fortitude
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2011
- Posts
- 157
- Likes
- 24
Loud and sounding correct under tight control are not the same thing. A 300 ohm headphone needs to have ultra high sensitivity, this is similar to a 92db headphone at 50 ohms.
I think the amp requirements for these headphones is way overstated. I don't have a 650 but from the specs the sensitivity is over 100 db/mW. I have a 600 and the sensitivity is 97 db/mW so it's even less sensitive than the 650. Even still, I can plug these into my laptop and at Windows volume 20% it's more than loud enough.
Currently using a E10K. I'd be more than happy to get an O2 or Magni if someone can prove that it improves the sound but I don't understand how. I think it's placebo...
I think the amp requirements for these headphones is way overstated. I don't have a 650 but from the specs the sensitivity is over 100 db/mW. I have a 600 and the sensitivity is 97 db/mW so it's even less sensitive than the 650. Even still, I can plug these into my laptop and at Windows volume 20% it's more than loud enough.
Currently using a E10K. I'd be more than happy to get an O2 or Magni if someone can prove that it improves the sound but I don't understand how. I think it's placebo...
Hmm alright sounds good. I think I might actually give them a chance considering this.
Alright I was wondering because I hear that the Fiio E12A was very close to the O2 in terms of transparency and SQ, and the Cayin C5 is equivalent to the E12A but with substantially more power and better soundstage.
I think it's unlikely that those portable amps are as transparent as the O2 but whether the difference is audible I have no idea. I also own the Fiio E18 and whilst it does technically have enough power for the 650's I have to say the sound is quite a bit different. The E18 sounds more exciting I suppose but it's not so good when it comes to subtle details like room acoustics.
To be perfectly honest though there's not a lot in it either way. If you think you might want to use the amp in a portable context as well then I'd probably go for the E12 or Cayin. If it's just going to be sitting on a desk or shelve I'd go with the O2 or Schiit or another of the many desktop options. Get used to the headphones first though because otherwise you'll be chasing your tail forever.
Dunno about AUDIO-GD but going balanced makes a quite big difference imo.
As a very quick question: does going balanced mean needing both a balanced DAC and a balanced amp?
I'll probably ask more once I get pass the "I now own a BHC" mark.
I have Both the CRACK and The SEX amp.I will skip the CRACK and get the SEX instead for the purpose of going Balanced without needing a balanced input.
Well it's been said that the Fiio E18 is a level lower in terms of SQ quality compared to the regular E12. Besides that I mostly play music when laying in my bed, and I carry the amp over to my PS3 for gaming. I dont have a computer at the moment.
That's not what I've read. As far as I've seen most people comment that the E12 has more power than the E18 but power is not the sole arbiter of sound quality. Are you saying you don't have any amp at all right now and that whatever amp you buy is going to be used as a portable? If so then I'm not the best person to comment on portables as I've only heard the E18. It sounds excellent. Most portables, given that they output sufficient power, are likely to be equally good.
Well, since your original question related to the O2 and I'm not trying to sell you an E18 I'm not sure what relevance there is in your post. Why are you linking me to a comparison of portable amps anyway? I'm not looking to buy anything.
Wait until you get the 650's and go from there.