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Koss ESP950

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I have an original Koss ESP950 that I haven't used in years. In fact it's still in the box! I'm interested in using it with my iPhone7 Plus. What exactly will I need? I'm assuming I'd need a DAC (I'd prefer one that's inexpensive) and a cable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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rastus
1391
May 12, 2020
A quality solution is the Apple Camera adapter and an external DAC, plus a cable over to your Koss. Apple Camera (usb) adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Lightning-USB-Camera-Adapter/dp/B014VGHG0U USB cable over to DAC: https://www.amazon.com/Pangea-Audio-Premier-Cable-Meter/dp/B06Y6M2Q93 The DAC... so many choices, small and portable, a phone portable type match, such as a Dragonfly Red (dif cables fyi) or choosing a desktop for better performance... Ten pounds of shit and a five pound bag analogy fits. You can even do a smaller bag with more compromises, the mini in-line DAC’s, sorry, I mean choices;) The Koss is not really portable, so going desktop here, just a pragmatic, no frills, just the music please,, all of it... option: https://jdslabs.com/product/el-dac-ii/ You can go to a PC or Mac as well here. Cables to Koss: https://www.amazon.com/Mogami-Professional-Contacts-Straight-Connectors/dp/B001LNN2JQ Player app for high Rez files on the iPhone: https://vox.rocks/iphone-music-player Though I would consider Going WiFi or BT,, as a free the phone solution, make your iPhone - your player. You can Easily now easily get sq through wireless and no captive network, free again. Later if you want to commit to a larger system, this unit can still play a part. This is what I see as underground homegrown ChiFi, No frills, decently made, minimum size format and quality. I have had a similar one for years, everyday use and sounding great. It dies, one of these move in. Only upgrade was opamp and better antenna. This unit would benefit from upgrading to MUSES03’s later if you desire, they confirmed fyi, but declined to offer installed. As is, it has fine sibling NJR opamps installed. This dual setup uses two http://www.ti.com/product/PCM1794 , an in-between solution DAC. There may be one of these in a CD player, Rega removed labels, I paid >$700 for, some years back. Your phone is then your player in your hand, free, unwired. Note: You will not win any audiophile awards here, but it will free the phone and sound just great. (Edit; I’ll give you one;) https://www.ebay.com/itm/PCM1794-XMOS-USB-DAC-Decoder-WiFi-Bluetooth-Coaxial-Optical-Audio-Converter/283796031271?hash=item42138fc727:g:a64AAOSwt6RdstXy

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(Edited)
FISTDEYUMA
64
May 11, 2020
You just need a lighting to 3.5mm adaptor. From what I see the phone should have the power to drive it. Treat your esp950 like normal headphones as far as use goes. To get the full benefit you need something better then your phone. I have mine attached a dac and driven by my phone. I have used also used a quality DAP with the headphones with great success.
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