What the $^&# heck is it?.........iFi iEMatch!

[csglinux]

True but I like close to neutral and am picky about sound signature somewhat.

These earbuds are all single dynamic driver (except one dual dynamic) and not IEM’s. I wonder if that makes a difference because I heard BA drivers are much more effected.

Also if the IEmatch doesn’t help this why do multiplayer reviewers state (along with staff from hiby) that the IEmatch benefits the output increased for earbuds/iems?

Dynamic drivers aren't usually as susceptible to impedance variation with frequency as balanced armatures. The IEMatch won't increase your output - it will lower the output voltage to your headphones. The advantage in that is it creates less hiss (lower noise floor) and gives you better fine-grained volume control at low levels for sensitive IEMs. It does work in that regard.

If there's another benefit I'm overlooking, maybe someone can post and let us know. The frequency response with/without the IEMatch will be different (maybe more to your liking). What I don't know is how any of those reviewers would have been able to compare against the "true" FR of your headphones, i.e., given a near-zero z-out from your DAP.

 

[seanc6441]

Dynamic drivers aren't usually as susceptible to impedance variation with frequency as balanced armatures. The IEMatch won't increase your output - it will lower the output voltage to your headphones. The advantage in that is it creates less hiss (lower noise floor) and gives you better fine-grained volume control at low levels for sensitive IEMs. It does work in that regard.

If there's another benefit I'm overlooking, maybe someone can post and let us know. The frequency response with/without the IEMatch will be different (maybe more to your liking). What I don't know is how any of those reviewers would have been able to compare against the "true" FR of your headphones, i.e., given a near-zero z-out from your DAP.

oh are you saying that the change from 10 ohm OI to ~2.5 ohm OI will ‘help’ get closer to the true frequency response? That’s all I’m looking for to be honest.

I understand that 0.1 ohm OI would be the absolute best, but is 2.5 gonna be beneficial over 10ohm?

 

[csglinux]

oh are you saying that the change from 10 ohm OI to ~2.5 ohm OI will ‘help’ get closer to the true frequency response?

I don't know how much of an improvement you'll get, because your DAP is still going to see a ~16 Ohm load. I'd love to get a scientific explanation from somebody clever...

 

[seanc6441]

I don't know how much of an improvement you'll get, because your DAP is still going to see a ~16 Ohm load. I'd love to get a scientific explanation from somebody clever...

I read a little more into it on the hiby forum and other reviews and it seems that only some multi drivers most BA or hybrids are the ones effected. Even very high sensitivity dynamic driver iems seemed to be fine for the most part.

I think I’ll just try it out myself and if I need the iematch I’ll give that a try too.

A scientific answer from somebody in the know would be a nice conclusion though agreed

 

[csglinux]

I read a little more into it on the hiby forum and other reviews and it seems that only some multi drivers most BA or hybrids are the ones effected. Even very high sensitivity dynamic driver iems seemed to be fine for the most part.

I think I’ll just try it out myself and if I need the iematch I’ll give that a try too.

A scientific answer from somebody in the know would be a nice conclusion though agreed

That's true - you can typically run a DD IEM from a high-impedance line-out. So you're probably fine, even without an IEMatch. I'm still curious to know what would happen with an Andromeda or SE846 being driven by an R6 with/without an IEMatch.

 

[ClieOS]

Single dynamic typically has a very flat impedance curve that doesn't change much with output impedance. Dual dynamic on the other hand is a different story and really depends on how it is configured. I'll take some measurements while I at it.

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

Please take a look here: http://www.tainghechonloc.com

I had bought from 1 or 2 of those shops. Honestly I didn't like the experience. Anyway here in Vietnam we don't expect to return something when we don't like it, only when it's broken "on manufacturer's faults" (that's the term), so all purchases are more "final" than in the US or UK.

 

[iFi audio]

I had bought from 1 or 2 of those shops. Honestly I didn't like the experience. Anyway here in Vietnam we don't expect to return something when we don't like it, only when it's broken "on manufacturer's faults" (that's the term), so all purchases are more "final" than in the US or UK.

Our return policy is global, hence there should be no issue. If there is, please do let us know via PM and we'll take a closer look.

 

[iFi audio]

I read a little more into it on the hiby forum and other reviews and it seems that only some multi drivers most BA or hybrids are the ones effected. Even very high sensitivity dynamic driver iems seemed to be fine for the most part.

I think I’ll just try it out myself and if I need the iematch I’ll give that a try too.

A scientific answer from somebody in the know would be a nice conclusion though agreed

As we've suggested previously, our return policy is generous, hence please feel free to reach to your local iFi representative and try iEMatch in your setup.

 

[SchwarzeWolke]

Just a quick question: If I would use my iEMatch with an out impedance of around 4 Ohm (i. e. my Sony NWZ-A15), what output impedance would the iEMatch have? Is it also around 1 Ohm in ultra settings?

 

[iFi audio]

Is it also around 1 Ohm in ultra settings?

Yes.

 

[Dobrescu George]

My review on iEMatch 2.5 is live now!

It is a very specific tool for a very specific job, but does exactly what it is meant to, and if you ever had hiss, now you can totally remove with with a sleek solution that won't add bulk to your listening setup.

https://audiophile-heaven.blogspot.com/2018/06/ifi-iematch-25-balanced-matching.html

 

[Colors]

Just bought this! Hoping it solves the hissing on my Campfire Audio Andromeda + Cayin N5ii.

I’ve had previous experience with IEMatch with the iFi Nano BL and it was great.

 

[Colors]

Oh wow, I’m using this with my Empire Ears Bravado and Cayin N5ii + stock 3.5mm Ares Cable and it sounds amazing (high sensitivity mode).

Cleans up the sound a lot and actually improves the dynamic range (more present sub-bass and upper treble). Reminds me of my Jitterbug I had before.

Quick question: Can I use BAL mode with my 3.5mm Ares cable and Cayin N5ii? It has a balanced output but in a separate connection.

 

[Dobrescu George]

Oh wow, I’m using this with my Empire Ears Bravado and Cayin N5ii + stock 3.5mm Ares Cable and it sounds amazing (high sensitivity mode).

Cleans up the sound a lot and actually improves the dynamic range (more present sub-bass and upper treble). Reminds me of my Jitterbug I had before.

Quick question: Can I use BAL mode with my 3.5mm Ares cable and Cayin N5ii? It has a balanced output but in a separate connection.

Really glad it helped you!

As for using the balanced output for a 3.5mm, it should be okay as long as you have the adapter of 2.5mm to 3.5mm, and as long as you make sure that both are balanced, aka 4 pole TRRS.