[mwhals]

Jeff told me the 12 db reduction would work with all headphones, but have trouble with the Abyss and Hifiman HE-6. Jeff recommended the 12 db reduction for ZMF headphones, which I own and have on pre-order.

I sent him another email to see if the 7.5 reduction gives enough volume control for more efficient headphones while still working with the Abyss and Hifiman HE-6. I will edit this post with his reply.

Jeff got back to me. He said "The Khozmo has a more aggressive taper to it so I am more comfortable with the 7.5db attenuation with the Khozmo. With the Tocos it is more linear with more gain at the beginning so I am more comfortable with the 12db with it, especially with the ZMF headphones or any 100db headphone."

So the 12 or 7.5 db depends on if one gets the Khozmo or not.

 

[drwlf]

Jeff got back to me. He said "The Khozmo has a more aggressive taper to it so I am more comfortable with the 7.5db attenuation with the Khozmo. With the Tocos it is more linear with more gain at the beginning so I am more comfortable with the 12db with it, especially with the ZMF headphones or any 100db headphone."

So the 12 or 7.5 db depends on if one gets the Khozmo or not.

That's good info, thanks.

 

[Hifi59]

Yup, the 7.5 has been echoed here on several occasions to work with HE-6:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13104870
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13185997
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13096773
Thanks @Hansotek
, @Astral Abyss
, @Hifi59
, and others I missed them.

I'm just wondering how the 7.5 fares with higher sensitivity cans (for example LCD-X/XC), as I'm not too fond of lowering the source volume digitally

I just received my replacement unit because I wanted the Khozmo attenuator. While I was at it, I requested the 12db attenuator. I have the LCD-4 and Hifiman he-6. Using my iPad with its volume at max streaming Tidal and Spotify, the He-6 still goes plenty loud! It is uncomfortably loud if Milo volume also at max. Under these conditions, the 1 o'clock position is about as loud as I can comfortably listen to it. This is perfect for me as my goal was to be able to open up the amp as much as possible for max dynamic range when listening to inefficient headphones and yet be able to have some play with the volume knob with efficient phones such as my LCD-XC and Zmf Eikons when they arrive.

 

[mwhals]

I just received my replacement unit because I wanted the Khozmo attenuator. While I was at it, I requested the 12db attenuator. I have the LCD-4 and Hifiman he-6. Using my iPad with its volume at max streaming Tidal and Spotify, the He-6 still goes plenty loud! It is uncomfortably loud if Milo volume also at max. Under these conditions, the 1 o'clock position is about as loud as I can comfortably listen to it. This is perfect for me as my goal was to be able to open up the amp as much as possible for max dynamic range when listening to inefficient headphones and yet be able to have some play with the volume knob with efficient phones such as my LCD-XC and Zmf Eikons when they arrive.

Did you notice a sound improvement with the Khozmo?

 

[Hifi59]

Did you notice a sound improvement with the Khozmo?

I do. Its somewhat more resolute sounding as Jeff claims. I listened to a lot of select songs just before the swap between Milos to minimize a possible placebo effect and it does sound a touch more effortless and open to my ear. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's noticeable.

 

[mwhals]

I do. Its somewhat more resolute sounding as Jeff claims. I listened to a lot of select songs just before the swap between Milos to minimize a possible placebo effect and it does sound a touch more effortless and open to my ear. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's noticeable.

So over all in your opinion, was it worth $400 as I think for volume control?

 

[Hifi59]

So over all in your opinion, was it worth $400 as I think for volume control?

Well, if your like me and like a product so well that you want it to be all it can be, then yea, it's worth it. On the other hand, if value plays a larger role in your listening pleasure then the stock Milo still punches well above its price point and you still get to enjoy great sound while saving a few hundred bills. I would also add that if you one to always wonder if the grass is greener on the other side and will always have that itch to try the Khozmo, then I suggest doing so from the get go. I love its sound with both attenuators.

 

[mwhals]

I will need to save a couple of hundred dollars in disposable cash to get the upgrades but I do have a birthday coming up!

 

[drwlf]

I just received my replacement unit because I wanted the Khozmo attenuator. While I was at it, I requested the 12db attenuator. I have the LCD-4 and Hifiman he-6. Using my iPad with its volume at max streaming Tidal and Spotify, the He-6 still goes plenty loud! It is uncomfortably loud if Milo volume also at max. Under these conditions, the 1 o'clock position is about as loud as I can comfortably listen to it. This is perfect for me as my goal was to be able to open up the amp as much as possible for max dynamic range when listening to inefficient headphones and yet be able to have some play with the volume knob with efficient phones such as my LCD-XC and Zmf Eikons when they arrive.

Thank you for this.
Probably the most direct reply I've ever gotten here, with examples of the specific dilemmas I've been wondering!

 

[Astral Abyss]

   
Yup, the 7.5 has been echoed here on several occasions to work with HE-6:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13104870
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13185997
http://www.head-fi.org/t/820424/wells-audio-milo-impressions-and-discussion-thread/90#post_13096773
Thanks @Hansotek, @Astral Abyss, @Hifi59, and others I missed them.
 
I'm just wondering how the 7.5 fares with higher sensitivity cans (for example LCD-X/XC), as I'm not too fond of lowering the source volume digitally

 
I tried the LCD-XC with my Milo today.  (7.5db attenuation + Khozmo)  Volume was at about 9 o'clock.  Anything more and it got too loud for me.  Hit like a truck.

 

[drwlf]

   
I tried the LCD-XC with my Milo today.  (7.5db attenuation + Khozmo)  Volume was at about 9 o'clock.  Anything more and it got too loud for me.  Hit like a truck.

 
Good to know!
If the 12db attenuation provides even better volume control with high sensitivity wonders, and can drive the HE-6 to uncomfortable levels whilst retaining authority, this "little" thing seems like a miracle.

 

[mwhals]

Just placed my order for a Milo with the Khozmo, Naked Z Foil resistors and the 7.5db attenuation circuit.

To go with it, I ordered a Metrum Musette in black.

Now the wait begins.

 

[Astral Abyss]

Just placed my order for a Milo with the Khozmo, Naked Z Foil resistors and the 7.5db attenuation circuit.

To go with it, I ordered a Metrum Musette in black.

Now the wait begins.

 
You really went all in.  Wish I could see your face when you listen to that combo for the first time.  It's going to be awesome.

 

[mwhals]

You really went all in.  Wish I could see your face when you listen to that combo for the first time.  It's going to be awesome.

If I was going to spend near $2000 on a headphone amp, I decided I wanted the best sound possible, so I got the upgrades. Otherwise, I would always be wondering.

 

[The Piper]

We are based in San Jose. Must be fairly close to you. If you are interested in a possible purchase we could work out a home audition probably.