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| Portable Headphone Amps Discussion of portable headphone amps. |
10-22-2008, 10:13 AM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
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The OP is presumably accurate in saying he doesn't like his rig. I haven't heard it. But I love mine. He hasn't heard that. All the rest is just words.
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10-22-2008, 10:15 AM
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1000+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 1,031
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Nick, you didn't address a single thing I said to you, or the stuff I said to the gentleman right after you (which is now relevant to the demeanor you've just taken - after having embraced declaring things good or bad, you are now embracing subjectivity)
__________________
The portable rig - Rockbox'd 5.5g 80gb iPod Video --> PX 100s / HD280 Pros
The home rig - Oppo HD-981DV --> Parasound D/AC 1100 --> Woo Audio 6 --> HD600s / Edition 9s
Head-Fi Feedback
Last.FM
If you live in Colorado or are going to be here, and would like to meet-up and try out some gear, shoot me a PM
Portable hi-fi is stupid
For the clarity - I'm a dude.
Last edited by Luminette; 10-22-2008 at 10:20 AM.
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10-22-2008, 11:26 AM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
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OK, I will, but I have to work now. It's 11.30 am here.
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10-22-2008, 02:46 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 2,359
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Hey, I'm not going to lie that his rig sounded pretty decent.  There was a ton of excitement getting it, I know. I also believe I can understand why he is frustrated. That is bound to happen when you hit the top of what was your goal and remain unsatisfied after knowing it still does not compare after so much planning, time, and most of all money. After going through the same thing, I now agree that it was fairly laughable.
Keep it portable and keep it sane. You should not really need an amp if this rig is truly portable today; with the quality of the headphone out from the most modern players, it does not seem sensible to spend hundreds of dollars on an amp and interconnects.
You really can't brag but so much about the sound quality of a large portable rig with its price tag because of how it is easy to obtain better when given the same resources. $2500 is broken down so much easier with just a simple source (6th gen iPod or an iRiver H series) and a good IEM. If you hate IEMs, get a small pair of headphones that fit the application (open and closed) with a good ratio of sensitivity and impedance (so that they do not really require an amp). I think that I can assume now that reasonable rig is pretty much always under $1000 if you do not have a home system to enjoy. That $1500 can build you something truly worth showing off, you really can do that with a home rig.
Any portable rig is worthy of being happy for the user that enjoys it. Though, it is very different how this forum has created a sense of an audiophile community when so much of it is focused on something more of an expensive toy then an audio gadget truly dedicated to sound quality and worthy of that price tag.
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10-22-2008, 04:21 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Posts: 3,646
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Luminette just listed his iMod / Cables / VCap dock on the FS.
NickH, the source + cables + dock went for just shy of $1200. Add on to that the Edition 9 (at 1500 euros retail or $1800 USD), the APS v.3 recable (at about $300) and the RSA SR-71 ($400) and you have a rig with a retail price of $3700.
I know Jackson didn't pay that much, since he buys smart and he buys used, but that should put a swift end to this "you just didn't spend enough" argument. One of you show me your $3700 portable rig before you assert that his doesn't measure up.
So having established that a dollar doesn't actually make a pleasing sound, we can again debate this on musical merits.
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10-22-2008, 05:10 PM
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500+ Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thailand
Posts: 641
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule
I'm pretty sure nobody really listens to what WindowsX says anyway.  |
And I'm really sure nobody really listens to what he does not believe in (like "cable is snake-oil" or "cable is magic" thingy)
__________________
Headphone isn't a toy.....use for music listening only!
There're people who can learn and people who can't...
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10-22-2008, 07:04 PM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Brighton, England
Posts: 58
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick H.
The OP is presumably accurate in saying he doesn't like his rig. I haven't heard it. But I love mine. He hasn't heard that. All the rest is just words.
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Having read all of the comments I have to agree with this.
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10-22-2008, 07:08 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,555
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He'll be back. It will draw him back. He will try to leave only to look, to peak, to sneak a listen. . . he'll be back. . . . you'll see. . . . he'll be back. . . . 
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama
Photo gallery at: www.pbase.com/jamato8 Recent publication: Ethnobotany Research & Applications, Vol 7 (2009) Kam Guilzhouh nyim Guangxxih di Benxtux Wenchual nyim Zihyuanc dih Gonxliix: Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China http://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/
The one constant in life is change, so will that change?
