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Line attenuator (with or without?); Need advice for use of the above!
Topic Started: 11 Mar 2007, 11:50 PM (894 Views)
whie4x
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Hi guys,

Recently purchased the Hornet from Jaben (Love them!!!) and i've got a query i hope you guys can help me.

As the super.fi 5 pro is a sensitive iem, i was wondering if i can place the line attenuator to increase the impedance of the iems without degradation of sound quality?

I thought of putting it there for a few reason:

1. I get to reduce the hiss from the ipod, which is also amplified by the Hornet (due to higher impedance)

2. Get better "play" of the volume knob as the iem is very sensitive to slight changes. (also due to the small sized knob relative to my large fingers, making it difficult for slight adjustments.)

I wouldn't mind about the extra protruding bit as i use the
affinity-i interconnect from SE which has a "BIG" 3.5mm mini plug. It is exactly side by side with it!


Cheers... :k701smile:
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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zonalblitz
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I have heard from the users who recently bought the Hornet. They mentioned something about the sensitive volume knob even at low gain. However, they also mentioned that it will be better as the amplifier is much more burned in.

You might wish to run it in little longer and check again? :)
If impressing/being impressed is how it gets you around, forget it. It is not gonna happen.
The world of audiophile and fine living is not an Olympics.

Team "> Two Thousand Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig

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ahdui
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aux!
Yes, after about 30hours of burning in, I'm tuning the knob over the 2nd lining a little instead of tuning it just below the first lining before burning in.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



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whie4x
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My main reason to use the line attenuator is to actually cut out the hiss from the iPod's line out.

Was wondering if it degrades the sound quality. This is the main concern for me using the line attenuator.


Thanks...
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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whie4x
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ahdui
Mar 12 2007, 12:13 AM
Yes, after about 30hours of burning in, I'm tuning the knob over the 2nd lining a little instead of tuning it just below the first lining before burning in.

Wow, i am also listening to it just before the first lining....


Cheers...
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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zonalblitz
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Is the hiss appearing while the music is playing or when the iPod is silent? :huh:
If impressing/being impressed is how it gets you around, forget it. It is not gonna happen.
The world of audiophile and fine living is not an Olympics.

Team "> Two Thousand Dollars Only" per Portable Audio Rig

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ahdui
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aux!
A good line attenuator will surely do help in cutting off the hiss, you can try the P to S cable from Etymotics if you good quality ones.
D.I.Y impedance cable is also another option out.

Getting a cheap attenuator will surely degrade the sound quality.
Transportable: iRiver h120(2300mAh)→Sysconcept Optical Cable→AOS Electornics Co. Piccolo DAC→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ TCu IC→ahdui's Enfo PA-1→Custom Shure SE530
Backup: AMB y-1 DAC (MisterX Mod)


Cycling: Sansa Clip 4GB→Philips SHS3200 Earhooks
Portable: Rio Karma→UltimateEars Super.Fi 5eb
Backup Rig: RedWineAudio 40GB iPod Photo→ahdui's CryoFreeze™ RBT IC→iBasso P3 Heron(ahdui Mod) →Custom Shure SE530
Home: "Upgrading In Progress"→Alessandro MS Pro/JVC HP-DX1000
Desktop: PC→Belden 1505F→CityPulse DAC 7.2x II→Belden 89207→KRK Rokit Powered 5



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osocan
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Since you already have the attenuator, why dont you give it a try :) Dont think it'll do any harm. First time hearing that the iPOD hiss... :shock:
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whie4x
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Well, the ipod has a little hiss when the amp is turned up and when it's not playing. I thought i can remove the hiss with the attenuator. As for the quality of the attenuator, my super.fi 5 pro comes with one. i think its a good enough quality...

Anyway, does playing the amp with a louder volume (higher impedance) affects the burn-in? Will the components work more and burn-in faster compared to burning them in in a lower volume (lesser impedance)?


Cheers...
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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Fongalv
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What member?
whie4x
Mar 12 2007, 12:15 AM
Was wondering if it degrades the sound quality. This is the main concern for me using the line attenuator.



Its actually very simple isn't it? Since you already have the equipment, just do a simple comparision and "hear" if you can discern the differences, no need to "wonder" With different IEMs running under different specs, and different people having varying listening prowess, the "best" answer is still your own result ;).

Also, is the hiss affecting you very much? Most of the time, they can only be heard when theres little/no music coming through so it doesn't really bother people too much unless its marring your enjoyment of the music.

From my own experiences, adding impedance(amp side) usually changes the sound, but the changes are not necessarily bad. I prefer an impedance load with the e3c/e4c but not with the e500s. I cannot really explain why tho :huh:.

Music, without life is lame...Life, without music is crippled...
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2200mAh H140(RB) → Grover S → SMacro3v6/Diablo → e500C → me
Philips CD850(circa '90s!) → 1694A → DA7.2x(TCXO) → Grover UR8 → SP MPX3 SLAM → '03 DT880 / DBE V3 → me
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Fongalv can have my firstborn in trade for his pair(of Darths)...

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whie4x
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thanks a million for the input. Will try 'em out today...


Cheers...
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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superlight
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the gain switch at the back of hornet may help.
i've tried the same ue attenuator & on my setup previously, it does tame the highs abit.
good luck B)
are we ALWAYS FINDING FAULT with the sound/setup OR simply enjoying the music???

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whie4x
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Yeah, the attenuator does reduce the "liveliness" of the music. Its a bit more muffled i guess.

Well, you cant have everything.


Cheers...
Portable Rig: 5G iPod 60GB (White) -> Ultimate Link Affinity -> RSA Hornet M -> Ultimate Ears super.Fi 5 Pro
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