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[porto]

Hi!

 

I listen to music with a pair of cans from Beyerdynamic  (DT Pro 1990) and a DAP from Cowon  - the Plenue D2.  It is an approximately 1000 EUR/USD combo.

 

However, perhaps due to the high impedance from the headphones (250 ohms ), the sound does not reach the levels I want nor the “transparency” for some types of music are not as clear as others.…

 

 So, my question, do you guys think I could somehow “connect”  my Cowon DAP with an amp so I could upgrade sound quality? My DAP only has the 3.5 and 2.5mm (baslanced) outputs as well the main entrance for charging (that ends with USB type)

 

Your thougths / ideas would be very much appreciated ;)

 

  

[porto]

On 9/4/2019 at 8:15 PM, audiobomber said:

I am mystified by your complaint of insufficient volume, porto. I normally drive the DT 1990's with my Asgard 2 amp on the "low-gain" setting. My Korg DAC/amp only delivers 85mW per channel @32 ohms, the Plenue D2 spec says 2V output, no impedance specified. These specs are not directly comparable, but clearly the D2 is more powerful by a good margin. Even my Galaxy A5 mobile phone can deliver uncomfortably high volume levels through the DT 1990. The D2 pecs show it should have no trouble driving your headphones, given a normal level input. Are you using any software level controls?

 

Is it possible you are using the wrong setting?

A Sony ZX300 is about as powerful as an iPhone SE. The Plenue D2 is at least +6dB more powerful than that, single ended. And the AK380 isn’t noticeably or measurably more powerful. That’s serious power. If you find that you need more power, you might have the Headphone setting off. Engaged, the D2 slams like Mjolnir.

https://headfonics.com/2019/06/cowon-plenue-d2-review/

 

If none of the above, possibly your DAP is defective? The reviews I've read do not mention a lack of transparency or power, and I have never heard anyone describe the DT 1990 as lacking transparency. 

Hi,

 

Thank you for your opinion. I have been abroad for several weeks and only had time to reply today.  

I had the opportunity to listen for long periods between my work travels and I am almost positive that an amp is needed. 

 

I can even say the volume I get when connected from my Samsung Note 9 seems more louder in some files than on the COwon. Obiously the quality from the Cowon is much much more superior.

 

250Ohms are very high impedance and a 300usd DAP can not produce miracles IMO...so I think the problem is really the need of good  amp.

 

My question to you:

 

Once the my COWON player has already  dual DACs, do you think I should only be looking for an amp that doesn't have DACs also. I mean will the fact of both equipments have DACs interefere or even damage the dirivers from the headphones???

 

Thank you for your help!