Feel with your own heart, see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears.
JH13's > Why stay home when you can go to the concert?
Listening with: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2 #469
Digital conversion: the all new MB-1 optical dual Wolfson portable dac
Amps I am currently listening with: RSA P-51 Mustang, SR 71A, iBasso D10, Lisa III, OEM BLack Gate, Non Black Gate, iBasso P3+, iBasso T3 (new version), RSA Shadow, iBasso D4
Favorite monitors: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2, Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010, ATH-ESW10JPN
Portable monitor ratings: 1. JH 13 Pro 2. ESW10 JPN 3. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *4. UM2
Source: iRiver H130,140, D303 optical out, D-EJ955, D-EJ1000, D-EJ2000, 25s, 25, D-303, D-777 and others (optical out if available)
Digital Conversion: MB-1 optical Dac, Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac, iBasso D10
Headphone Amplifiers:RSA: Shadow, Predator, P-51 Mustang, SR71A, Xin: IV Micro, IV Mini, Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, C&C Box, iBasso: P1, P2, P3, P3+, T1, T2, T3, T4 D1, D2, D3, D4, D10 Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 with the original Pseudo dual PS -
Ear Monitors: JH13 Pro, Ultra Ed. 9, Grado HF-2/F1 #469, HD650, ATH-ESW10 JPN, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
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10-22-2008, 07:19 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Singapore
Posts: 3,213
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One life..gotta figure on what to spend.
since i am bored of all consumer stuff... hifi stuff is the only thing left.
and better to have a portable amp than not have it.. ipods headphone out doesnt work anymore for me.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by tfarney
If anything is true of the Audiophile Mentality, not just here, not just headphones, it is that it is often driven by the desire to purchase something and then the desire to justify that purchase.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick82
My budget is not limited.
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Headphones (current) : Sennheiser HD600 (HD650 cable) | Sennheiser IE-7 | Sennheiser HD205 | MX400|
Audio Players : HP Compaq Presario F577AU | iPod 5.5G (30GB) | Sony D-NF400 (DiscMan)
Amps & DAC's : Crossroads Edge Amp | iBasso D2 Boa Silver | FiiO E3 (Donated)
Team:Sennheiser
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10-22-2008, 07:26 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Posts: 3,646
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nocturnal310
since i am bored of all consumer stuff... hifi stuff is the only thing left.
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Contrast that statement with this one:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nocturnal310
Headphones:
Sennheiser HD555
Sennheiser HD205 | MX400| MX360 | Sony MDR-G58V | Sony HPM-70 (Recabled for 3.5mm).
Audio Players:
Pioneer HTZ 262 5.1 Home theatre | iPod 5.5 Gen (30 GB) | Sony D - NF400 (DiscMan)[u].
Source: HP Compaq Presario F577 AU: iBasso D2 Boa DAC + Amp
Amps: iBasso D2 Boa Silver
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There's only one piece of gear on that list that I could not walk into a store and buy this afternoon, if I'm reading it right. Not to be a snob, but if you like your rig you're not yet bored of consumer stuff.
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10-22-2008, 07:28 PM
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100+ Head-Fi'er
Can Jam '10 Organizer
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Minooka/Peoria, IL
Posts: 510
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamato8
He'll be back. It will draw him back. He will try to leave only to look, to peak, to sneak a listen. . . he'll be back. . . . you'll see. . . . he'll be back. . . . |
I'm quite sure he won't.
__________________
Angels on the sideline / Puzzled and amused / Why did Father give these humans free will? / Now they're all confused
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10-22-2008, 07:32 PM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Santa Rosa, CA --image Katmandu, Nepal Summer 2006 *We are but a cosmic blink or was that wink?*
Posts: 7,555
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aura
I'm quite sure he won't.
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That's ok, someone will. lol
__________________
John aka Jam and Jama
Photo gallery at: www.pbase.com/jamato8 Recent publication: Ethnobotany Research & Applications, Vol 7 (2009) Kam Guilzhouh nyim Guangxxih di Benxtux Wenchual nyim Zihyuanc dih Gonxliix: Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Guizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China http://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/
The one constant in life is change, so will that change?
Feel with your own heart, see with your own eyes and hear with your own ears.
