[TheEldestBoy]

I listen with HD 600's.

I listen at relatively low volumes.

Wondering which device will be better at low volumes?

I've read that the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label has channel imbalance at low volumes... Is this true? If so, this could be a deal-breaker for me.

 

[jodgey4]

What do consider relatively low volumes? That probably would only be a problem with much more sensitive headphones than the HD600. Maybe see if you can audition anything first?

 

[Witcher]

I've read that the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label has channel imbalance at low volumes... Is this true? If so, this could be a deal-breaker for me.

Yes, this is true. However, given that your HD600 are relatively high impedance headphones, getting them to your preferred listening level might just be about bringing the iDSD volume up, while keeping the gain on Eco mode instead of normal. If I recall correctly, the imbalance isn't really a volume level thing, but a gain issue. This might mitigate the imbalance. Try it out for yourself and see.

 

[soLicitous]

Yes, this is true. However, given that your HD600 are relatively high impedance headphones, getting them to your preferred listening level might just be about bringing the iDSD volume up, while keeping the gain on Eco mode instead of normal. If I recall correctly, the imbalance isn't really a volume level thing, but a gain issue. This might mitigate the imbalance. Try it out for yourself and see.

I believe you are correct. The channel imbalance of my Black Label clears out at around 9am on the volume pot independent of which headphones I am using and how loud they actually are.

The gain switch as well as the integrated iEMatch switch allow for me to listen to my IEMs (26ohm @ 1kHz, 119dB @ 1mw) at a low volume without the channel imbalance of the pot being an issue. I'd guess that the HD600s would have no problems either, but an audition is always preferred if possible!

 

[TheEldestBoy]

Yes, this is true. However, given that your HD600 are relatively high impedance headphones, getting them to your preferred listening level might just be about bringing the iDSD volume up, while keeping the gain on Eco mode instead of normal. If I recall correctly, the imbalance isn't really a volume level thing, but a gain issue. This might mitigate the imbalance. Try it out for yourself and see.

I believe you are correct. The channel imbalance of my Black Label clears out at around 9am on the volume pot independent of which headphones I am using and how loud they actually are.

The gain switch as well as the integrated iEMatch switch allow for me to listen to my IEMs (26ohm @ 1kHz, 119dB @ 1mw) at a low volume without the channel imbalance of the pot being an issue. I'd guess that the HD600s would have no problems either, but an audition is always preferred if possible!

If I use Eco Mode, am I feeding my HD 600's any less power than using the Normal or Turbo Mode? In other words, volume differences aside, do I run the risk of not sufficiently powering my HD 600's on Eco (or even Normal) Mode? Will I get less bass response, less soundstage, less dynamics, etc by using ECO Mode?

For example, lets's say that these 2 different listening set-ups give the listen the same volume level:

1. Eco Mode: Volume pot at 2:00pm
2. Normal Mode: Volume pot at 11:00am

If both are giving the listener the same perceived level of volume, is #2 still actually doing a better job of powering the HD 600's?

 

[MindsMirror]

No. The loudness is determined by the power. If two different amps or amp settings result in the same loudness, they are delivering the same power. If you can get sufficient loudness on eco mode then you should use that.

 

[TheEldestBoy]

No. The loudness is determined by the power. If two different amps or amp settings result in the same loudness, they are delivering the same power. If you can get sufficient loudness on eco mode then you should use that.

Thanks for the input.

Question: My Fiio Q1 actually provides way more than enough volume for me. Do I really need to upgrade to the iDSD micro Black Label?

 

[Witcher]

Thanks for the input.

Question: My Fiio Q1 actually provides way more than enough volume for me. Do I really need to upgrade to the iDSD micro Black Label?

Only you can answer that. You need to test it yourself. If you prefer the sound of the Q1, then stick with it. But the iDSDBL does give you a fantastic array of controls over the final sound.

 

[ClieOS]

Thanks for the input.

Question: My Fiio Q1 actually provides way more than enough volume for me. Do I really need to upgrade to the iDSD micro Black Label?

Q1 is a fine sounding amp for its price, but by no means any where near the quality of micro iDSD BL

 

[Ynot1]

The low volume channel imbalance is probably a potentiometer property that's it is what it is kind of thing. And it is probably not at the listening level of music. Maybe for people multi-tasking, trying to hear a pin drop and listen to their favorite tune at the same time.

 

[loominos]

If you're going to use the chord mojo with high impedance headphones like the HD600, you may need to turn up the chord mojo to a sort-of high volume. And by high, I mean to Red on the second level or higher. This level of volume can be loud if on an IEM, of course.

 

[labrat]

I listen with HD 600's.

I listen at relatively low volumes.

Wondering which device will be better at low volumes?

I've read that the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label has channel imbalance at low volumes... Is this true? If so, this could be a deal-breaker for me.

The iFi Micro iDSD Black Label have an analog volume potentiometer, and may as such have a slight difference in volume between left and right channels at the lovest settings.
The Mojo does not have a volume potentiometer, the volume is software controlled, and unless the programmers have done a really poor job, the volume between the channels will be same.
If there is a difference, it will be obvious over the whole range of the volume setting, and as such will be the result of an internal hardware error.

 

[droido256]

The ifi does have a channel imbalance (all analog volume controls Ive tried have this minor irritation.) run the ifi in eco mode to get the pot up to 12 oclock. The sound quality of this thing is just..... so .... engaging. The output power of the micro idsd black label is ..... frightening. Im on the lcd-2, currently on eco mode (lowest gain setting), 1o clock setting on the pot is LOUD. The ifi is downright psychotic in output volume and control.

 

[naqvc]

Completely agree, the Black Label has an insane amount of power.