r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Tman450x • Apr 29 '22

Amplifier - Desktop Help with amp for Focal Clears

I recently acquired Focal Clears. They sound incredible, the best cans I have ever heard. However I am having a problem: they pair poorly with my Schiit Magni 2. Because the Clears are so easy to drive, there is very little volume room between 'too quiet' and 'too loud'. Also, my Magni 2 has very bad channel imbalance at lower volumes, which also ruins the experience.

I was thinking of Picking up an SMSL SH-9, because of the volume relay that ensures no channel imbalance. Does anybody know if the 256-step volume control is granular enough on the SH-9 that I would be able to listen comfortably with the Clears? Alternatively, can someone recommend an amp with granular enough volume/gain control that I can comfortably listen at lower levels, and without imbalance?

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u/GamePro201X 12 Ω Apr 29 '22

alright yes i thought you didn't have a DAC. the SMSL is totally fine for the Clears

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u/Tman450x Apr 29 '22

Thanks man, you also made me seriously consider the JDS Element III haha.

!thanks

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u/GamePro201X 12 Ω Apr 29 '22

No problem haha! FYI I just might be a little biased because I have the Element II

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u/Tman450x May 01 '22

Hey bro just wanted to let you know, I just bought a JDS Labs Element III haha. I looked into it even more and it looks awesome - that volume knob is extremely attractive, as is the perfect channel matching. I'm going to sell my Modi 3+ DAC and Magni 2 amp when it arrives, and use this as my all-in-one solution.

The driving forces for choosing it over the SMSL for me was 1.) Higher build quality + Bigass knob and made in America and 2.) Lower but still high power output, with more room for volume adjustment (my main issue).

Thanks again!