Matrix: M-Stage

[Marcus]

I'd expect the M-Stage to be significantly better quality, especially as an amp.

[neelix]

The Audioengine D1 does a great job driving my DT250s - the DAC is impressive and the amp is surprisingly punchy for such a small USB powered device. But the M-stage should do it better and I'm thinking about combining the two. When will the non-DAC version be back, Marcus?

[Marcus]

Any basic amplification will make the DT250 sound significantly better than no amplification, and any decent DAC stage is going to sound better than onboard

M-Stage stock is due this week hopefully

[Sqveak]

Likely to get more stock within the next fortnight?

I'd like to add an M-Stage to my set-up.

It's definitely enough for the AD900 and can get away with driving the DT880 reasonably well, but what of the K701?

I'm looking to get the M-Stage then aim for the K701 followed by the DT880 and later upgrade the amp.

[Drubbing]

I think the M-Stage drives the 701 as well as anything out there. I know it drives the 800 easily, as I borrowed a pair for a few weeks and it's a great match up.

[Manni]

I've been wondering this for a while but would the Matrix M-Stage power anything like the Telsa T1s or Senn. HD800? It sounds to me that it would be a big ask for a unit as cheap as this but one never knows, it could be a giant killer.

[Drubbing]

I run 400ohm phones on it and it powers them with ease. I'd say power won't be a problem for either, but the T1 might prefer something even more refined. If I had a pair I doubt I'd buy another amp for them though.

[Marcus]

Yeah it works with them, but the amp will be the weak link, assuming you have a good source.

[Manni]

So, it will RUN those phones but it won't sound as good as it could? I take it that the issue is not driving it to proper volume but something else?

[Drubbing]

So, it will RUN those phones but it won't sound as good as it could? I take it that the issue is not driving it to proper volume but something else?

Not that it won't run them, (although I've not heard either with the M Stage) but it's the cheapest component in the chain. Headphones like that usually want something higher end so your quality is comparative across all components. More about refinement that outright power.

[Marcus]

Any headphone jack will "run" just about any headphones, but the crappier the headphone out stage the more limited the sound quality will be.
For example: the Essence One output seems to have heaps of headroom until you start plugging in less efficient headphones at which point it starts to struggle, dynamic range starts to suffer, along with bass impact and control etc.