The Topping DX5 is supposed to output 1800mW into 32 ohms. Meaning it should be (roughly) around 3600mW into 16 ohms. The DCA guys told me the Aeon 2 Noires require 500mW into 16 ohms to get proper performance. Since the DX5 should be able to deliver more than seven times that, I thought it would be plenty powerful in the high gain setting.
However, using the Aeon 2 Noire's single-ended cable, I have to really crank it to around -15dB on the high gain setting to get any appreciable volume. On some music I've been listening to, any higher than that and I start to hear clipping and distortion.
I thought this amp was supposed to have oodles of power for these headphones -- I guess I misunderstood something? Or maybe there's an issue with some of the gear in my chain. Not nearly enough slam in the bass, and everything just sounds a bit thin and weak.
If the DX5 can't power this properly, I doubt the Chord Mojo 2 could do much better since it only does 600mW into 30ohms.