Thanks for the input. It is on high gain. I think Superfly is right and I may need to turn up the output voltage from my DAC. There is an adjustable jumper to do so, I will give it a try.
Yes, that can be another issue. Are playing RCA or XLR in?
Greg
Iâm using XLR in and XLR headphone cable w/ high gain.
Here is what my DAC manual shows:
The balanced output level as shipped is set with a fixed resistor at +13.5 dbm. For custom level matching, an internal the jumper on the board can be moved to engage a precision adjustable potentiometer. This adjustment is set from the rear panel screw near the XLR connector. When the potentiometer feature is engaged the level is adjustable from +8 to +23 dbm and can be referenced to a fraction of a db to match any setup. This level is set as a default +16 dbm at the factory so when the jumper is engaged this will be the new level. Please contact us for detailed instructions on how to change and set these levels. The unbalanced is set to normal hi fi levels of 2V RMS (+8dbm) by precision resistor values on the board.
In retrospect I donât know if I want to mess with it⌠I may just run the Susvara at 4 oâclock, I donât hear any noticeable noise floor but not sure if itâs detrimental to run at ~90% volume.
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Did you like the RME with the GS-X Mini or you prefer the Bifrost 2?
I am expecting next week my GS-X Mini and I have the RME, so Iâd love to hear your impression. I also have a tube amp from AmpsandSound called Leeloo⌠which is supposed to be similar to the Pendant but with a SS rectification. I enjoy it very much.
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Leeloo has to be a great sounding amp. Not having a Tube rectifier is a-ok, should be a little lower in noise, when you turn it will not sag, now power tube can. Remember Marshell Plexi, and HiWatt amp all were solid-state rectified. I super happy with RME, it ticks more feature boxes. Both DAC sounds great into both the SPL Phonitor X and GS MINI
Ok, I pulled it out plugged, the RME ADI-2 DAC fs and Susvara. Qobuz as my source. Listening to Grateful Dead Workingmanâs Dead, on low gain I have plenty of volumes.
I recommend you check output levels on iPhone grab something like âdB Meterâ. the measurement, not this is open-air beyond the phone no foam for reflection and dampening or side of your head to close the cavity. One thing I do not like about that app it does not have reset in App, so you have shut it down between runs.
- David Guetta âThings for youâ. hit 104 dB max 84 dB average on high gain 50 per volume on the nob.
- Billy Clyro âMany of Horrorâ hold 78 -82 dB A in the opening mid-song 80 -90 dB, then hit 90 99 dB as tempo hits ( low gain the same section 83-89 same volume knob level. )
- Daft Punk Tron: Legacy âRecognizerâ from 1:30 to 2:21 the song is 87 dB average with max dB of 98. High-gain 11 oâclock
- Ben Iver âHoloceneâ which is Acoustic sounds fantastic.
- Crystal Method âHigh Rollerâ. plenty of bass hit, you feel it down your neck at 11 oâclock high gain.
- Also I checked the first track Sinfonia on Handel: Agrippina. just perfect
I will normally Listening just past 11 Oâclock closer to noon on Low Gain is plenty loud on Susvara. Or on High gain a little less than 10 oâclock, may push them to Noon and 11 oâclock for some songs.
I forgot how good this amp sounds with these headphones, I put it away for the last month, to go back try the SPL with gain set to mid-level( it really needed this lift for the Susvara to come alive). ( you have to switch it under the case with a dip switch) So it is not as convenient as the GS-Mini.
Send me a track you like me to check.
Greg
PS quick update, I never thought about doing it, but I am running the ADI-2 DAC FS into the GS-Mini itâs pre-amp outs into Phonitor X
.
I might have to try this into Pendent.
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What is the output voltage of RMEâs XLR? Mine is about 3.5V on XLR.
I checked w/ a phone app and itâs 80~85dB just past 3:00 volume.
Low gain or high gain, is this new unit. Something is not right.
On the RME are you running where you can dial the up and down the gain or is fixed? Set it to where you can dial the output gain from the RME, and set it to 0 dBr
Failing Susvara instead of amp issues?
Sorry for the confusion. Iâm not using an RME. Iâm using a Bricasti DAC.
Yes itâs high gain and a new Mini.
No I donât think the Susvara is failing or has issues.
Ok, let me grab the Bifrost 2 DAC that is in the closet.
I imagine it must be related to the DAC output voltage. Some DACs are +/- 6V by default on XLR, I donât know if thatâs the case w/ the RME.
With Bifrost at and the volume at 3 Oâclock on the GS-X Mini - low gain I see 96 dB peak 84 dB average from 1:50 to 2:50 on Tron Legacy ( End Titles) ( From âTron: legacyâ /Score) At noon - high gain 96 dB 85 dB average.
Trying GS-Mini as pre-amp back running into the SPL. Here I can get 87 dB average but still 96 dB peak on the same song.
Ok with the Qutest @ 3V out on RCA input ( it only has them), 86 dB average 96 dB, max note the volume nob is at noon - high-gain switch on.
One thing I did not get upgraded volume pot, it the Alps pot.
Yes, the full solid-state stack is back
need find space for the Pendent.
I know you were going to ask, I pulled out the pendent same Tron Legacy ( End Title ) song Volume at noon with the Qutest DAC 85 dB average 96 dB peak. RCA in, Single Ended headphones.
David Guetta " Thing For You" 50% volume on Pendent, Qutest Dac, 104 Peak dB, 80 Average dB, not this song is very dynamic their section hold over 100 for few secs and drop into 50 and 60 dB range in quiet parts. You need to look at your source.
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Iâm at about the same with the HE6se, 4PM. I use a preamp with it, so extra volume is pushed out at the preamp. Those HifiMan SPL 83.db are hungry for powerâŚ
Does the stereo Leeloo have the same power configuration as the Leeloo monos?
I have two Kenzies (one is an Encore version). Justin does great work.
Very interesting findings⌠on Qutest 3V I would have expected way past noon but it seems to be not the case. Could the volume pot be a factor? I have the DACT volume.
Yes @rrwwss52 Iâm also at 3-4PM so something seems strange here w/ @angstorms apparently only needing noon volume?
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Likely result is higher voltage out of the Chord Qutest DAC possibly. I run mine at the medium setting of 2V (although I donât use the Chord DAC with the GSX-mini). Itâs paired with W4S DAC2v2se 10th, and Benchmark DAC3.
@angstorms, how is the Qutest in comparison to the BF2?
Thanks!