No EQ, never use EQ on the phone. Same source file. Same iOS so potential software changes likely addressed. The new iphone does output more power as it got louder with more control. Also had less noise and interference on the new phone because I had some noise issues (most notable on iems but occurred on some full sized headphones too) on the 11 Pro Max and not the 14 Pro Max. Which makes me think the lightning port wasn't as well shielded on the old phone. These changes made the differences between the two quite noticeable to my ears.The DAC and the Amp are both in the dongle. So the dongle is doing the decoding and amplification.
What happens on the phone?
- Source file. Assming source is the same.
- EQ applied by the phone. This is possible. If so, this is not true difference. EQ can be applied on any device.
- Sending the digital source data to DAC. The phone does nothing here, so model should not matter.
- [Edit: additional possible difference] The amp power comes from the phone. If different models provide different power thru the lightning port, then that can make a difference.
I personally find the HD 660 S with the 14 Pro Max and the dongle quite nice.
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