Quote:
I strongly advise to use 1x gain... I have two different O2/ODAC units and both without any problems with low-level listening, scratching sound or low-level hissing. With ODAC included (with 2v output), you get enough power to amplify most of the headphones even on 1x gain. 1x gain also gives the cleanest possible signal.
I bought the
standalone ODAC and
standalone O2 from JDS Labs last week.
After experimenting a little I am using only the
1x gain. The volume is at
9 o'clock and it's quite loud for me.
I don't need to use the higher gain with the DT 880
250 Ohm at all. - The O2 is a very powerful headphone amp.
Besides, the higher gain does
not seem to sound as clean as the 1x gain.
Here's my setup:
laptop --> ODAC --> O2 --> Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250 Ohm).
By the way, following the the JDS Labs instructions, I set the volume to max level on my Windows 7 laptop.
Also, I don't use any foobar, etc as of yet.
I am running the O2 either off batteries or an AC adapter (from JDS Labs).
The ODAC with the O2 sound
fantastic to my ears: the resolution, soundstage, airness, cleanness ... of the sound.
I am very happy with the ODAC and O2.
P.S.
There's no hiss, whining, scratching, buzzing, any distortion of any kind, etc.