Topping DX9 AKM single ended vs L30 II power

[Tatalor51]

That would be one possibility, at least.
What do you use for playback?

Tidal and Spotify. Also, if the issue is Windows, is there any way to fix it?

 

[Tatalor51]

Don't think it's that though, connected to 2 laptops, same volume.

And now I remember I had the same low volume impression when I tested it at the guy I bought it from. Both on his laptop and his other sound system which I don't really remember what it was but he connected the DX9 by SPDIF and was controlled by a tablet. Dismissed it then though, for some reason, thought was just my auditive memory playing tricks.

 

[Tatalor51]

Could it be some voltage rail or power thing that is shared by all? And the pre amp could also be diminished but the issue is masked by the fact that L70 could not handle full pre amp power anyway?

 

[Tatalor51]

Quick update: received a confirmation from the store that the unit is indeed defective, with power levels greatly diminished. Now I need to decide if I want the money back (which will go to the original seller, who hopefully will return what I paid him), pay an extra 300 USD for a DX9 Discrete (the DX9 that I have was an open box at a reduced price when the original seller bought it) or get something like a Fiio K17 for free since the prices are close.

 

[Roland68]

Quick update: received a confirmation from the store that the unit is indeed defective, with power levels greatly diminished. Now I need to decide if I want the money back (which will go to the original seller, who hopefully will return what I paid him), pay an extra 300 USD for a DX9 Discrete (the DX9 that I have was an open box at a reduced price when the original seller bought it) or get something like a Fiio K17 for free since the prices are close.

In the former case, I would be cautious; you should make sure beforehand that you actually receive the money.
Besides, you have confirmation that the previous owner sold you a unit that was already defective—regardless of whether they knew it or not.

Depending on what you paid, the price difference for the DX9 D is a good deal for you, perhaps partly due to the DSP function. With a new unit, you also get the full warranty period.

I can't say anything about the FiiO K17, other than that its power output—even in balanced mode—is barely higher than that of the L30 II. The power output of the DX9 D is 2 to 5 times higher with low-impedance headphones (16–32 ohms), which is a significant difference. The measured performance also appears to be slightly better.

 

[Tatalor51]

In the former case, I would be cautious; you should make sure beforehand that you actually receive the money.
Besides, you have confirmation that the previous owner sold you a unit that was already defective—regardless of whether they knew it or not.

Depending on what you paid, the price difference for the DX9 D is a good deal for you, perhaps partly due to the DSP function. With a new unit, you also get the full warranty period.

I can't say anything about the FiiO K17, other than that its power output—even in balanced mode—is barely higher than that of the L30 II. The power output of the DX9 D is 2 to 5 times higher with low-impedance headphones (16–32 ohms), which is a significant difference. The measured performance also appears to be slightly better.

I did just that yesterday, paid the difference and bought the new DX9. It still came at about 400 USD discount compared to a new one, all included.

This one seems to be in working order, about 6dbs louder than the L30 II when testing with HE6se.

First, make sure that the tracks that you're playing get close to 0dBFS Peak amplitude.

Replay Gain is purpose-built for that.

Any headroom your tracks leave to 0dBFS, limits your playback volume with zero upsides.

Next, there are plenty ways to get more gain. Here's a list:

Chain	Max D->A Gain [Vrms/FS]	Perceived gain-limited loudness relative to DX9 SE
DX1 II BAL	18.5dB	1x
DX9 SE	18.5dB	1x
DX5 II SE	18.5dB	1x
DX9 RCA + L30 II	23dB	1.4x
DX9 BAL	24.5dB	1.5x
DX5 II BAL	24.5dB	1.5x
DX9 BAL + A50 III BAL	30dB	2.2x
DX9 BAL + L70 BAL	32dB	2.5x
DX9 BAL + A70 Pro BAL	32dB	2.5x
E50 II BAL + L70 BAL	41dB	4.8x

Also, this tracks perfectly now, while using Line out: DX9 BAL + L70 BAL is 7.5dbs louder. Using Pre amp HE6se go into clipping quite fast. So I think Pre amp was also affected on the old one. I might just keep L70 for the fun of it.

All in all I am quite happy with the results even if I paid some extra money. Quite a learning experience also, I must say.

Thank you both for the informative replies and help!