[krude]

It is usually better to have stronger output signal from the DAC and adjust volume on the amp. This way you are getting a 'cleaner' signal to amplify.

I would disagree, it depends which component has better volume control. There is a reason why power amps reign supreme in hifi. In this case Chord will have far far superior volume control.

But all theory aside, try it both ways and let your ears be the judge.

 

[goldwerger]

there are 2 questions involved in this that I can think of, in priority:
1. What input voltage level works best with your amp? this varies from amp to amp
2. Which volume control is best used (for min interference)

I would advise (as in almost all things audio) to simply experience. Super easy to do that with 2 volume controls. And super easy to find out what sounds best..

 

[betula]

I would disagree, it depends which component has better volume control. There is a reason why power amps reign supreme in hifi. In this case Chord will have far far superior volume control.

Speakers (amplifiers) and headphones (amplifiers) are a bit of a different story, but yes, it depends.

 

[krude]

Speakers (amplifiers) and headphones (amplifiers) are a bit of a different story, but yes, it depends.

It's the same story. That's why Burson for example has power amp mode that completely disengages their volume module, even though they use fairly high class volume, I belive it's even dual mono in their higher end amps ... yet they reconise power users will want to eliminate it if they own a really high class DAC (like Chord) or a high end pre amp.

Also Ferrum Oor has a power amp mode even though their volume is really good as well.

I really wish I could do that on my Cayin HA300 ... instead I'm in the same position as op and I have to hunt for 0db on Cayins pot ... and even the manufacturer doesn't know where that is been advised to keep it around 3pm ...

On a second thought you have a point that headphones are a different market ... it is way less mature than speaker market ... but it's only a matter of time as current totl headphones (Caldera included) really catch up with decent speakers.

 

[taipan254]

Once in a while I listen directly to good analog and skip DACs and any limitations from that that particular stage. Some good vinyl + SET tubes make for a good listening hour

I love that album on its own, but it is magic when you have romantic company.

 

[Lyssky]

Thanks for the answers friends.

 

[AudioDuck]

Once in a while I listen directly to good analog and skip DACs and any limitations from that that particular stage. Some good vinyl + SET tubes make for a good listening hour

Gorgeous Calderas, thanks for sharing!

 

[rsbrsvp]

One thing I've increasingly appreciated about the CO is how well it takes EQ. Combining it with specific pads gives a nice level of control over how linear or warm you want the sound can be, while still maintaining the core driver/pad traits. I could happily enjoy the Caldera without EQ, but like anything else I've owned, those adjustments are always a welcome refinement. This is also the kind of headphone you could put a bass shelf on and be quite satisfied.

THis is what I do. In addition to the thick pads and mantle mesh, I but a bass shelf- as I just like a thicker, rounder sound. The combination of these three gives me that and yet the headphone still has plenty of energy and detail IMHO.

 

[UseThe4s]

Hello guys, I have a quick question. I am about to pull the trigger on a stock Caldera Open. I have two options:

a) brand new for a reasonable price
b) older (about 12+ months) in mint condition with a 300 Euro discount

I do not mind to go for the older piece but I would like you to ask / recommend which option would be better to go with as the price difference is not all that big but there might be revisions of the headphones during the time which would suggest going with the new one being a better option maybe? Thank you in advance for any tips here .

 

[krude]

Hello guys, I have a quick question. I am about to pull the trigger on a stock Caldera Open. I have two options:

a) brand new for a reasonable price
b) older (about 12+ months) in mint condition with a 300 Euro discount

I do not mind to go for the older piece but I would like you to ask / recommend which option would be better to go with as the price difference is not all that big but there might be revisions of the headphones during the time which would suggest going with the new one being a better option maybe? Thank you in advance for any tips here .

If older is mint at least you'll have some break in done :> ... on the other hand 300 discount for a.1 year old unit is really not great imo ... so value wise I'd get the new one.

 

[betula]

Hello guys, I have a quick question. I am about to pull the trigger on a stock Caldera Open. I have two options:

a) brand new for a reasonable price
b) older (about 12+ months) in mint condition with a 300 Euro discount

I do not mind to go for the older piece but I would like you to ask / recommend which option would be better to go with as the price difference is not all that big but there might be revisions of the headphones during the time which would suggest going with the new one being a better option maybe? Thank you in advance for any tips here .

If you really like the look of the older pair, you could consider that one. Otherwise $300 is not a big difference. Plus theoretically the lifetime driver warranty only applies to the original owner.

 

[up late]

Hello guys, I have a quick question. I am about to pull the trigger on a stock Caldera Open. I have two options:

a) brand new for a reasonable price
b) older (about 12+ months) in mint condition with a 300 Euro discount

I do not mind to go for the older piece but I would like you to ask / recommend which option would be better to go with as the price difference is not all that big but there might be revisions of the headphones during the time which would suggest going with the new one being a better option maybe? Thank you in advance for any tips here .

is the one in mint condition a limited edition? if not, then i'd opt for the new one that comes with the lifetime driver warranty.

 

[UseThe4s]

If you really like the look of the older pair, you could consider that one. Otherwise $300 is not a big difference. Plus theoretically the lifetime driver warranty only applies to the original owner.

Thank you for a reply. Both sets are from a headphone shop with full warranty. I will be looking to the wood on both sets for sure. But do I get it right that during the history of the headphone there were no revisions / minor updates on the headphones technically or aesthetically?

 

[Lyssky]

Thank you for a reply. Both sets are from a headphone shop with full warranty. I will be looking to the wood on both sets for sure. But do I get it right that during the history of the headphone there were no revisions / minor updates on the headphones technically or aesthetically?

No updates/revisions whatsoever. Only Zach presenting incredible aesthetic freshness to the cups which are visual mostly. Just some wood/stabilized choices very very slightly differ in terms of sound.

 

[UseThe4s]

No updates/revisions whatsoever. Only Zach presenting incredible aesthetic freshness to the cups which are visual mostly. Just some wood/stabilized choices very very slightly differ in terms of sound.

Thank you. In that case I will go with the best looking wood one. Can't wait to have them...