Ok-- for the non-audiophile's in the room.
I'd like to use this in conjunction with a completely restored Marantz 2325 (think: very high-end vintage) and connect it to the "tape-out" RCA's. So, that means desktop model? I'll be using the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones-- Do I want Standard Gain (2.5x Low, 6.5x High) or Medium Gain (1.0x Low, 3.3x High) for these headphones? I have no idea! Thanks!
flybigjetI have a JDS Labs O2 and am running standard gain. Usually on the low gain setting. Medium gain would be better for things like in ear monitors...aka ear buds.
flybigjetI have this amp (3.5mm headphone and input jack on the front, AC on the back) with the standard gain setup (2.5/6.5). "Desktop" mode refers to having a RCA input on the back, assuming that you could hook it up to a "desktop-sized" item, like your Marantz. In retrospect, I wish I would have configured my amp with the RCA's in the back. Oh well...
Unless you listen exclusively to low-impedence IEM's/headphones (16-32 ohms), I would go for the standard gain version. My main cans are the AKG K612Pro's and for something with "only" 150 ohms impedance, they sure need a lot of power to drive properly. Under its medium gain, I can max the volume and get a fairly loud output so I set it to Standard. I can get that same output at about 11 o'clock.
Having said that, I also use high-impedence earbuds with it as well (Ty Hi-Z 150 and Yuin PK1 - recabled). Both of these are rated at 150 ohms as well but don't need quite as much power to drive properly. On the flip side, I also have the Final Heaven III IEM's (Massdrop edition) that are rated at 16 ohms. Because of its very low impedance, the medium setting is way more than enough. I can't get it past 9 o'clock without inducing ear bleed on those things. However, it should drive your 6XX just fine.
I'd like to use this in conjunction with a completely restored Marantz 2325 (think: very high-end vintage) and connect it to the "tape-out" RCA's. So, that means desktop model? I'll be using the Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 6XX Headphones-- Do I want Standard Gain (2.5x Low, 6.5x High) or Medium Gain (1.0x Low, 3.3x High) for these headphones? I have no idea! Thanks!