Connecting an amp into another amp?

se_vietboi

se_vietboi

se_vietboi

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2 Apr 2011
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So I like the treble from the Schiit Magni 2 Uber and the bass from the Cayin C5.

Would I get the benefits of both if I use them at the same time? Will there be any implications? Was thinking PC > Modi 2 Uber > Magni 2 Uber > Caying C5 > headphones.
 
no, you'll just get increased noise and distortion, double amping is never a good idea.

You're better off picking one and using your player's EQ settings to adjust to suit.

I use the Vali with my AKG K702s and use MusicBee's built in equaliser to slightly boost the bass while rolling off the highs and the results are excellent.
 
if it's set to unity gain is it actually acting as an amplifier? Its still going through the extra circuitry so it's not going to be improving the sound, just making the impedance match more palatable to the headphones.

What headphones are they by the way?
 
They're the Fidelio X2s.

I was messing around with it this morning but only for 2 minutes and it seemed fine I suppose. Had the C5 set to max and controlling the volume with the Magni as that seemed easier. Somethings telling me this setup is a bad idea though.
 
Well both of them are going to be expecting line level inputs so you might be able to do some damage by overloading the input of the 2nd amp.
 
Thats the problem with the OPA132/4 (and dual 2132/2134) op amps from my experience - generally pretty high quality/transparent but just lacking in some subtle details that makes them sound a little dull especially in the treble. Shame it doesn't look like its really possible to swap them in the C5.
 
rids57 said:
if it's set to unity gain is it actually acting as an amplifier? Its still going through the extra circuitry so it's not going to be improving the sound, just making the impedance match more palatable to the headphones.

What headphones are they by the way?
Click to expand...

mine are SoundMagic HP200's
they don't play nice with the 20ohm output on the headphone amp on the soundblaster z and I can't use the lineout as then I lose virtual surround
 
You know what, I like the sound when they are used combine so I'm gonna yolo it and make it my setup. I don't hear any distortion or noise and its definitely an improvement for me. Whatever negative effect it has on the hardware I'm willing to risk!
 
As long as you keep the volume of the first amp down you won't do any damage and it shouldn't cause too much in the way of distortion (as verified by your ears). Problems occur when people try cranking the first or even both amps which can result in bad things. :D
 
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