If they’re out there, chances are you’ve got them, right?
But with the iEMatch2.5 you can get more from your headphones.
Unlike the original iEMatch, the iEMatch2.5 is made for use with high-end DAPs (Digital Audio Players) and hi-resolution headphones, helping to:
And with High and Ultra sensitivity settings, your sound is boosted, so you hear everything – from the high-pitched note of the E-string to the low rumble of the bass drum.
The iEMatch2.5 can travel the world.
With special earplugs, aeroplane adapter and travel pouch, you can navigate the globe with uninterrupted hi-resolution audio.
So, think you’ve heard everything there is to hear?
Connect the iEMatch2.5 between your headphones and audio device and think again.
The iEMatch2.5 is the big brother of the iEMatch and Ear Buddy and it shows, with:
Allowing for better quality signal transfer.
The perfect gold-plated match!
For those with dedicated hi-res digital audio players (DAPs) that offer a 2.5mm balanced output.
To hear everything from the high-pitched jingle of a tambourine to the deepest rumble of a kettledrum, you need a wide dynamic range.
With great DACs, DAPs and headphones, the sound of EVERYTHING will be boosted, including the self-noise of the source AND the sound level.
Plus some higher end headphones and IEMS add to this by being sensitive themselves.
To build a system around an expensive high-resolution headphone amplifier and then use it at a comfortable (not to mention safe) listening level means you have to turn the volume down to about 60% of its capacity and this will decrease both its dynamic range and audio quality.
It’s like watching HD TV with some of the pixels from the screen missing. You will also have lost around two bits of resolution.
This device ‘attenuates’ the volume and safely enables you to crank up the digital volume on your DAP without painful consequences! This equals more music information being conveyed, the best dynamic range and your missing bits back for the full high-resolution music experience!
At the same time it works on that background noise, allowing little or no interference with your enjoyment.
It uses 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.
Travel the world.
Includes a velvet pouch, gold-plated airplane adapter and memory foam contoured ear plugs.
| Ultra (-24dB) & High-Gain (-12dB) sensitivity adjustment |
| 6N silver/copper matrix wiring with FINAL6063-T5 aluminium-magnesium alloy shell |
| Gold-plated printed circuit board with audiophile components (eg MELF resistors) |
| Gold-plated 2.5mm male/female connectors |
| Input Impedance: | 16 Ohm |
| Output Impedance: | < 2.5 Ohms (High-Sensitivity) |
| < 1.0 Ohms (Ultra-Sensitivity) | |
| Weight: | 12.2g |
| Total Length : | 116mm |
| Warranty period: | 12months |
I’ve been wanting to get an iEMatch ever since the first one was released. I was surprised that iFi didn’t send me one to review, given how much we’ve worked together. I’ve got a few hiss monster DAPs in house, including my favourite DAP, the QP2R. Beyond the QP2R, the HiFiMAN SuperMini and the HiFiMAN MegaMini are hiss cannons. When iFi sent me the press release for the 2.5mm version of iEMatch, I had to get it. So, when I saw them at Sound & Vision 2018 in Bristol, I bought one on the spot.
A great product. Nothing in the market rivals what this will do for your listening experience. If you are usin a balanced Headphone and a dac/amp or amp, this will take all of the hiss and crackle out of your sound. Amps have been known to add a hiss and crackle to your music. At the same time you are also gaining some volume and depth to the sound source. This is a problem that can be alleviated with the iematch 2.5. I’ve also use non-balanced version of this product, it too works well for what it is. They do not take anything out of your audio except for the hissing and cracking an amplifier will produce when amplifying your audio. I’d buy it again if I needed to but it seems this does the job very well. Using with CEntrance BlueDAC and a set of closed back Sennheiser 598 cs.
| iEMatch | EarBuddy | iEMatch2.5 | |
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| Primary use | Sensitive headphones ($150>) | Sensitive headphones (<$150) | Digital Audio Players |
| 3.5mm Balanced | Yes | - | - |
| 3.5mm Single-Ended | Yes | Yes | |
| 2.5mm Balanced | - | - | Yes |
| Ultra (-24dB) / High (-12dB) Sensitivity | Yes | - | Yes |
| High(-16dB) Sensitivity | - | Yes | - |
| 6N silver / copper matrix wiring | Yes | - | Yes |
| 6N copper matrix wiring | - | Yes | - |
| FINAL 6063-T5 aluminium-magnesium alloy shell |
Yes | - | Yes |
| Input impedance | >16 Ohm | >16 Ohm | >16 Ohm |
| Output impedance | < 2.5 Ohms (High-Sensitivity)
< 1 Ohms (Ultra-Sensitivity) |
< 2.7 Ohms (High-Sensitivity) | < 2.5 Ohms (High-Sensitivity)
< 1 Ohms (Ultra-Sensitivity) |
| Compatibity | 16 Ohm to 600 Ohm rated impedance 12.5 Ohm minimum impedance |
16 Ohm to 600 Ohm rated impedance 12.5 Ohm minimum impedance |
16 Ohm to 600 Ohm rated impedance 12.5 Ohm minimum impedance |
| Weight | 12.2g | 6.0g | 12.2g |
| Total length | 116mm | 116mm | 116mm |
