Connect smsl c200 to topping L50

[diddly]

Hi,

I have both of these and would like to use the L50 instead of the headphone amp on the c200. The L50 performs a bit better than the built one on the c200, which is perfectly fine but I'd like to compare.

Should the volume on the line outputs of the c200 be set to it's maximum of 100 or does it matter?

Thanks

 

[staticV3]

You can safely set the C200 to full volume.

 

[diddly]

You can safely set the C200 to full volume.

That's the general approach when doing this? Just want to make sure I'm starting off with similar volumes to compare both.

 

[staticV3]

That's the general approach when doing this? Just want to make sure I'm starting off with similar volumes to compare both.

You mean compare the C200 Amp to the L50?

Then you need to match the output voltages using a multimeter. Anything else will skew your results due to bias.

 

[Roland68]

That's the general approach when doing this? Just want to make sure I'm starting off with similar volumes to compare both.

One has nothing to do with the other.
First, you adjust the volume on the C200 and measure the AC voltage at the HP output with a test signal.
Then, you switch the C200 to Line Out and set the voltage to maximum. Then, you adjust the volume on the L50 to the same output voltage at the HP output.
When you hear the C200 again, you just need to adjust it to the value on the display.
This is the only way to ensure that both HP amps have the same conditions. Otherwise, the comparison would be pointless.

 

[diddly]

Ah I see. I just wanted to do a quick a/b comparison to see if I could notice any difference. Wasn't looking to get too precise with it. Impossible to do unless the levels are exact though. Thanks

 

[jkim]

Regardless, it is pointless to make the comparison you are trying to. The L50 will be better only in case your headphones are testing the C200's power limit. Otherwise both HP amps are transparent beyond audibility.