• rienm
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  • Registered: 2019-03-19
  • Posts: 25

Topic: Loudness using headphones Adi-2 dac

In the manual is stated that you should ‘ auto ref level mode’ to let loudness work properly.
With headphones you have  a choice between auto and high or low.
I think my headphones ( MrSpeakers Aeon flow closed) do sound better in the ‘high’ mode.
Does this mean that loudness does not work as it should??

2 Reply by KaiS (edited by KaiS 2023-08-13 22:42:29)

  • KaiS
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  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2020-02-05
  • Posts: 3,525

Re: Loudness using headphones Adi-2 dac

rienm wrote:

In the manual is stated that you should ‘ auto ref level mode’ to let loudness work properly.
With headphones you have  a choice between auto and high or low.
I think my headphones ( MrSpeakers Aeon flow closed) do sound better in the ‘high’ mode.
Does this mean that loudness does not work as it should??

If you stay with your reference level, Loudness works like intended.
Only if you change “Ref Level”, Loudness’  “Low Vol Ref” needs to be shifted.

With Auto Ref Level active, ADI-2 automatically takes care for this.

KaiS's Website

  • rienm
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  • Registered: 2019-03-19
  • Posts: 25

Re: Loudness using headphones Adi-2 dac

What has “ Ref Level” to do with headphones ? I mean, when you only use headphones no Line output?

  • Registered: 2023-06-30
  • Posts: 161

Re: Loudness using headphones Adi-2 dac

rienm wrote:

What has “ Ref Level” to do with headphones ? I mean, when you only use headphones no Line output?

There are two ref levels with phone outputs, +7 dBu and +22 dBu.

Fireface UCX II + ARC USB > ADI-2 Pro FS R BE > Neumann KH 750 DSP + MA 1 > KH 120 A