FiiO / Snowsky Melody not loud enough (HD560s)

[L5730]

Hi all,

Maybe I'm doing something wrong or being particularly dumb.
I just can't seem to get adequate playback volume from this DAC/amp through Sennheiser HD560s.

I have Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, also using a single similar CS43131 DAC chip and no separate amplifier(?) and the specs look similar.
I'm not even tricking the SHDPro into 'high gain' mode with the open extension lead, power on, plug in headphone trick. It's just louder.

I'm using the single ended 3.5mm socket on the Melody, don't really fancy spending for a balanced cable.

Melody 3.5mm spec.
2.3V peak
100mW @ 32 ohm
13mW @ 300 ohm

Sonata HD Pro spec.
2V Peak (high impedance) else 1V
66 mW @ 33 ohm (measured)
14mW @ 300 ohm (measured)

Amir's review:

Tempotec Sonata HD Pro Review (headphone Adapter)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $54 on Amazon including Prime shipping. The Sonata HD Pro comes in the usual rectangular dongle size: The differentiation as you can barely see are the volume control...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I'd hazard to guess the Melody should be similar in output level into the same headphones.
Any input is appreciated.



It's me being dumb or installing the ASIO driver for Windows10 has made a big difference.
It's now got PLENTY of output power!

Edit again:
I dunno, if I set the EQ to 0 dB and flat, it seems like I need to max the dongle out. That gives little room for adding EQ.
More testing to do I think.

 

[L5730]

https://fiio.com/newsinfo/63367.html

I dunno if this applies to all FiiO devices, but that difference in volume when EQ is turned on to when it isn't sounds like 6 dB ish, so it makes sense that they auto reduce the gain by 6 dB giving some headroom for boosting EQ. I don't know what the headroom is in processing terms for transients, I doubt a limiter is applied.

This reduction of 6 dB though (to boost low end for HD560s) puts it right at the edge of usable volume when using -18 LUFS ReplayGain target.
Oh well.