[wgallon]

Will the KSE1200 work with a Topping E50 and an RCA to 3.5mm cable? I read something about a signal strength LED, which has me worried I'd need something with a volume adjustment on it. I have an L50 as well, but would prefer to not add an unnecessary amp in the middle of the chain.

 

[MarkParity]

Will the KSE1200 work with a Topping E50 and an RCA to 3.5mm cable? I read something about a signal strength LED, which has me worried I'd need something with a volume adjustment on it. I have an L50 as well, but would prefer to not add an unnecessary amp in the middle of the chain.

The 2V output from the Topping E50 will I suspect, be a bit too much for the KSE1200's Energiser. You could add a passive attenuator, ideally with a variable level control.

Something like this perhaps.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Contro...keywords=rca+attenuator&qid=1643810792&sr=8-3

 

[Mircea C.]

Will the KSE1200 work with a Topping E50 and an RCA to 3.5mm cable? I read something about a signal strength LED, which has me worried I'd need something with a volume adjustment on it. I have an L50 as well, but would prefer to not add an unnecessary amp in the middle of the chain.

I just test it with 2.02V out of my Hugo2 and it clips. With -10db switch in on position is almost ok but still clips on high peak music. I wonder if an ifi IEMatch can be used similarly to what MarkParity said above.

 

[wgallon]

I just test it with 2.02V out of my Hugo2 and it clips. With -10db switch in on position is almost ok but still clips on high peak music. I wonder if an ifi IEMatch can be used similarly to what MarkParity said above.

Thanks for testing that for me!

I was wondering about the IEMatch as well, since I already have one for my SE846 to run out of the L50. I'm interested in the KSE1200, but was worried about feeding it with my current setup. Also wish I could bypass the battery in it and just use it with wall power, but I guess that's minor.

 

[MarkParity]

Thanks for testing that for me!

I was wondering about the IEMatch as well, since I already have one for my SE846 to run out of the L50. I'm interested in the KSE1200, but was worried about feeding it with my current setup. Also wish I could bypass the battery in it and just use it with wall power, but I guess that's minor.

You will be OK with the IEMatch, I've used one with my KS1200 and an SMSL T1 and they do the job OK, if a bit spendy for what they are.

 

[iFi audio]

You will be OK with the IEMatch, I've used one with my KS1200 and an SMSL T1 and they do the job OK, if a bit spendy for what they are.

That's very useful to know that our iEMatch works with KSE1200, thanks! But where was iEMatch connected if I may ask? Considering what KSE1200 is, I have to be missing something important here

 

[wgallon]

That's very useful to know that our iEMatch works with KSE1200, thanks! But where was iEMatch connected if I may ask? Considering what KSE1200 is, I have to be missing something important here

The line in on the KSE1200 is a 3.5mm plug that requires under 2V of power.

 

[iFi audio]

The line in on the KSE1200 is a 3.5mm plug that requires under 2V of power.

Awwww, OK, now it makes sense, thanks!

Still, that's a very cool usage scenario. Not mainstream, but it's great to read that iEMatch works in such applications. Thanks again!

 

[jlbrach]

The line in on the KSE1200 is a 3.5mm plug that requires under 2V of power.

I use the 1200 out of my hugo 2 and I believe in line out mode it outputs 3v

 

[willd3]

I use the IEMatch output from my iFi nano iDSD black label DAC, to plug into the KSE1200, with the DAC at about 12:30 on the volume dial. It keeps the KSE1200 signal indicator green, no clipping or orange light, and I listen to quite the variety of music.

Another bonus to this setup is that the DAC and KSE1200 energizer are very similarly sized.

 

[iFi audio]

I use the IEMatch output from my iFi nano iDSD black label DAC, to plug into the KSE1200, with the DAC at about 12:30 on the volume dial. It keeps the KSE1200 signal indicator green, no clipping or orange light, and I listen to quite the variety of music.

Another bonus to this setup is that the DAC and KSE1200 energizer are very similarly sized.

OK, so you use nano iDSD BL's headphone out with in-built iEMatch to regulate signal level your KSE1200 sees, interesting. If it works, it works. If anything, in that setup you have two volume pots in your chain and ideally it would be good to have just one. Just a food for thought, but connecting an external iEMatch to your nano iDSD BL's and then to KSE1200 could result in even better sound quality.

 

[tjl5709]

I just test it with 2.02V out of my Hugo2 and it clips. With -10db switch in on position is almost ok but still clips on high peak music. I wonder if an ifi IEMatch can be used similarly to what MarkParity said above.

Have you thought about scanning the volume on your audio files and using the player volume gain? I use this on my KSE1200's quite successfully. I use Music Monkey to manage my large audio library, and when I add albums or files I will scan them for volume. Just for reference, I have ripped CD's that go back to the late 80's, so my library has a lot of variability. There is a section in the MM options for volume scanning to set a target output db (89 db default) and also a check box to adjust for clipping. It then tags the file with a volume gain setting which your audio player or DAP can read. With all the volume wars going on music these days, you need something to level everything out. Remember, this is only a tag value, so no changes are made to the original audio data. Depending on your player, you can adjust the target db. Mine is set at 89 db. If I get something new equipment in the future to feed the KSE, and I see some clipping as it's output is kind of high feeding the KSE energizer, I can then go thru and set the target db down. Say, to 87 db. Before doing this, I would find some files were OK, while others were constant red. With my adjusted target gains, I see no issues. With MM, it is a very easy process to manage. Just throwing out another way to skin the cat.............

 

[gazzington]

Hi, I've been thinking about getting these or a lcd i4 for months. If I get a shure I'm intending to use it with a sp2k. Am I better of with the kse1500 for the eq function or will I do just as well with the kse1200 and eq more bass on the sp2k?

 

[slazhx]

Hi, I've been thinking about getting these or a lcd i4 for months. If I get a shure I'm intending to use it with a sp2k. Am I better of with the kse1500 for the eq function or will I do just as well with the kse1200 and eq more bass on the sp2k?

I own 1500 but never listened to 1200. AFAIK, folks say 1200 gives more bass, attack, and battery life. I would choose 1200 if I were you as sp2k already does a great job on D/A, eq, and stuffs. Anyway, finding a chance to compare with your ears is always the best.

 

[willd3]

Hi, I've been thinking about getting these or a lcd i4 for months. If I get a shure I'm intending to use it with a sp2k. Am I better of with the kse1500 for the eq function or will I do just as well with the kse1200 and eq more bass on the sp2k?

I haven't really felt the need for EQ with the KSE1200, but Shure has an iOS and Android app that replicates the EQ functionality of the KSE1500.

By the way, I have a LCD-2 prefazor rev2, and I think the bass is better on the KSE1200. I think getting the proper seal is the key, also using the trimmed triple flange tips help get the proper alignment in the ear canal.

By the way, I noticed that you have the Andromeda listed in your details. I've got an Andromeda 2020, and I think the Andromedas are good, but have less bass than KSE1200.