Page
6
of
12
Copyright © 2011 Cavalli Audio, LLC
Headphone Outputs
The Liquid Fire Headphone Amplifier is equipped with two output jacks. The upper “Number 1”
jack is connected directly to the output of the amplifier. The lower “Number 2” jack is
connected to the output through series resistors, one per channel.
NOTE: if you selected zero
ohms for jack #2 this section does not apply to your amplifier.
For high impedance headphones, such as Sennheiser, you will normally use the Number 1 jack
since these headphones require the full output voltage swing of the amp to achieve high
volumes.
For many low impedance headphones such as fine headphones like the Audio Technica AD2000
it is recommended that the user choose the Number 2 jack. The Number 2 jack will have a
reduced output voltage which, when using a high output source (such as a CD player or high-
output phono stage), will allow you to enjoy a wider effective range on your volume control
before reaching high sound levels.
For low impedance planar magnetic headphones such as the Audez-e LCD-2s or the HiFiMAN HE
series choice of jacks will depend on your other equipment and listening tastes.
There will be, of course, be some users who prefer to listen very loudly to low impedance
headphones. In this case, just plug them into the Number 1 jack to use the maximum output of
the amp. WARNING: DUE TO THE EXTREMELY NATURAL SOUND OF THE CAVALLI AUDIO LIQUID
FIRE, THE LISTENER MAY NOT EXPERIENCE EXTREME VOLUME LEVELS AS “LOUD.” WE VALUE
YOU AS A CUSTOMER, AND DO NOT WISH FOR YOU TO DAMAGE YOUR EARS BY LISTENING AT
EXTREME LEVELS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS PHENOMENON SO YOU MAY ENJOY YOUR MUSIC
FOR DECADES TO COME!
Take some time to experiment with the two jacks and your headphone(s) to see which
combinations you like best.
Extended On Time (Please Read This)
The Liquid Fire amplifier will benefit from some warm up time, about a half hour to an hour. We
do not recommend, however, that you leave the amp on for extended periods of time when
not listening. Leaving the amp constantly on will shorten component life, including tube life,
and will not (after the initial break-in period) benefit the sonic character of the amp. We do not
recommend, for example, turning the amp on Friday evening and turning it off Sunday evening
if you plan on listening for only a few hours each day.
