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extremeelementz OP t1_j6vf8e5 wrote

Reply to comment by blargh4 in Please help me understand why the Truthear X Crinacle Zero sound like they have more bass than the S12 Pro's I just purchased? by extremeelementz

Just the headphone jack on the front of my computer. Here's a screenshot of the amp that's build into the motherboard if that helps any. https://imgur.com/a/sQDD84L

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blargh4 t1_j6vnk8l wrote

I don't know about that specific one but computer headphone jacks often have higher output impedance, and the Zero is quite sensitive to that, any significant amount of source impedance will make the make the low-frequency "subwoofer" audibly louder than the other driver.

AFAIK the measurement guys usually use a source that's known to have a near-zero output impedance, like the Apple dongle.

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extremeelementz OP t1_j6vnxh0 wrote

I am going to order the apple USB C to 3.5mm and test it to see if I can tell a difference. I am sure my headphone jack on my PC isn't the best way to test these. Thanks for offering some information to help me out I appreciate it.

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audioen t1_j6vqnn6 wrote

I think output impedance issues are the reason for more bass. Truthear x Crinacle Zero doesn't work correctly unless a low output impedance amplifier is provided. This IEM has two drivers with a crossover, and the bass region of the spectrum has the higher impedance, so it uses less current relative to the highs at that volume level. Devices that struggle to provide enough current will thus tend to recess mids and highs. You have probably never heard how this IEM is supposed to sound.

Cheapest thing that should drive them just fine is the $9 Apple dongle, as its output impedance is less than 1 ohm. One known issue is that Android phones can't adjust the hardware volume of this dongle, so maximum may be a little on the quiet side for some.

Edit: dug up the ASR measurement of the impedance: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?attachments/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-iem-thd-impedance-measurement-png.230795/ which is smoothly variable but also rises towards the low end. 10 ohms is less than most planars, and planars usually also have constant impedance.

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LakeOfTheWyles t1_j6vk87t wrote

Planar iem’s in general will take all the power you can give. Planars prefer low output impedance amps that can give lots of current. They tend to scale well with more power. I had the s12 (not pro), and it sounded best on a singxer sa-1 desktop amp, a topping nx7, or a xduoo link2 bal. Higher current helped pull more detail, increase speed, and tighten up the bass. Underpowered planars sound slow/bloated and veiled. No need to go crazy, an xduoo link2 bal is probably all you need.

I tend to prefer DD bass which is punchier, but the s12’s had more detail and speed. I thought the bass was a definite strength. My only real knock on them was I felt like the soundstage was an average width with no real depth (2d). It didn’t feel as immersive as other sets I like.

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