[canadiandude]

When I listen to my music at work with my new westone 3's I find that I am using the lowest volume setting (HP out, 4th gen iPod) and I would still like the volume to be a little bit quieter. I want to get an amp to connect to a LOD for the 4G but I was unsure if minimum volume should be much of a concern for me if I would rather not use the attenuator included with the westones.

I would most likely buy an amp with a multi-selectable gain switch as I would be driving full sized headphones such as A900 and GS1000

 

[jc9394]

you may need to use the attenuator, I found using my W3 with Hornet and LOD are louder than HP out even at the lowest possible setting.

 

[Moontan13]

Another vote for an in-line attenuator.

 

[freakmax]

Would the included attenuator decrease the SQ?

 

[billybob_jcv]

Everything in the signal path affects the SQ. The question is whether it is better or worse for the OP than his current situation - since he has the attenuator, he's in the best position to tell us.

 

[mrarroyo]

I have an in-line attenuator (75 ohm) built by EFN which I have used in the past. I do not think I can detect a difference in sound quality. Here is a picture:

 

[oogabooga]

I found that the in-line attenuator with my TF10s works generally well. It may be my imagination but it might *slightly* attenuate the treble... although on the other hand you'll never hear any hiss or line noise with that thing on!

 

[robm321]

I have the same issue with Shure E500 and Xin Supermini III amp. I started a thread on it. It makes the Shures darker sounding which is NOT what they need.

I don't know of a solution unless you want to change amps or as suggested have someone build a quality one.

But IMO it does affect the sound quality slightly.