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- Oct 20, 2019
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I went a bit nuts after I discovered how sensitive low impedance IEMs can be using an appropriate audio transformer...for crystal radio use.
This is NOT an audio quality topic. As an inveterate geek I have played with high sensitivity phones since I was a boy. My first radio was a crystal set and used a very high impedance piezo
earbud. I have fond memories of exploring with it and seeing what I could hear depending on what I touched one terminal to while I held the other in my mouth or hand.
I found a couple of decent balanced armature IEM sets that were very good for crystal set use. One is the KZ-ZS16. Sensitivity is just incredible with a correct transformer.
The ZS-10 pro is great for more local work.The best transformer I have found so far is a Dynalec unit that is 100k to 150 ohm with a 16 ohm tap. Great transformer and with the KZ-as16 is epic. The KZ-AS16Pro has better audio quality by far and poor sensitivity in comparison.
I post this for the guys that want an ultimate crystal radio transducer (all 10 of you) because the as16 non pro is the bomb.
Fairradio sales has the dynalec transformer for 15 dollars last time I looked.
Crystal radio enthusiasts use old sound powered naval phones for the best sensitivity...but they are old...and potentially expensive...and you need to be a high order craftsman to restore them.
For a modern off the shelf solution The KZ-AS16 is amazingly good. I have a pile of KZ IEMS now. So plenty of spare cables and of course I have a pile of spin fit tips too.
Which is still easier than putting a magically good headset made from sound powered phones together.
Those who understand what I have written will understand. All others can dismiss it...no harm no foul. Best wishes to all!!!
This is NOT an audio quality topic. As an inveterate geek I have played with high sensitivity phones since I was a boy. My first radio was a crystal set and used a very high impedance piezo
earbud. I have fond memories of exploring with it and seeing what I could hear depending on what I touched one terminal to while I held the other in my mouth or hand.
I found a couple of decent balanced armature IEM sets that were very good for crystal set use. One is the KZ-ZS16. Sensitivity is just incredible with a correct transformer.
The ZS-10 pro is great for more local work.The best transformer I have found so far is a Dynalec unit that is 100k to 150 ohm with a 16 ohm tap. Great transformer and with the KZ-as16 is epic. The KZ-AS16Pro has better audio quality by far and poor sensitivity in comparison.
I post this for the guys that want an ultimate crystal radio transducer (all 10 of you) because the as16 non pro is the bomb.
Fairradio sales has the dynalec transformer for 15 dollars last time I looked.
Crystal radio enthusiasts use old sound powered naval phones for the best sensitivity...but they are old...and potentially expensive...and you need to be a high order craftsman to restore them.
For a modern off the shelf solution The KZ-AS16 is amazingly good. I have a pile of KZ IEMS now. So plenty of spare cables and of course I have a pile of spin fit tips too.
Which is still easier than putting a magically good headset made from sound powered phones together.
Those who understand what I have written will understand. All others can dismiss it...no harm no foul. Best wishes to all!!!