To Phonitor XE owners: I just received mine and have a couple of questions about what settings to use.
1) DIP switch 1: On or Off? I am using pretty efficient Focal Clear MGs, so do I need the HiFi or Studio Gain?
2) DIP switch 2: On or Off? Why would I need my RCA inputs to have added gain? To match the balanced inputs?
3) Will I really blow up the amp if I insert or remove the headphone jack while music is playing? Seems a bit delicate for a $2400 component
4) Anybody use uograded fuses? If so, did it make a difference?
Thanks for your help with this!
Just entering my third week of Phonitor XE ownership with ten days of very heavy usage. Purchased with the DAC option and have tried every permutation/combination with my other gear and the Phonitor XE that I can think of.
Headphones used are:
Focal Elear, Stellia, Utopia on both balanced and SE outputs
Sennheiser HD820 on both balanced and SE outputs - these cans are now permanent residents on the rear output!
Sennheiser HD800 on SE only
Sony MDR-Z7 on SE only
Master & Dynamics HM40 on SE only
I have fed the Phonitor by way of two pre amps on balanced and RCA, 3 outboard DACs by way of the pre amps, streamed Apple Music by way of iPhone, iPads, Mac computers on USB, and optical (late 2013 Mac Pro for optical direct, CalDigit dock for laptops (2). Coax from a Naim Unity Core server. No AES use.
I offer:
1) Leave switch 1 off, absolutely no need to turn it on. Maybe on if in future you have hard to drive headphones relative to what I have listed?
2) Leave switch 2 off, again no need to turn it on for typical use. All the input/output combinations have massive headroom with the listed headphones.
3) Yes, you might... there have been postings of damage that may have resulted from such usage. For what its worth, my Woo amps have similar warnings in their operating directions or frequently asked question sections. My Chord Anni manual also has some similar verbiage. Different manufactures say it in different ways. SPL uses more direct stronger language. Good practice to turn the volume down and not sweat it.
4) Not tried any but my situation has not given me reason to change.
I bought the Phonitor XE with hopes of adding a different flavour to my gear collection but had no expectation of getting a better amp. Got both!
Two issues... it is tough on some tracks that play well on other gear. The tracks might not be what they appear to be. Very revealing but, thankfully, not fatiguing. I decided to purchase a few of my Apple Music favourites from Pro Studio Masters and load up a Naim Unity Core server. A test lot. Compare/contrast. Appeared to be from the same masters... Kenichi Tsunoda Big Band Scale (96 24), Take Five, as an example... If into critical listening you will rejoice at the extra detail achieved with the Phonitor. Maybe the Voltair technology at play? A justification to collect for local storage as well.
Downside so far, a very minor click when sample rates change while using the USB input. Have not seen another post mentioning this and it is so minor most may not notice.
If you try the different switch settings or upgraded fuses I hope you post your thoughts. Enjoy your amp.