iFi Audio - iEMatch

High or Ultra Sensitivity

When listening to music, ‘better dynamics’ are always preferable. More precisely, a wider ‘Dynamic Range’(The dynamic range being the delta between the maximum usable sound level and background noise levels. A higher dynamic range is better as it means the background noise levels are significantly lower), to allow the full openness of a recording; from the upper treble of a cymbal to the deepest bass rumble of a kettle drum to shine through.

Having very sensitive (very loud) headphones means both the background noise of the source AND the sound level is boosted. The sound volume must hence be reduced to get comfortable listening levels as we are left with more noise and less dynamic range. Thus with such sensitive headphones/earphones, the aim is to keep the background noise as low as possible.

It defeats the object of building a system around an expensive high-resolution headphone amplifier when the volume must be backed off so much due to the resulting background noise, which hurts the quality, reducing to below CD or MP3 audio quality.     

By using iEMatch® one can reclaim 12 or 24dB lost dynamic range; as needed to get the most enjoyment from the source; from modern high-resolution recordings down to MP3, the difference is there to be heard.

Precision, top-notch components

The iEMatch® is packed using premium components from 6063-TS aluminium –magnesium alloy through to the signal transfer cable which is a 6N silver copper matrix.

The whole is even better than the sum of the parts – it just makes for the most transparent, enjoyment of music.