Yes, you are maybe worst them me (I was having 1000 watts RMS (4x 15 inch) in my 10x12' bedroom when I was young). It was a PA good for 100 to 150 persons, but well, maybe you like music even louder then I do
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Well, I have a 15,5dbu XLR output and -4dbu rca output, and I see nearly no difference in gain. The maximum input level of the auditor is 24dbu. I don't know, you may try an other source and see. If I go to Ottawa I will let you know, I was there 2 months back.
Other then that, I really love that audio, the bass are so tight. The DT880 really deliver a lot with this amp. I would be curious to try the T1, maybe it will be my next buy...
I have try my turbine pro on the auditor just for fun, and there is a lot more bass, but the mid range seem pretty limited, it sound like a V shaped EQ.
I also have an old pair of Sony MDR-V700, and they are loud and that's about it, they don't sound great on this amp.
I should get my DT880 03 @250ohm back next week, I will test them as well.
Also I would not be too concerned about your 12 oclock position, since the 0 db mark is at 13 oclock on this amp.
I will let you know when I receive my new Audigy Tinanium sound card, should take a month before I get it, but so far I'm happy with the sound coming out of my vestax mixer. Vestax do go preamp stuff, but maybe I will hear a big improvement later.
On a side note, the auditor run really cold.