RSA predator distortion

[drummerdimitri]

Hello guys,
 
I have realized something interesting today. I decided to plug my edition 9's into my marantz PM6003 amplifier, connected to the pico usb DAC and was happy to find out that my headphones could actually play much louder than on my predator without distorting. I simply cannot come even close to the volume i'm getting from my marantz on my predator without distorting. I always thought my headphones couldn't play very loud without distorting, but boy was I wrong...
Is there any reason my predator behaves in such a way? Should it distort in amp and DAC/amp mode on medium gain at full volume with most music? Also, the marantz sounds just as good as my predator even though it's not a dedicated headphone amp, but more of a speaker amp. Can anyone explain to me why this is happening? Is my unit defective or will this disappear with "burn-in".
 
Thanks!
 

 

[drummerdimitri]

I have also tried connecting the pico usb DAC to the input of my predator, and it still distorts at relatively low volume levels. Even my Fiio e5 goes louder without distorting when connected to my pico DAC. At this point, I think it's safe to assume that my unit is defective because I am sure that a 475 $ amp should deliver much more power without distortion. Can anyone give their input on this situation?
 
 

 

[justin w.]

You'll have to define "loud" and you never said what headphones you are using.  
 
Most likely, you're experiencing clipping due to inadequate output voltage of the amplifier.  Portable amps are usually voltage limited with full-size headphones.  
 
I went through this when designing the Pico DAC/Amp, which is why I put in a 2-cell battery for 8.4V instead of what I originally had, which was a 4.2V battery.  It was too easy to clip (especially on bass) with AKG K701 headphones without more voltage

 

[drummerdimitri]

I did mention that I was using my edition 9 headphones, but I didn't clearly state the brand (Ultrasone), which have an impedance of 32 Ohms. I contacted Ray Samuels regarding the issue, and he told me the same thing. The amplifier starts clipping as soon as it hits the 4.2 V rail. But in that case, how can my Fiio e5 deliver more volume without distorting with a 5 V battery, and costing only 25 $? It doesn't make any sense...

 

[jamato8]

I took out my Ed. 9 from the dry closet, since here on Pohnpei, leather gets moldy, and turned on the Predator. I can go louder with no distortion than I could ever listen for more than a few seconds. I get no distortion and solid bass impact. I would assume something is problematic with your particular amp or somewhere else but . 

 

[drummerdimitri]

Well, I'm glad to hear that! I guess my predator must be defective then. I will ask for replacement from Ray.
 
Thanks!

 

[drummerdimitri]

My problem can be solved if you could use your predator with your mac, turn the volume to the max with the gain set on medium and let me know if it distorts with most music. With mine, it seems to max out without clipping when the gain is set to low and the volume to max.
 
Quote:

I took out my Ed. 9 from the dry closet, since here on Pohnpei, leather gets moldy, and turned on the Predator. I can go louder with no distortion than I could ever listen for more than a few seconds. I get no distortion and solid bass impact. I would assume something is problematic with your particular amp or somewhere else but . 

 

 

[drummerdimitri]

Anyone?