Based on this review, I bought a used A5 on eBay last year for around $50. So far I have enjoyed using it with the following:
On the input end:
Fiio Q3 (normal gain)
iPhone 7
(Jellyfin on the iPhone)
On the output end:
Sennheiser HD540 (600 ohm).
I put the A5 on high gain, and I like the clear, and neutral, sound. But when I put the Q3 on high gain, the sound appears warmer than I like, so I set the Q3 at normal gain.
I’m not sure whether this tandem of Q3 and A5 allows the HD540 to work to its full potential. I prefer a portable setup so that I’m not “tethered” to where a desktop setup is. That is why I decided to use the Q3 and A5.
Any suggestions on how to best use the HD540 with a portable setup? Thanks!
(I’ll keep the A5 in any case, considering it’s so neutral.)