Yeah, I can't help but think there was a flaw in my method...
I did e-mail Jon at Naiant before I ran the test with the splitter cables. I'd rather not paraphrase what he said, but it didn't sound like my methodology would be a real problem.
I didn't set out thinking it would be all that close. I did prefer the littlebox on ToddR's comparison though...
FWIW, I used around 20-22 db of gain on the V3 when going analog out and around 35db when going optical out.
I had the knobs on my littlekit set between 11:50 and 12:10 (clock face) for both sets.
As for my
probably biased observations by knowing which file was which using HD600 head phones and Tannoy Reveal (with subwoofer) speakers:
My quick notes are:
1 and 2 are very close sounding, very little difference
1 has slightly wider sound stage, but more confined sounding, not as open as 2
2 is more forward and open sounding
3 is open, more forward, maybe more hollow, with a slight upper-mid range bump than 4?
4 is warmer, more refined than 3?
That said, I generally prefered 2 & 3 overall on the source material I recorded.
edit to add:
I find the littlekit recording to be more involving, if that makes any sense...
I have listened to it (near field speakers and on headphones) three times, all the way through, and I get sucked in every time.
The full recording can be found here:
http://bt.cotapers.org/torrents.php?id=129&torrentid=166ยป FLAC16 / 44.1k / AUD / C-481 > littlekit