[gr8soundz]

  Just purchased iematch but was wondering... are there any amp out their that accepts 3.5mm trrs natively?  I can only think of ZX2 but that's a DAP
 
wish idsd had 3.5trrs balanced choice

 
Most Hifiman players including the new Supermini (but not the Megamini) accept it since its based on their design and has the same pinout.
 
Oppo's HA-2 can accept 3.5mm TRRS similar to the ZX2.
 
IFi's iCan Pro also has a native 3.5mm TRRS balanced headphone output.
 
Fyi, the gold-plated 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter included in the iDSD Micro's packaging can accept TRRS. However, the adapter just converts it to unbalanced TRS (like the iEmatch does in SE mode) so the iDSD is still not balanced on the headphone out.
 

 

[mscott58]

LHLabs Geek Out V2A/V2+ output balanced via 3.5mm TRRS. Cheers

 

[DC5Zilla]

Thanks for the information!!  I will check out the Geek Out 2A!  Unfortunately, HA-2 looks like it's not truely balanced.  I did receive the iematch today but my Noble 8C is being fixed at Noble right now so I can't test

 

[iFi audio]

What's in the box?

 
Some have asked for pics of the iEMatch box.
 
So here you go:
 
1. Memory foam ear buds (-37dB attenuation)
2. Gold-plated airplane adapter
3. iEmatch
4. Velvet pouch to put it all in 

 

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-iematch/

 

[Larethio]

So I received mine and what it does is lower the volume. Unfortunately my iematch makes the audio distorted and not sound very pleasant through my cans.

 

[twister6]

So I received mine and what it does is lower the volume. Unfortunately my iematch makes the audio distorted and not sound very pleasant through my cans.

 
What is your source and your headphones?
 
iEMatch basically functions like a high quality impedance adapter where you can switch between 2 values.  Impedance adapter attenuates the signal level including background noise floor, thus quieting down the hissing level.  I wouldn't use it for full size cans, especially if those are high impedance or not as efficient.  iEMatch is more appropriate for "iEM"

 with high sensitivity.  Or something like 64Audio in-ears that were originally tuned for higher impedance source used by performing musicians (w/wireless headphone packs).  Plus, iEMatch is great if you have sources with 3.5mm balanced HO like Hifiman daps or Plenue S or GeekOut usb dacs/amps - it has a switch for a regular TRS vs TRRS balanced connection wiring
 
If you are using multi-BA iems which typically recommended to be paired up with a source that has low output impedance, you could be messing with their FR response by adding more resistance in series.

 

[Larethio]

What is your source and your headphones?

iEMatch basically functions like a high quality impedance adapter where you can switch between 2 values.  Impedance adapter attenuates the signal level including background noise floor, thus quieting down the hissing level.  I wouldn't use it for full size cans, especially if those are high impedance or not as efficient.  iEMatch is more appropriate for "iEM"  with high sensitivity.  Or something like 64Audio in-ears that were originally tuned for higher impedance source used by performing musicians (w/wireless headphone packs).  Plus, iEMatch is great if you have sources with 3.5mm balanced HO like Hifiman daps or Plenue S or GeekOut usb dacs/amps - it has a switch for a regular TRS vs TRRS balanced connection wiring

If you are using multi-BA iems which typically recommended to be paired up with a source that has low output impedance, you could be messing with their FR response by adding more resistance in series.

I tested mine with a DD iem that's sensitive also. It lowers the volume like an er-4p-s adapter but it introduces crazy distortion. I fear mine may be defective. Oh well at least it was free and I got some earplugs and airline adapter that work.

 

[iFi audio]

I tested mine with a DD iem that's sensitive also. It lowers the volume like an er-4p-s adapter but it introduces crazy distortion. I fear mine may be defective. Oh well at least it was free and I got some earplugs and airline adapter that work.

 
You can open a query on our Support Ticket System: http://support.ifi-audio.com/
 
But in the meantime, it may be that you used a lot of attenuation and then cranked excessively. The amp is likely to distort. Not uncommon.

 

[Edric Li]

1. Ok so my DAP has too much power for my IEM. Hiss is very noticeable. Is this the thing I need?
 
2. What's the difference other than balance out, which I do not need, between the IEMatch and something like this or this?

 

[twister6]

  1. Ok so my DAP has too much power for my IEM. Hiss is very noticeable. Is this the thing I need?
 
2. What's the difference other than balance out, which I do not need, between the IEMatch and something like this or this?

 
iEMatch is definitely a perfect combo for LPG with sensitive IEMs.
 
Why would you use it over other choices?  With Ety impedance adapter, you only have a choice of a single value resistance which might or might not work with your pair of IEMs (keep in mind, with some mulit-BAs you can mess up FR by adding impedance adapter).  Then, you are only stuck with 3.5mm TRS SE connector, so if you have something like Hifiman or Plenue S or GeekOut DACs with balanced 3.5mm TRRS outputs - you can't use Ety.  iEMatch gives you flexibility of 3.5mm TRS or 3.5mm balanced TRRS and a switch between two impedance settings to fine tune to your IEMs.  On top of that, it has a very high quality aluminum connector housing and silver plated cable with nice strain relief.  And, it cost the same $50.
 
With DUNU impedance adapters, again, you are stuck with a single value, and both sides of the connector are combined making it stick out.   I prefer a split design of a 3.5mm male connector and female connector part where it becomes like a short extension to your headphones cable.
 
There is also a 3rd option, UE buffer jack which is quite cheap for $10, and has split design as well, but you are back to a single resistance value, no support for 3.5mm balanced, and just a basic rubber cable shielding and connectors.  If you want to save money, UE buffer jack is the way to go.  But if you want a lot more flexibility and higher quality, spend extra and get iEMatch.

 

[nmatheis]

Looks like I'll be investing in IEMatch, Alex

 

[twister6]

Looks like I'll be investing in IEMatch, Alex

 
For LPG and which IEM?

 
I actually might find a use for a balanced switch after all since I got SuperMini for testing and it has 3.5mm HFM balanced port. 
 
Will look forward to your RMAF report, bud!

 

[Jackpot77]

Won one of these recently on the giveaway and had time to test them out on a long haul flight from London to Sri Lanka (via Dubai). Was able to use a pair of 12 ohm Vibro Arias to listen to the in-flight movies in decent sound quality without blowing them to bits or shattering my eardrums. Definitely a useful piece of kit - has also played nicely letting me drive IEMs from my Ifi iCan Micro SE desktop setup as well. Seems like a worthwhile purchase for low impedance multi BA owners if you are looking to drive your gear off more powerful outputs without any hassle.

 

[iFi audio]

Won one of these recently on the giveaway and had time to test them out on a long haul flight from London to Sri Lanka (via Dubai). Was able to use a pair of 12 ohm Vibro Arias to listen to the in-flight movies in decent sound quality without blowing them to bits or shattering my eardrums. Definitely a useful piece of kit - has also played nicely letting me drive IEMs from my Ifi iCan Micro SE desktop setup as well. Seems like a worthwhile purchase for low impedance multi BA owners if you are looking to drive your gear off more powerful outputs without any hassle.

That's what we call "to the point description" ! Many thanks!

 

[Music Path]

When is the ifi iematch expected to be sold in Europe? Now only US