![rs-ba1 volume control rs-ba1 volume control](https://demo.fdocuments.in/img/378x509/reader019/reader/2020041413/5b91453009d3f252108daa47/r-2.jpg)
I used the Meze 2.5mm Balanced Cable with Meze 99 C & Sundara, after listening to a few tracks I cannot reliably differentiate any sound quality difference between Single Ended and Balanced apart from higher volume level in Balanced at the same Volume Knob position. I purchased a 4.4mm male to 2.5mm female adapter to try the Balanced output. With the XBass or 3D+ I didn't have any such issues, it really does not cause any sort of noticeable clipping or distortion when using them which is great. For example I ones tried to EQ the Meze 99 to decrease and clean up the Lower frequencies which somehow changed the way the Vocals sounded. I'm no expert in EQing but I've tried a bunch of EQ presets that I found online and those almost always effected unintended parts of the frequencies. The 3D+ was a bit hit and miss, in music I almost always preferred the sound with it off, but in games I really liked what it did to the sound, it seemed to push the soundstage a bit further and provide a less fatiguing listening in long gaming sections. In general I really like the XBass option as it improves the Bass that's missing the impact in Open Back Headphones.
![rs-ba1 volume control rs-ba1 volume control](https://www.helpowl.com/manualimages/h/o/icom-rsba1-quick-reference-guide-6372a7a_6_7e59.png)
I've tried the 3D+ and XBass functions on a few songs and Headphones. The good thing is the Amp pairs well with all of the Headphones I own and there are no tonality issues. I have the volume pot at ~9 at 0 gain and Meze already sound loud. I also Tried other headphones (Meze 99 C, SHP9500, M50x) and IEMs (Blon BL-03, Tin T2) and noticed that with something like the Meze 99 (high sensitivity) the sound is good but even at 0 Gain the usable volume range is low. Using the CAN with sundara (hardest to drive in my collection) I have the gain set at 6db and volume pot at 12 for most music, this provides me with enough volume for comfortable listening and also shows that I have a lot of headroom for EQing. For me I really enjoyed this type of sound signature as my previous Amp was a Flat and Analytical one which tended to tire me after an hour of continuous listening.
![rs-ba1 volume control rs-ba1 volume control](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Mkhekwg0UE4/maxresdefault.jpg)
The Zen CAN is capable of providing all the resolution and detail in the sound (as much as the DAC is capable of providing it with) but I had to concentrate a bit to hear them. The first thing that stood out to me was that the overall sound signature is not a reference or flat sounding one, it sounds slightly warm and laid back while still providing a good Balance. I did ~74 Hrs of Burn-In and then listened to some of my music (mostly lossless songs from Tidal and some CD Rips). Fortunately this thing had no problem driving the Sundara. Looking at the specs I was a bit skeptical if the Zen CAN would drive my Sundara well because Amps like the Schiit Magni 3+/Heresy and 元0 had more power atleast on paper. My only complain are the buttons, they feel really cheap and rattle a lot. The volume pot is smooth and I did not detect any channel imbalance. The whole thing is made up of metal and has a bit of weight to it. This is a very good looking and well constructed device.