Its not about the voltage, its about the current it needs, phones will not be able to typically supply the current needed for large excursions the way an amp will. Again not always the case, but it does happen. Voltage swing is needed for high impedance because it has to overcome the resistance in the voice coil. My P1s sound ok though my lg v20, but they always sound a touch better through my desktop amp. 
Exactly what Iāve found running P1ās on a desktop setup, itās so good Iām finding Iām using these more than my normal headphones. The sound is just spectalular when given enough power.
2 Likes
Anyone using it with the XD-05 or the XD-05 plus? Im worried the sensitivity might be an issue and cause hiss.
1 Like
Not at all. The P1 are NOT sensitive AT ALL. I use mine on a little bear b4 portable tube amp some times and there is no hiss at all (for context, my TR-X00 PH have a slight hiss on the little bear). Also the XD-05/XD-05+ are great for the power hungry P1.
2 Likes
Giving the p1s more power does more good than harm lol
4 Likes
Run mine on normal gain on my ifi Micro absolutely no need for eco mode let alone iem matchā¦you can even run them on bat shit crazy turbo mode if you so wish.
3 Likes
I sort of forgot how much I love the P1. Iāve been loving my TR-X00 purple hearts recently since Iāve finally had time these past 2 months to sit down with a big old set of cans instead of having to run around all the time with IEMs. But using my P1 now I just love them to death. These are the best sub $200 IEM for warm fast sound and treble air.
One thing I donāt so strange is that even after not using these for a while and only using my X00s, I instantly like the sound of the P1 despite the disparity in bass, mids, speed, etc. When I use something like the Tape or T4 I need like 15 min to get used to it after so much time away. This is how I know I truly love a headphone/IEM. If even after a few weeks I immediately enjoy the sound.
1 Like
I use a Q1 mk2 with my Galaxy S10 on the bus and an SMSL M3 on my desk at work and feel like I always have to whack the gain up way too high to get to the volume Iām wanting with my P1ās (a lot of the time with my Q1mk2 I canāt even reach it). Am I asking too much out of a cheap mobile setup and should I think about replacing these units? If I could get one thing to use on the move and on my office desk with a bit more power that would be awesome.
On the other hand would maybe replacing my P1ās be an option? Is there something better right now for what I enjoy listening to (hard, loud metal mainly) for around Ā£200?
Something like the xduoo xd05 or upcoming ifi hip dac (more info: https://hifipig.com/ifi-hip-dac-portable-usb-dac-headphone-amp/)
Iāve seen the xd05 get praised in other threads and looked into it, seems hard to get in the UK. Shouldnāt have that problem with the ifi though! Would you say either of these are definitely better options than looking at other IEMs?
Hmmm, the p1 is fairly unique and what you listen to pairs well with it imo. I am not super familiar with iems so I canāt make too many recommendations
2 Likes
Cool, just double checking. Iāll keep my eye out for an xd05 or wait for the hip dac! My P1s are actually the only iem Iāve heard over Ā£30 so Iām just making sure I keep my options open! Thanks again
I personally love the P1. If you cover the front vent the bass is just enough in my opinion. The xDuoo xd-05 is plenty of power but the hip-dac balanced is probably better (I know Iām getting one when it comes out on Amazon). Also I second what M0N said about the P1 being great for metal.
2 Likes
Awesome, do you know when the hip-dac is going to be available? I saw on that link that M0N posted that it was going to be this month?
Pre orders now should be available 14-5th of Febā¦
4 Likes
I have now dampened it with the correct micropore tape and agree, I just had issues with tips for them lol but I think I got that sorted out now. 
Why cant all IEMs be compatible with spiral dots ā¦ 
You know I actually āimproperlyā did the from port mod permanently by accident. When I first got my P1 I tested the mod by putting a blob of blue tack over the port. When I went to take it off the little bit that pushed into the port broke off and is stuck in there. Still sounds great to me though. 
Well as long as it sounds goodā¦ 
I still may give it a slight boost in sub bass, but overall it feels tighter even with the boost so Iām glad I dampened the port on it.
1 Like
Ya. Thankfully it doesnāt seem to have interfered with anything inside so I guess I just sealed it instead of dampened.
1 Like
Iām actually now considering undoing the port mod to open them up a bit more. Thatās how big a difference adding the SP200 and RDAC have made in the low end. Like night and day. Itās crazy.