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RE: Audioquest Cobalt Inquiry........

24.255.8.104

Todd Krieger

In Reply to: RE: Audioquest Cobalt Inquiry........ posted by PAR on July 24, 2019 at 15:40:11

"As a Red owner if you want more output you desperately need to see an audiologist. No, I am not making a joke. Without further information you apparently have a serious hearing problem."
Some YouTube videos, like the one linked, don't quite play loud enough on my laptop, with the settings maxed out. (Most videos do play loud enough, but not all. I tried some "volume boost" programs, but the sound quality suffered.)
I was just wondering if the Cobalt had more "gain" than the Red. Unless there is an alternative way to increase the volume on a Windows PC, and I don't realize it.
"How are you using the AQ Red? Please advise 'phones/IEMs , hardware and software platforms."
The device is plugged directly into a USB port. I use an HP EliteBook Core i7, Beyerdynamic DT880 plugged directly into the unit. Unit runs on Windows 10. (More-efficient headphones may be my only solution.)
I posted a similar question on Amazon..... Apparently, this is a problem that is not unique to my setup. The Windows "Mixer" may not provide full volume with devices that don't have enough gain/efficiency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c-1Dh-e2Fw (Open in New Window)

Edits: 07/24/19

Follow Ups:

RE: Audioquest Cobalt Inquiry........ - PAR 03:22:45 07/25/19 (0)
Thanks for your reply Todd. I was genuinely concerned for your hearing but now I know what rig you are using then I have what I hope may be be a simple explanation for your dissatisfaction with the sound levels you are getting from your AQ Red.
I replicated what you describe as best as I can. I played the You Tube video that you linked via my Dell i5 laptop, Win 10, AQ Red, Beyer Dynamic DT880. Result? Too low a volume even at full pelt.
Suggestion? I am guessing that like me you have the 600 ohm version of the DT880 ( NB: the impedance is marked on the black plastic part of the plug). Even many full sized dedicated headphone amps like my early SPL Phonitor 2 have trouble in driving them. You would probably be happier using the 32 ohm (or even maybe the 250 ohm) version of the DT880 with Dragonflies , or, indeed, many other headphone amps. In contrast my Beyer Dynamic T51P is deafening with the identical set up as above.

Edits: 07/25/19 07/25/19

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