7S Cameron
1000+ Head-Fier
Interesting, thanks for the help.
I've always wondered whether upping the gain was altering the sound quality or just raising the volume. I'll have to try max gain now and see where it takes me.
I believe raising the gain does affect sound quality. I'm pretty sure that technically the sound is being distorted on some level of there is any amplification at all. I'm more experienced when it comes to car audio, but what I do there should apply to headphones as well. I purchase an amp that has WAY more power than I could ever need. Then, I turn the gain as low as possible. You are left with a sound that is unbelievably clean and powerful.
I prefer the DX50 at mid gain because low just doesn't have enough power and high affects the sound too noticeably. That is why I purchased an external portable amplifier.
I have a Cayin C5, but I feel it lacks a little power when it comes to powering my Shure SRH1540. At high gain there is enough, but I don't like what it does to the sound. Now I am considering an upgrade to an amp that has WAY more power than I need. Just like with car audio. That way at low gain all of my headphones will have more than enough power.