How does the S9 sound with paired with an amp? Any hiss or distortion?

robojack · 01-12-2009, 10:10

Definitely looking forward to getting an S9. However, being an avid D2 user, I would expect to be able to use my RSA Predator amp with the S9, with equally, if not, greater results.

Has anyone had the chance to try out their S9 with any kind of headphone amp? If so, were there any hiss or distortion issues?

waxer · 01-12-2009, 14:07

Ive only tried it with my non portable little dot mkiii. No noticable issues.
Actually it sounded amazing with my hd595 senns and now Im going to need a portable amp.

I kinda wish (wallet wise)I had stayed ignorant as to how underpowered my senns were.

Walt · 01-13-2009, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by waxer

Ive only tried it with my non portable little dot mkiii. No noticable issues.
Actually it sounded amazing with my hd595 senns and now Im going to need a portable amp.

I kinda wish (wallet wise)I had stayed ignorant as to how underpowered my senns were.

please explain to me this bit more? why will yu need the amp? are u saying S9 does not have enough power for HD 595 headphone? thnks

toomanyollys · 01-13-2009, 07:44

Yeah, I'm slightly confused too - I can see how an amp would be beneficial if the 'phones you're trying to drive need more power than the S9 can output, or if the S9 distorts at higher volumes you may require. However, if the 'phones you're using are quite happily driven by the S9 at the required volume, what use is an amp? It can't re-introduce quality that's not there in the first place...

Having said that, I have no experience of headphone amps, so feel free to educate me...

gorgi · 01-13-2009, 09:47

I think it can expand battery-lifetime

waxer · 01-13-2009, 13:55

The senn hd595 sound great with the s9 but when hooked up to an amp sound even better. The high and low end especially. Im no good with my audio terms but the bass sounds more precise and more powerful. Same goes for the rest but the 595 being known for a lack of bass compared to alot of headphones its the most obvious change you would notice straight away.
Its not just a volume thing. I tend to listen to it at a set volume. Ive already learnt the pitfalls of slowing raising the volume and not realising how loud it is because its still clear.

Nirvana1000 · 04-12-2009, 18:17

I am powering my M Audio Q40's with the S9 and the ALO Mini^3 and to say the least it sounds very satisfying!Way better than my iPod classic!

Headcased · 04-12-2009, 18:40

yes complatley agree sound good with amp

01-12-2009, 10:10	#1
robojack Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 111	How does the S9 sound with paired with an amp? Any hiss or distortion? Definitely looking forward to getting an S9. However, being an avid D2 user, I would expect to be able to use my RSA Predator amp with the S9, with equally, if not, greater results. Has anyone had the chance to try out their S9 with any kind of headphone amp? If so, were there any hiss or distortion issues? __________________ Portable: Cowon D2 4GB + A-Data 16GB SDHC > RSA Predator \| RSA Tomahawk (backup) > Westone 3 \| Sleek Audio SA6 \| Super.Fi 5 Pro \| Futuresonics Atrio M5 \| Ultrasone HFI-780 (S2 Audio mod) \| Koss KSC-75 (Kramer-mod) Home: DIYEDEN SVDAC04-U > Darkvoice 332 > Sennheiser HD-650 \| AKG 701

01-13-2009, 09:47	#5
gorgi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Germany, Hamburg Posts: 265	I think it can expand battery-lifetime __________________ Cowon S9 + Westone UM2 RC

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01-12-2009, 14:07	#2
waxer Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 42	Ive only tried it with my non portable little dot mkiii. No noticable issues. Actually it sounded amazing with my hd595 senns and now Im going to need a portable amp. I kinda wish (wallet wise)I had stayed ignorant as to how underpowered my senns were.

01-13-2009, 07:44	#4
toomanyollys Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 20	Yeah, I'm slightly confused too - I can see how an amp would be beneficial if the 'phones you're trying to drive need more power than the S9 can output, or if the S9 distorts at higher volumes you may require. However, if the 'phones you're using are quite happily driven by the S9 at the required volume, what use is an amp? It can't re-introduce quality that's not there in the first place... Having said that, I have no experience of headphone amps, so feel free to educate me...

01-13-2009, 13:55	#6
waxer Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 42	The senn hd595 sound great with the s9 but when hooked up to an amp sound even better. The high and low end especially. Im no good with my audio terms but the bass sounds more precise and more powerful. Same goes for the rest but the 595 being known for a lack of bass compared to alot of headphones its the most obvious change you would notice straight away. Its not just a volume thing. I tend to listen to it at a set volume. Ive already learnt the pitfalls of slowing raising the volume and not realising how loud it is because its still clear.

04-12-2009, 18:40	#8
Headcased You Know When You've Been Headcased Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Goggleth Cymru Posts: 272	yes complatley agree sound good with amp