 ..

 

[thefitz]

I've started running the E90 directly from the line out of my FiiO X5ii. A little annoying to keep having to swap cables/settings, but I prefer a simpler sound chain.

 

[Oldfella]

Use what ever works for you. I dig my 950 out every so often,and am still amazed by the sound. To think i nearly sold them. These are definitely, another keeper.

 

[doctorjazz]

Hmmm...1 side went out on me a long time ago, haven't gotten around to getting them repaired by Koss. Seems I should get it in gear and get them back to working condition.

 

[Oldfella]

Hmmm...1 side went out on me a long time ago, haven't gotten around to getting them repaired by Koss. Seems I should get it in gear and get them back to working condition.

I also run the HD800, and the HEK, and believe me, get them repaired. People don't seem to have caught on to these phones yet,or they did, then forget all about them,when the next big thing came along.