Reticuli
11-21-2009, 10:48 PM
Used RMAA.
Soundcard used is an Emu 1212m.
Headphone simulation was done with a Y-splitter, with one end going to the Emu and the other to the headphone. I don't know if that's the correct way to do it.
I also did tests using a Koss in-line volume control to add resistance or buffer between the headphones and the digital audio players' digitally attenuating jacks with the digital volume at max. This use of a volume control greatly reduces the current necessary.
The Sansa has the higher current headphone jack under normal circumstances, though it lacks the Cowon's voltage reserves for extremely low sensitivity headphones. It is flat at any load.
The Cowon has better inherent DAC capability, line out loading, and when a volume control is in line and the digital volume at max. Without the extra resistance, it appears to roll off the bass below 100hz with a total of 3-3.5dB down at 20hz. Sound EQ and other plentiful enhancements cannot help that.
Separation and IMD improves on both when that volume control is in the path of the headphone.
I'm not sure what the THD sweep tests mean when the Sansa shows such high distortion. This doesn't show up in the other tests, just the final graph. Perhaps this is a sign of subtle clipping?
Overall, both sound more liquid and less cold than the Apple iPod Nano 2nd Generation 4GB that went through the wash. Not bad for around $90 total shipped for the two.
Soundcard used is an Emu 1212m.
Headphone simulation was done with a Y-splitter, with one end going to the Emu and the other to the headphone. I don't know if that's the correct way to do it.
I also did tests using a Koss in-line volume control to add resistance or buffer between the headphones and the digital audio players' digitally attenuating jacks with the digital volume at max. This use of a volume control greatly reduces the current necessary.
The Sansa has the higher current headphone jack under normal circumstances, though it lacks the Cowon's voltage reserves for extremely low sensitivity headphones. It is flat at any load.
The Cowon has better inherent DAC capability, line out loading, and when a volume control is in line and the digital volume at max. Without the extra resistance, it appears to roll off the bass below 100hz with a total of 3-3.5dB down at 20hz. Sound EQ and other plentiful enhancements cannot help that.
Separation and IMD improves on both when that volume control is in the path of the headphone.
I'm not sure what the THD sweep tests mean when the Sansa shows such high distortion. This doesn't show up in the other tests, just the final graph. Perhaps this is a sign of subtle clipping?
Overall, both sound more liquid and less cold than the Apple iPod Nano 2nd Generation 4GB that went through the wash. Not bad for around $90 total shipped for the two.