[M-83]

  I can say this much: The Alpha Dog + C5 pairing is stellar. Highly recommended. I hope to give some more detailed reflections in the future.

Awesome, I've a Cayin C 5 on order, should be here Friday I'll let you know how I get on with Alpha Primes.

 

[TeddyShot]

Though, if I were you, then I would stretch my budget (because I always stretch my budget), and try one of Cayin's desktop amps. Like the HA-3! And then share your impressions! Then I'll finally know what it sounds like! lol. But there's also the Cayin HA-1A, which should work well with the HD650. Pollychen sells both.

I'd love to stretch my budget but I'm unemployed at the moment lol, $200-$300 is the most I can afford.

 

[CalvinXC]

Happy New Year guys... Hope you're enjouying your C5 during the new year...

 

[danelmix]

I got my C5 today. Paired it with my Ak100ii and HE400i.  Brought these cans to life. Really nice soundstage. The bass boost is excellent. I'm a big Dave Mathews fan, the amp took the listen to a new level. Bliss!. Gonna give my SE846 a try next. 

 

[Schopenhauer]

 

  I can say this much: The Alpha Dog + C5 pairing is stellar. Highly recommended. I hope to give some more detailed reflections in the future.

Awesome, I've a Cayin C 5 on order, should be here Friday I'll let you know how I get on with Alpha Primes.

Looking forward to hearing your impressions!

 

[AdDicTiVe]

need advice between c5 & e12 for denon ah-d5000.
Tq

 

[danelmix]

Update...The AK100ii + Moon Audio Silver Dragon + SE846 with the addition of the Caylin C5 Headphone Amp == A way more expanded sound stage,  below 50hz bass throw is phenomenal.  Really makes the 846 a more exciting listen where as with only the AK100ii I found them (846) to be just a little to linear sounding.  Meaning nothing popped.  I initially bought the Caylin for my HE400i's as the AK just wasn't making them sing. Looks like I have a brick to carry now. But damn does it sound good! Happy New Year.  

 

[Schopenhauer]

  Update...The AK100ii + Moon Audio Silver Dragon + SE846 with the addition of the Caylin C5 Headphone Amp == A way more expanded sound stage,  below 50hz bass throw is phenomenal.  Really makes the 846 a more exciting listen where as with only the AK100ii I found them (846) to be just a little to linear sounding.  Meaning nothing popped.  I initially bought the Caylin for my HE400i's as the AK just wasn't making them sing. Looks like I have a brick to carry now. But damn does it sound good! Happy New Year.  

Excellent! It's an exciting little amp. It's good to hear it pairs well with upscale IEMs.

 

[ld26]

My decision of purchasing the C5 has been put on hold for a while now because my question hasn't been answered: Will the C5 improve the soundstage of open headphones like my HD558 (w/ foam mod)? I feel that the soundstage of the HD558 when running off the Fiio E10k is a bit short in depth. I'd like the music to be put a bit further back but I'm not sure of the HD558's capability. I appreciate the answers from those who own these.

 

[TeddyShot]

My decision of purchasing the C5 has been put on hold for a while now because my question hasn't been answered: Will the C5 improve the soundstage of open headphones like my HD558 (w/ foam mod)? I feel that the soundstage of the HD558 when running off the Fiio E10k is a bit short in depth. I'd like the music to be put a bit further back but I'm not sure of the HD558's capability. I appreciate the answers from those who own these.

Have you tried the foam mod? It will improve the soundstage a bit on the 558s. Now the Cayin C5 brings more soundstage out of headphones, while still retaining rich detail and increasing seperation.

 

[ld26]

Have you tried the foam mod? 

Yes, I did mention this in my post. It seems like the amp section of the E10k is rather mediocre. The C5 will for sure improve upon the E10k but I don't know if the improvement is large enough to be worth it.

 

[TeddyShot]

Yes, I did mention this in my post. It seems like the amp section of the E10k is rather mediocre. The C5 will for sure improve upon the E10k but I don't know if the improvement is large enough to be worth it.

Ah sorry I didn't notice that on my first read. Well I did try the Fiio E12 which I do believe shares some characteristics with the E10k, mainly the darker more intimate sound but mediocre sound stage. I tested the E12 with my 598s and I did not like how narrow the soundstage was with it. The Cayin C5 is known for its superb soundstage, and when I tried it with my 598s, I noticed a dramatic difference.

 

[ld26]

Ah sorry I didn't notice that on my first read. Well I did try the Fiio E12 which I do believe shares some characteristics with the E10k, mainly the darker more intimate sound but mediocre sound stage. I tested the E12 with my 598s and I did not like how narrow the soundstage was with it. The Cayin C5 is known for its superb soundstage, and when I tried it with my 598s, I noticed a dramatic difference.

That's awesome. Many thanks! I'll order the C5 next week. I hope it pairs well with the E10k's DAC section. 

 

[Lohb]

subbed

 

[danelmix]

After 4 days with my C5, mostly listening at the gym with my SE846. I couldn't be happier. Expanded sound stage is worth every penny alone. The amp brings a level of excitement to the 846's  that is just fantastic.  The whole reason i bought it was for my HE400i's, now I'm glued to it!