2. headphones
  3. 179665-177062

Sound difference between High\Low Gain Setting when volume matched?

In a Dac+Amp that has more that one gain setting (that is switchable) - will it simply produce the exact same sound but with a different amount of amplification, or could there be actual differences in sound when volume is exactly matched?

The specific device in Topping DX3 Pro+ I got for my nephew.

Thanks!

mamac
maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

I would guess that the sound quality is the same.

you choose the gain acording to the headphones or speakers ( easy or not to drive ) used and the output of the source.

 

soix
9,456 posts
 

I’d suggest trying the lower output first to see if it’s sufficient to drive the headphones.  I slightly prefer the lower output setting on my Singxer SA-1 with my Hifiman Arya Stealth ‘phones.  Using a higher gain setting with sensitive headphones can result in unwanted noise or hiss. 

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

The lower output gives you more volume control.  Which is fine.

More to discover