I have seen this comment about volume a few times and perhaps it might be helpful to share something I have been looking into.
I am working on a review of the Serratus and I actually spent some time to try out the consequences of various sources for the performance of the Serratus. I also had a brief chat with Jim about it.
From what I tried out, I can say that for optimal performance a powerful source is important and that this is separate from the volume level that can be achieved. So with the Serratus for instance these are 300 ohm earbuds. If I use my favourite DAP, the LPGT, I get plenty of volume and they sound nice enough. They don't however set themselves apart from other earbuds I have heard. When I switch to a powerful source such as the Shanling M8 (Turbo gain) or EarMen Angel (Gain+), that's when the Serratus come alive and perform considerably better than I expected from such tiny little earbuds.
Jim explained that this has to do with maintaining the accuracy of the loud transient peaks and preserving dynamic range. This is consistent with what I hear, even though I can't explain it in technical terms. When I listen with a powerful source the image is cleaner, more accurate, better separation, more air, a bigger stage, etc. Across the board the Serratus simply perform better. Even with a TOTL source such as the LPGT, the lack of power causes a fuzzier image that doesn't feel as big as I know the Serratus are capable of creating.
Underpowered the Serratus still sound fun and engaging, but when powered properly they genuinely transform and perform at a much higher level.
When I ordered my Serratus Frosty, Jim had suggested that I try them with an amp if I got the chance. I had not done that yet, so seeing
@Wyville's post about this topic, reminded me to try it out. (I have 2 Oriolus amps, a BA300S tube amp, and a BA20 solid state amp.)
- Hiby RS6 -> 4.4mm HO -> Oriolus BA300S (balanced tube amp) -> Serratus Frosty
Iniitially, there did not seem to be much difference, as there was nothing that jumped out at you. It did sound different, but took awhile, trying different songs, switching the amp out and comparing, etc., to understand what the difference was.
- Bass - stronger bass, with more heft. A kick drum had a feel to it, like sitting in front of one, rather than just listening to a pretty good reproduction of one.
- Stage was expanded, and instrument location, pitch was solid and natural. It felt very natural/easy, which was why on initial listen, I could not describe the difference easily. Nothing jumps out at you, but after getting used to it, it felt like being in the room, with the voice and instruments positioned, separated, clear. Again, the word "natural" comes to mind. Nothing special, just felt like you were sitting in the room with the band playing. Natural, unforced, just playing music for you to listen to.
Without the amp, the stage was there, but seemed squashed , and did not have the live room feel. Instrument separation, placing not as clear. Less Bass impact and heft shifted the feel of the music. Lighter, not as driving.
With my setup, I don't know how much of the change is due to the BA300S capability/characteristic, versus extra power. A combination, I suppose. The overall result is absolutely worth it, whatever the reason. With the BA300S in the chain, I actually don't think of what it is doing, as the music is just so easy and fluid, that you feel like you are listening to a live band and enjoying it. An effortless sound, which you would not think of analyzing or dissecting the technical reproduction. It would be sacrilege.
Just listen and enjoy. And maybe this is the best description/accolade I can give. The music is so natural and immersive that you just listen, and don't bother to analyze it.
So, great job,
@tgx78. The Serratus is working at a level I had not expected/thought possible. I was quite happy with how they sounded before adding the BA300S in the chain.
With the BA300S in the chain, I feel less like I am listening to a really good earphone, and more like I am sitting in the room with the musicians. And enjoying their performance.