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Lateralus
290
Apr 30, 2015
Thanks for the reply, CEntrance.
urgandma, I use the DACmini with my Audioengine A5s and opted for the fixed output for exactly the reason you mentioned. Some people prefer to use the DACmini volume pot to control everything, but in my case I wanted the headphone output level to remain fixed and use the volume knob on the A5s to control their volume. DACmini has ample amounts of power. God help your ears if you had the VarOut mod and forgot to check the volume pot when switching from speakers to headphones.
Regarding the available mods, Michael has been saying this all along, and I completely agree: think carefully about your intended usage scenario. Don't opt for the 1-ohm or VarOut mods "just because they're free." They are mods, not necessarily upgrades. If they were upgrades for all use case scenarios, then no one would choose the 10-ohm output impedance or the fixed output. Yet the fact is, 10-ohm output impedance and fixed output aren't something people "settle" for, many actually *prefer* them. Michael has stated numerous times that the default 10-ohm output impedance was chosen because it produced a sound that most people preferred, based on user feedback. The default configuration is *not* a downgrade from a modded unit -- it simply fits a different need for a different customer. People have this crazy notion that just because they are getting a mod that normally costs $99 extra for free, that OMG I MUST ADD THEM BECAUSE BETTER. That's not necessarily the case. If the high or low gain mods were available at no charge, would you add those just because they were free? No. You'd take a look at what headphones/IEMs that you intended on using with the DACmini and make your decision based on that information.
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