Powered speakers or keep my amp

[n_maher]

I would like active speakers like the A5 I don't want to lose this amp! The headphone output is so much more powerful than my CK2III. Sextetts sound so much better now that they finally have power.

I'm surprised to hear that, the CKKIII isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to power. That's not in any way meant to contradict your listening experience but I'd be surprised if the NAD has anything all that special attached to its headphone jack.

[kpeezy]

That's what I would have thought... but Sextetts on the CK2III at max volume is just a little above my normal listening level (which is average to loud). It's a lot better than no amp, but I was really surprised at how the CK2III drove the Sextetts.

I only have one pair of headphones right now so options are limited... Just the amount of power changed the Sextetts so much... it's hard to compare the amps.

[jinp6301]

Wow, how insensitive are the Sextetts? Max volume on the CKK with 580s is mindnumbingly loud

[kpeezy]

Also, that doesn't apply to every single track. That's how it is with most tracks though. There are a few where that would hurt my ears but with most of my music, I'm pretty comfortable listening at max volume.

On quieter recordings (Feist), it's really not even loud enough.

[jinp6301]

Man, then I guess you couldnt listen to decently recorded classical tracks at all then

I think you need to get a M^3

[kpeezy]

Damn.. if I hadn't sold my CK2III I would send it to you with the Sextetts (who knows when we'll get around to that ) and you could hear this ridiculousness.

M^3 huh?

[jinp6301]

Well I have/had a CK2III and it worked very well with the 580s, the 225s and er4s but I never had volume problems with any of those phones, but I guess theyre not THAT hard to drive.

and yes, m^3 owns the ckk in most everything.

[n_maher]

What source were you using with the CKKIII?

[kpeezy]

Turntable (Micro-Seiki MB-14), Zhaolu D2.5A, Roku M1001