Bro, do i need to buy any amp to drive the CAL headphones? or my xonar dx is sufficient?

The CAL is fairly easy to drive, it doesn't need a lot of power. What it needs is a clean source, which unfortunately for the Xonar DX... it isn't. The output impedance on the Xonar DX is something stupid like 100ohms.

It's a great sounding card, but it doesn't actually have a headphone amp on it. You might wanna get a cheap amp like a Topping TP-30 (RM260) - https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=2658260&

Doubles as a DAC too, but you don't have to use the DAC portion (USB). Just get a RCA to 3.5mm cable, line out from your Xonar DX into the RCA line-in on the TP30. You get a proper, clean amped source. As a bonus, you get to still use whatever DSP (Dolby Headphones if you want) and EQ you want on the Xonar DX.

The TP30's DAC is fairly decent but the Xonar DX fairs better IMO.

Alternatively, if you want something portable the FiiO E11 (same price too I think) isn't a bad choice either. You do need to charge it though as it operates on battery.
I'm running my CAL from a FiiO E09k currently.

This post has been edited by SSJBen: Sep 1 2013, 08:31 PM

oh ok.. with all the jargon i cant really understand, esp on the output impedance part haha.. the amp can be used on speaker as well? or is it necessary? becos i know normal active speaker should have an amp inside.

Basically, output impedance is a resistance on its output signals (in this case, the TP 30 R&L output) to AC signals (the headphone).
You don't have to understand what it does and how it works, you just have to know that you'd want the output impedance of your amp to be 1/8th of the total impedance on the headphone.

So in this case, the CAL has an impedance rating of 32ohms (it fluctuates a little bit higher of course when hitting certian frequencies). Ideally, you'd want the amp to output no more than 4ohms (32÷8).
Having a little bit more (like for example there are amps with 10ohms output) is fine but having something ridiculous like 100ohms... that's just stupid.

The amp can be used with passive speakers if you want as it acts an amp + DAC (if you so desire) for them. Active speakers have amps in them.

---

Though if you want to know about output impedance then~
What is the problem then? Simple. Think of output impedance from an amp as a restrictor on your water tap. Without a restrictor, what happens when you turn on your tap? Water would just explode out without control right? If you just want to wash your hands, how stupid would that be?

It's similar to output impedance, if it is too high you may run a risk of supplying over current into your headphones. Resulting in your headphones not sounding the way it should. A sudden bump in the low frequencies (the bass) which could create distortions if the drivers is already at its limit of bass limitation, your mids might suddenly sound softer or louder or even your treble suddenly shoots up to sound way too bright.

Some people don't mind high output impedance and as far as I know, most of them don't know what it is. Suddenly, they are complaining why they are hearing distortions or clicks for no apparent reason when their headphones are perfectly fine, the reason could simply be down to improper current input to the headphone.

wah nice explanation thanks for clearing me up haha.. hopefully my cans will come in tomorrow

btw bro SSJBen, do u know any desktop microphone tat is decent? no need studio quality la haha.. just a good one lo..

This post has been edited by ben3003: Sep 2 2013, 07:03 PM

I found superlux hd668 rm75 brand new.
don't know wan to buy or not.
dilemma..

Desktop mic? Maybe this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-USB-Deskt...=item1c350308e5

I personally just use this when VOIPing - http://dx.com/p/mini-clip-on-microphone-3-...0cm-cable-42965
Works fine. Otherwise, I'd usually use a Samson Meteor.

wow samson meteor.. u normally do cover? the logitech looks nice, i dont feel like clipping something on my clothes..

i tried CAL on my xonar dx, not bad, but dunno is it i use the front panel one so the sound not so nice compare to my s4. with xonar dx it sounds like the separation not so good, but with s4, the separation is better i think really need an amp hehe.. probably will get fiio e11 for the portability.

From taobao.com

hi all...can recommend me best budget gaming headphone around RM100-RM250...thanks

Actually your does your DX have a connection to the front panel? I mean did you manually connect a cable to the DX card to the front panel?

I would assume that you would get the full effects of the DX if you connect it to the back instead to the actual card output.

Anyone seen Astro A50 sold locally? Trying to avoid ordering from US, expensive shipping and take too long

Some private radio shows for fanclubs here and there from time to time. Used to do it more often.


This is the case of impedance mismatch. The DX line-out either from the front or back is just not good for headphone usage.

Also make sure your settings are set correctly too.

yeah my setting is correct, no surround, all set to reference/flat, my phone also set normal. Btw, if my file is 44khz, 16bit, then my sound setting need to set 192khz/24bit? the CAL i like it becos there is bass, and the clarity and detail is still there, just tat it is more warm, not so sparkling highs but very good edi

No, there would be no point to set 192khz/24bit because all Windows does is pad the file with 0s until it hits this setting. There may be occurances of clipping though, but I know there are people who will set to 192khz/24bit regardless for whatever reason, they say music sounds "smoother".

I personally feel and think it's just a placebo effect.

The CAL has never had any sparkle on the treble. You may EQ it a little bit to bring out a little more detail in the highs though.
Remember, the trick is to EQ down not EQ up. So lower the other frequencies a tad bit to bring out what you want.

logitech 3 years warranty meanwhile superlux 1 week lol....

i dont think Astro got malaysia distributor

http://www.techpowerup.com/190086/creative...s-headsets.html

shiat i bought my CAL too early >< CAL2 got everything in a package

New doesn't mean better though.

for that price, i am more focused on sound quality per RM spend.

Wouldn't worry about it. While the CAL2 might be more comfortable, it still uses the same Fostex bio-cellulose drivers. The difference in sound quality shouldn't be very much significantly better, perhaps more refinied due to the new construction of the CAL2.

A little put off by the fact it uses a 2.5mm to 3.5mm connector though, that means fitting something like a Vmoda boom mic on the CAL2 wouldn't be possible. Also, makes changing cable a little harder and how easily 2.5mm connectors break.

Enjoy your CAL.