Rollaven
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Review and Measurements of E1DA 9038S BAL Portable DAC & Amp
- Thread starter amirm
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
That makes sense... at least it should be clear to readers that this isn't your run of the mill 3.5mm TRS jack that is used. It may give people the wrong idea of trying 2.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRS adapters and secretly get away with it somewhow. 
So this is not good to use :That makes sense... at least it should be clear to readers that this isn't your run of the mill 3.5mm TRS jack that is used. It may give people the wrong idea of trying 2.5mm TRRS to 3.5mm TRS adapters and secretly get away with it somewhow.
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
No its not... pin 2 and 4 are active channels (well.. not in the Benchmark HPA4) that have a different signal on it (stereo signal, just inverted).
This is like connecting the L and R channel of a normal amplifier and trying to get a mono signal this way.
When the amp in question has a 33 or higher output resistance it is not a real problem to do this (except stereo image will be compromised) but when the output resistance is very low (as it the case with allmost all 2.5mm TRRS outputs) then the Left channel signals that differ from the Right channel are basically shorted by the other signal.
Stereo signals thus will pump maximum output currents in their own outputs resulting in high temperatures and current draw.
Not a good thing and may lead to failure or the USB bus power being loaded too much.
This is like connecting the L and R channel of a normal amplifier and trying to get a mono signal this way.
When the amp in question has a 33 or higher output resistance it is not a real problem to do this (except stereo image will be compromised) but when the output resistance is very low (as it the case with allmost all 2.5mm TRRS outputs) then the Left channel signals that differ from the Right channel are basically shorted by the other signal.
Stereo signals thus will pump maximum output currents in their own outputs resulting in high temperatures and current draw.
Not a good thing and may lead to failure or the USB bus power being loaded too much.
Rollaven
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Hi, that's correct, on page two of this thread it is explained that you need a TRRS 2.5 plug.
These cables can be found on Aliexpress, Amazon, eBay. Just double-check that the plug is 2.5mm and the socket can be the desired size.
Here's a link which explains it all:
https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/
IVX
Major Contributor
yeah, that's fine.
I already replied about 100 times users who want to try balanced to unbalanced adapters, converters, optimizers and so on BS. Some of them told me - Ok, but I anyway want to try, and hope it will work.. ))
I already replied about 100 times users who want to try balanced to unbalanced adapters, converters, optimizers and so on BS. Some of them told me - Ok, but I anyway want to try, and hope it will work.. ))
August
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3.5 Balance TRRS is rare, it seems that only hifiman & ibasso is in use
solderdude
Grand Contributor
3.5mm TRRS = L+, R+, L-, R- which differs from A&K 3.5mm TRRS = R-, R+, L+, L- so when using a TRRS headphone plug it is important to know what source it was for.
The A&K pinning is similar to the 2.5mm TRRS = R-, R+, L+, L- so 1:1 conversion with A&K
Pono player used 2x 3.5mm TRS +, -, GND for each channel one TRS.
solderdude
Grand Contributor
What is holding you back putting a small battery in the case too? If it can solve this problem by acting as a buffer, it would be worthwhile I think
It would not only be a battery but also BMS and regulator/5V conversion so would take up space, would have to be charged first and longevity of small Li batteries is not that great and it would not be as small anymore.
IVX
Major Contributor
solderdude
exactly, and let me repeat, I did that by myself and for myself. I needed small, powerful and precise DAC, I got it. Now the DAC starts with everything, even iPad ok. 9038D Idle power consumption 70mA(cobalt 70mA as well but 20x less max output power). I don't need a battery at all.
exactly, and let me repeat, I did that by myself and for myself. I needed small, powerful and precise DAC, I got it. Now the DAC starts with everything, even iPad ok. 9038D Idle power consumption 70mA(cobalt 70mA as well but 20x less max output power). I don't need a battery at all.
I call powerdac bullshit. Signal is signal, if the sound is different, there must be some measurements that are worse on one of them. As tested, 9038S is way better performer. There are other tests like imd, multitone which are not tested on powerdac But it suspect the "detail" is just high frequency distortions. Null test may also show the cumulative errors.
sorry IVX
Alright thanks I will get 9038 then
Also I wonder does this benefit if you plug it into USB 3.0 as usb 300 can deliver 900mW compared to USB 2.0 500mW. Also what kind of cable would it be best to use. I am thinking using my phones charging cable which supports quick charge and all that stuff
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
The powerdac 8039S has a mode where the signal is 'f-ed up' on purpose. In that mode you get 2nd harmonics added on purpose.
The powerDAC, when using the app, gives have 'basic tone control' functionality and other effects.
That will work with any USB source and program. Most software players have their own tone control though.
Another feature is 'loudness control' (not loudness war setting) but varying bass levels depending on volume setting.
The 'added value' is in the added 2nd harm. distortion IF you prefer that alteration of the sound.
It also has 7 PEQ filters so you can correct a headphone (when you know how to do this)
9038 is much smaller in size though.
IVX seems to prefer the distortion mode.
Do note that PowerDAC and the early 9038 models require extra power to start with certain phones. The newer 9038S revision has a slow start.
USB3 won't deliver more power in the headphones as it is dictated by the power supply voltage and headphone impedance.
So your choice may have to depend on functionality here.
The powerDAC, when using the app, gives have 'basic tone control' functionality and other effects.
That will work with any USB source and program. Most software players have their own tone control though.
Another feature is 'loudness control' (not loudness war setting) but varying bass levels depending on volume setting.
The 'added value' is in the added 2nd harm. distortion IF you prefer that alteration of the sound.
It also has 7 PEQ filters so you can correct a headphone (when you know how to do this)
9038 is much smaller in size though.
IVX seems to prefer the distortion mode.
Do note that PowerDAC and the early 9038 models require extra power to start with certain phones. The newer 9038S revision has a slow start.
USB3 won't deliver more power in the headphones as it is dictated by the power supply voltage and headphone impedance.
So your choice may have to depend on functionality here.
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Well yeah but if the amp can take more power the power output (max) should be higher too.
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