Anyone using an amp with the D2?

[denisavu]

If you are, which one? What cable are you using??

[kaitlyn2004]

Isn't the headphone jack of the D2 quite powerful itself?

[Schalldämpfer]

I actually like the sound of the D2 itself. Although I do have a headphone amp, I think the warm sound of the unit itself is quite adequate. I was really surprised that it could drive my HD650 and not only that but add some "fun" bass.

[cavorite]

The D2's amp sounds quite decent with most of my cheaper earbuds, but it needs a little help (BBE=1, MP enhance) rather than leaving things flat. My UE-10 pros sound a little dull and narrow on the D2 alone, bumping up the tone controls usually makes things sound artificial. Not complaining, it's not bad sound, just a little dull. I use a Ray Samuels SR-71 amp with the UE-10s and the D2 plays with the big boys just fine. I use a Zu Pivot cable from the D2 to the amp.

[Schalldämpfer]

The D2's amp sounds quite decent with most of my cheaper earbuds, but it needs a little help (BBE=1, MP enhance) rather than leaving things flat. My UE-10 pros sound a little dull and narrow on the D2 alone, bumping up the tone controls usually makes things sound artificial. Not complaining, it's not bad sound, just a little dull. I use a Ray Samuels SR-71 amp with the UE-10s and the D2 plays with the big boys just fine. I use a Zu Pivot cable from the D2 to the amp.

Do BBE and MP enhance really help? It's to my understanding that any added effect distorts the sound.

[cavorite]

That's a good question. I prefer to keep things flat, no equalizer or enhancement, but depending on the quality of the source file, the capabilities of the amplifier and headphones, the sound may or may not be what I expect to hear based on previous familiarity with the music. The D2 has many options for shaping/sculpting the sound, but I find the temptation to use too much or too many of the options, with an obviously altered sound as a result. I try to use the lowest setting possible, and have not really used anything other than the BBE at minimum level and MP enhance, other than just experimenting.

[Judge]

I also think, like cavorite, that the D2 flat sounds a little dull. However, I don't like the EQ options. That's why I use a Ray Samuels Hornet amp with my Sennheiser HD650 if I use my D2 at home to get some more definition in the music, it just makes it 'pop', better highs and lows. If I'm on the road without my Hornet, I sometimes use the Pop EQ setting with my Shure E4 just to try and get to the sound experience with the Hornet and HD650.

[Schalldämpfer]

I also think, like cavorite, that the D2 flat sounds a little dull. However, I don't like the EQ options. That's why I use a Ray Samuels Hornet amp with my Sennheiser HD650 if I use my D2 at home to get some more definition in the music, it just makes it 'pop', better highs and lows. If I'm on the road without my Hornet, I sometimes use the Pop EQ setting with my Shure E4 just to try and get to the sound experience with the Hornet and HD650.

You really should try the HD650 without the amp. It sounds surprisingly fun.

[denisavu]

Yes, the D2 can absolutely drive the HD650, K701, et al., but at moderately high volumes, would one inject more distortion unnecessarily that ultimately affects SQ?

[Schalldämpfer]

Yes, the D2 can absolutely drive the HD650, K701, et al., but at moderately high volumes, would one inject more distortion unnecessarily that ultimately affects SQ?

That's a negative. Well, at least I couldn't tell.

[Judge]

You really should try the HD650 without the amp. It sounds surprisingly fun.Like I said, I like it better with my Hornet in-between.

[Schalldämpfer]

Like I said, I like it better with my Hornet in-between.

Mmm, okay. I don't have one, unfortunately. Actually... I haven't even tried adding the amp in-between, yet.

[panther926]

Connected my D2 to the T-Amp (http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/audio/6cd8/) which was connected to some large 3 ft tall stereo speakers. WOW! It sounded great! At least as good as my imerge audio server. [thumbsup]
I am very impressed.

[Ichinichi]

D2 to C&C box (http://www.headb.com) to HD580s

tried both with and without the C&C.

without C&C: fuzzier/murkier sound, no real soundstage

with C&C: "now, that's more like it!"

:jamming:

[Schalldämpfer]

Welp, I guess I'm the only one who likes the D2 to high resistance cans without an amp.

[denisavu]

That sounds about right. It should sound better amplified. Try it with your computer sound card to the amplified speaker. It should sound better with the soundcard set to moderate levels and to turn up the speaker-level.

[SSK]

How is the sound with a K701 without a amp? I want to buy it, but I´m doubt of the sound with this combination...
I don´t want to get an additional amp for it...

[Schalldämpfer]

How is the sound with a K701 without a amp? I want to buy it, but I´m doubt of the sound with this combination...
I don´t want to get an additional amp for it...

If you're getting a K701... you need an amp basically no matter what. They're hard to drive phones, I think rivaling and even besting the HD650, which in and of itself is known to be hard to drive, too.

[denisavu]

Yes, I would probably amp it if I want it to sound good. It's like putting regular unleaded into a 911... you get my point.

[denisavu]

If you use an amp, what volume level do you set on the D2 for optimal SQ?

[Judge]

I use no EQ, max volume.

[KromaXamorK]

Yes, the D2 can absolutely drive the HD650, K701, et al., but at moderately high volumes, would one inject more distortion unnecessarily that ultimately affects SQ?

I find to many distorsion with K701 with a highest volume, and to have correct parameters the sound its lack of dynamism.
PS: For cable I use a C&C mini crystal.

[KromaXamorK]

If you're getting a K701... you need an amp basically no matter what. They're hard to drive phones, I think rivaling and even besting the HD650, which in and of itself is known to be hard to drive, too.

Agree with that.^^