firestart3r
Member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2021
- Messages
- 48
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- 15
Hi guys, I have a newbie question for you:
I was just wondering... let's say my setup looks like this: PC --> DAC --> HP amp --> headphones
Is it better to use a balanced cable for my headphones, even if I have to reduce the volume on the PC or DAC to use the amp normally ?
How much "digital" attenunation is too much that I should go back to using the unbalanced ouput ?
I'm asking, because I heard the balanced outputs have :
- More power (already have too much )
- Better crosstalk (maybe better imaging ?)
- Safer plug for the amp / less chance of electrical short the connection when plugging/unplugging (is this applicable to 4.4mm or only 4 pin XLR ?)
Keep in mind, I'm already using amp at the "low gain" setting and get plenty of volume...
The knob goes from 7 to 5 o'clock. With unbalanced I'm at around 10 o'clock and balanced 8 o'clock maybe ?
I'm probably overthinking about this , I'm just wondering what's the "scientifically" best setup in that case:
- PC max volume + DAC max volume + unbalanced hp cable
- PC 50% volume + DAC max volume + balanced hp cable
- PC max volume + DAC at 50% volume + balanced hp cable
etc
Thanks!
I was just wondering... let's say my setup looks like this: PC --> DAC --> HP amp --> headphones
Is it better to use a balanced cable for my headphones, even if I have to reduce the volume on the PC or DAC to use the amp normally ?
How much "digital" attenunation is too much that I should go back to using the unbalanced ouput ?
I'm asking, because I heard the balanced outputs have :
- More power (already have too much )
- Better crosstalk (maybe better imaging ?)
- Safer plug for the amp / less chance of electrical short the connection when plugging/unplugging (is this applicable to 4.4mm or only 4 pin XLR ?)
Keep in mind, I'm already using amp at the "low gain" setting and get plenty of volume...
The knob goes from 7 to 5 o'clock. With unbalanced I'm at around 10 o'clock and balanced 8 o'clock maybe ?
I'm probably overthinking about this , I'm just wondering what's the "scientifically" best setup in that case:
- PC max volume + DAC max volume + unbalanced hp cable
- PC 50% volume + DAC max volume + balanced hp cable
- PC max volume + DAC at 50% volume + balanced hp cable
etc
Thanks!