Luxury & Precision (LP) Portable USB DAC/AMP W1 and W2 (The new W2-131 Version is Available, Related Info on Post #1)

[senorx12562]

Okay… but that’s a damn expensive USB-to-SPDIF converter… #jussayin

Don't use it as one. Just saying...

 

[iFi audio]

Okay… but that’s a damn expensive USB-to-SPDIF converter… #jussayin

I would agree if W2 would work only as a S/PDIF converter, but in the scenario discussed it'd also be used as a transport/media player, so a 2-in-1 device. That ain't bad at all

Don't use it as one. Just saying...

Yup

 

[Orfik]

Unfortunately not better, distorting above 72 unbalanced on my Andros...
Will test on my newly ordered MEST MKII how far they can perform once they arrive next Monday as distortion level depends also on IEM impedance as we discussed before

How does the MEST MKII pair with the W2?

 

[Orfik]

The gain setting doesn't change the power characteristics or dynamics of the amp, it just changes the volume. If you run out of volume at low gain, switch it to high. It's that simple. And yes, louder generally sounds better to most ears, but it does't matter whether it's done by gain or the volume knob.

This isn't true at all with something like a BTR5. High gain clearly changes the sound into a more V shaped profile, it's nothing like the Low gain setting, definitely not just volume.

 

[FooFighter]

How does the MEST MKII pair with the W2?

Don't have both anymore but I and others have shared our opinion one year ago
https://www.head-fi.org/search/9299485/?q=Mest&t=post&c[thread]=949448&o=relevance

 

[rarewolf]

This isn't true at all with something like a BTR5. High gain clearly changes the sound into a more V shaped profile, it's nothing like the Low gain setting, definitely not just volume.

It’s been reported for at least one dongle that its high gain is implemented via doubling the voltage at the output. Personally, I’m not sure how high gain is generally implemented, but this apparent “color” change could be due to your IEMs’ response to a higher voltage, could it not?

 

[KuroKitsu]

It’s been reported for at least one dongle that its high gain is implemented via doubling the voltage at the output. Personally, I’m not sure how high gain is generally implemented, but this apparent “color” change could be due to your IEMs’ response to a higher voltage, could it not?

Shouldn't that just make the iem sound louder? Not change the signature

 

[Orfik]

It’s been reported for at least one dongle that its high gain is implemented via doubling the voltage at the output. Personally, I’m not sure how high gain is generally implemented, but this apparent “color” change could be due to your IEMs’ response to a higher voltage, could it not?

The BTR5 might implement it differently since I don't hear a change in sound signature when I switch from 2 to 4 VRMS on the Qudelix, but it's definitely there with every IEM I own when it comes to the BTR5. I'm listening to them right now in fact, switching back to Low gain and raising the volume sounds nothing like High Gain. I'd be curious for other BTR5 owners to try it.

 

[rlw6534]

The BTR5 might implement it differently since I don't hear a change in sound signature when I switch from 2 to 4 VRMS on the Qudelix, but it's definitely there with every IEM I own when it comes to the BTR5. I'm listening to them right now in fact, switching back to Low gain and raising the volume sounds nothing like High Gain. I'd be curious for other BTR5 owners to try it.

It's certainly possible that the BTR5 is doing some kind of digital volume manipulation that changes the sound. In that case they really shouldn't use the term "gain" however as that would be a completely different thing.

 

[rarewolf]

Shouldn't that just make the iem sound louder? Not change the signature

For example, I’ve heard that planars scale with voltage, but I don’t know if that’s with respect to frequency response. My LETSHUOER S12s got faster with better detail with high gain (L&P W2, balanced)

 

[KuroKitsu]

For example, I’ve heard that planars scale with voltage, but I don’t know if that’s with respect to frequency response. My LETSHUOER S12s got faster with better detail with high gain (L&P W2, balanced)

Scaling with voltage speaks more to the technical aspect of said piece of gear and should be more or less an essential part of gear in the ToTL territory.

The perception of changes more likely due to the increase in volume making more things audible.

 

[rarewolf]

[…]
The perception of changes more likely due to the increase in volume making more things audible.

Of course, but… which can be avoided if you anticipate the louder volume, and lower the volume beforehand…

 

[KuroKitsu]

Of course, but… which can be avoided if you anticipate the louder volume, and lower the volume beforehand…

True, I normally turn the volume to prevent possibly blowing my ear drums out already

 

[Orfik]

So I just got the W2 and maybe I'm doing something wrong because I'm not impressed at all. It sounds worse than my BTR5 when both are being run from my Macbook M1 connected through USB-C. Soundstage is weak, imaging isn't great, bass is weak, etc. Is something going on or was I just expecting too much?

 

[rwelles]

I've not heard the BTR5, but your description of the W2 doesn't match my experience with it. What music app, file type and 'phones are you using??