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Best, cheapest Amp for my Etymotic ER-4P's?

post #1 of 13
10/4/06 at 12:13pm
Thread Starter 
Something in the $150-$200 range.

I have an iAudio X5 Digital Audio Player, and the sound quality is very good. I'm not sure how much of a difference an Amp, especially a budget one, will make, but I'm seriously considering it. I guess I could always sell it off if I'm not satisfied.

Thanks for the help.
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post #2 of 13
10/4/06 at 12:26pm
It's my understanding that the iAudio X-x HD-based DAPs have a severe bass rolloff thru the line-out dock. You may not like the result thru an amp.
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post #3 of 13
10/4/06 at 12:44pm
I'm very happy with the Go-Vibe 5 driving ER-4S's. Though it's below your target price range, do consider it. I've found I like it better than a Pimeta (whether 8620, 627, or 843), and for a lot of material I like it better than my SR-71.
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post #4 of 13
10/4/06 at 12:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpelg
It's my understanding that the iAudio X-x HD-based DAPs have a severe bass rolloff thru the line-out dock. You may not like the result thru an amp.
Interesting. Didn't know that!
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post #5 of 13
10/4/06 at 1:27pm

Go HeadFive

Pick up a second-hand Meier HeadFive for about $200 on Head-Fi. It's a great bargain at $250; an absolute steal at $200. I used to own a "maxxed out" JMT-built PIMETA Home (w/the ER-4S), but I'll tell you right now that it is easily surpassed by the Meier HF. I run the HF with UE Super.fi 5 Pro's (from a RAM-modded Samsung HD-841 source via Paul Speltz anti-IC's) and the combination has proven to be one of the most satisfying (AND economical) head-fi experiences I've ever had.
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post #6 of 13
10/4/06 at 2:48pm
Whatever amp you pick up, make sure you get a 4P->4S adapter cable..
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post #7 of 13
10/4/06 at 8:42pm
Xin SuperMini IV = $200. My ER4P have never sounded better. Using the impedance feature, my ER4P become ER4S.
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post #8 of 13
10/4/06 at 9:44pm
Are you looking for a portable amp or a home amp? If portable there is the Go-Vibe 5 at $82 delivered, or the Supermini IV at $200.

If for home use get an used Musical Fidelity X-Can V2 at about $175 used.
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post #9 of 13
10/5/06 at 1:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreatDane
Xin SuperMini IV = $200. My ER4P have never sounded better. Using the impedance feature, my ER4P become ER4S.
So, if it's a $50 cable you're not buying, it's as if the amp cost is $150. (Or something like that.)
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post #10 of 13
10/5/06 at 7:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by russdog
So, if it's a $50 cable you're not buying, it's as if the amp cost is $150. (Or something like that.)
Yes. I'm not sure how much the converter cable is (P>S) but if someone is looking for an amp for their ER4P and wants to spend $200, the SuperMini makes sense. That is if they wish to have the option of P>S conversion.

I doubted the improvement that I'd read about with the ER4P when using the impedance/conversion to ER4S. The ER4P do sound better to me this way. So much that I'll never want to listen to them without the added impedance.
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post #11 of 13
10/5/06 at 9:24am
I'd definitely suggest either go the Supermini route, or get the adaptor cable first and foremost. The higher impedence makes a BIG difference IMO.
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post #12 of 13
10/5/06 at 11:01am
Thread Starter 
I'll do some research on the ones mentioned and make my decision. Thanks again everyone. But if this is true...

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpelg
It's my understanding that the iAudio X-x HD-based DAPs have a severe bass rolloff thru the line-out dock. You may not like the result thru an amp.
I'm wondering if I should even bother. Anyone here have the iAudio X5 and amp? How does it sound to you?
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post #13 of 13
7/9/11 at 10:43pm

This response is ~4.5 years late, though I'm a newb and picked up a TTVJ SLIM ($350) - over the budget of the original person posting, but sounds SIIIICK! - adds that extra level of bass that the etys lack IMO.  Enhances the transparency and instrument separation and does nothing but good to already awesome sounding IEMS. 

 

Just FYI for anybody these days looking for info on ER4Ps and a great/affordable portable amp.

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