JH13's > Why stay home when you can go to the concert?
Listening with: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2 #469
Digital conversion: the all new MB-1 optical dual Wolfson portable dac
Amps I am currently listening with: RSA P-51 Mustang, SR 71A, iBasso D10, Lisa III, OEM BLack Gate, Non Black Gate, iBasso P3+, iBasso T3 (new version), RSA Shadow, iBasso D4
Favorite monitors: JH13 Pro, Grado HF2, Ultrasone Ed. 9 #1010, ATH-ESW10JPN
Portable monitor ratings: 1. JH 13 Pro 2. ESW10 JPN 3. PortaPros, KSC35 (modified-a great value) *4. UM2
Source: iRiver H130,140, D303 optical out, D-EJ955, D-EJ1000, D-EJ2000, 25s, 25, D-303, D-777 and others (optical out if available)
Digital Conversion: MB-1 optical Dac, Altoid tin Monica Dac I, Altoid tin Monica II Asynchronous Reclocking Dac, iBasso D10
Headphone Amplifiers:RSA: Shadow, Predator, P-51 Mustang, SR71A, Xin: IV Micro, IV Mini, Reference, SM3B, SuperMacro V LE, SM3 V6 (IV all switches), XRTA X-1, C&C Box, iBasso: P1, P2, P3, P3+, T1, T2, T3, T4 D1, D2, D3, D4, D10 Woo 3 Modified-Siemens 6922 driver, 7236 power tube, Woo 6 with the original Pseudo dual PS -
Ear Monitors: JH13 Pro, Ultra Ed. 9, Grado HF-2/F1 #469, HD650, ATH-ESW10 JPN, Ultrasone 750, HFI780, PortaPro modified, KSC35, Equation RP-21, Westone UM2
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10-23-2008, 12:22 AM
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Head-Fi'er
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 56
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Am I the 'He who won't be back?' I'd love to be back but I've been working like a dog today and now it's 20 after midnight and time to sleep. Maybe catch you all tomorrow. I'm enjoying this thread - it really makes you think. 
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10-23-2008, 01:34 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 2,978
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There could be valid reasons for the difference in sound being more than mental, but physical.
Myself included.
My ear canals are more curved than most of the population which according to a few ENH docs I have spoken to could be one of the reasons why we hear differently. Canal length, depth, curvature, and even properties of the middle ear effect things.
For the money, go with a Home Rig if you have no need of a portable one. Money is going to get you more there.
Portable audio makes sense for some because of the more mobile lives that we live nowadays. You just need to ask yourself what is going to give you more pleasure run the long run.
Portable audio, even the high end of portable, is just not going to beat a high end home system or likely even get close. A home amp is going to have a lot more current to work with and be able to use really high quality parts which tend to be larger (Have you seen some of those 100uf Film Caps?  ). Plus, you would be working with higher voltages in home amps that give you more swing or higher current for the same purpose.
I like my iPod touch and the line out in the device is one of the better ones to come from Apple (I have owned 6 different iPods, so I think that right to say is earned). The headphone out is another matter IMO. Plus, I also don't think that making a 6 inch high stack of components is portable hi-fi either. Pssh... I have a SR-Lambda with a SR-7/SB and a T-Amp that can run on battery power. I could throw it in a bag, but IMO it is FAR from being portable audio. Many good home amps run on battery power because it is cleaner. Next thing you know, Krmathis' is going to be called a portable-fi setup. The only travel that my Stax will go on are when I will be on a cruise this Christmas and some longer road trips.
For reference, I am waiting for an MOT tag - take everything with a grain of salt.
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10-23-2008, 01:39 AM
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Headphoneus Supremus
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Long Island, N.Y
Posts: 2,271
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yeah I find my iphone to sound better then my ipod video def. out of a headphone jack but the dock sound should not really be different and I have had 7 mobile music players from apple to this day
__________________
Cheers!
Brad
ultraportable: iphone 32 gig 3gs > jh-13
portable rig: Imod 5.5 80gb>piccolino / singularity carbon lod>alo vcap dock> (piccolino mini-mini on the way) / singularity mini-mini>p-51>JH-13 with crystal piccolino all wrapped in a hippocase
On the way: RSA Shadow
My Feedback: hockeyb213
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