Hi All -

I am fast becoming enlightened in the music machine scene. I have a 10GB iPod, (all MPs's ripped @ 192), a super Mini v.5 (burned in!) and a set of Ety's 4P (I settled on those over the 4S's, because the efficiency was more to my liking and the differences were unnoticable after 5 minutes of side by side listening, IMO).

So, where to from here? All suggestions must keep PORTABLE at the forefront, as I don't want to haul around a boat anchor, ok?!

I'm pretty convinced that the Ety's are here to stay, so how about the source and the AMP? I know CD and MD are probably better sources, but I am seduced by the amount of music you can get on an MP3 device. I don't want to carry around tons of CD's and the work involved in creating MDs no longer appeals to me (I have a job that I have to devote a lot of time to, you know), so in keeping with the MP3 route, what suggestions could some of you "golden ears" offer? Money within reason, is not an object; after all, we're talking about the quest for "perfect sound", right? Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Honestly.

Thanks...

-zeldon

Many here really like Meier Audio's Porta Corda II, HeadRoom's Total Airhead still has a very loyal following as well. I know that Xin does some great work and a lot of people swear by his Super-Mini series. Personally, I haven't heard much that compares to my multi-loop/META 42 portable paired with my Etymotic ER-4S.

I use the Xin super-mini to drive a set of RS-1's. I haven't heard the Meta42, but Headroom is sending a Cosmic this way for the upcoming meet, so I'll be able to do that comparison.

I'm very pleased with my Total Airhead. It's a great amp for listening for long periods of time, as it allows listening at lower volumes without significant loss of bass response. When the crossfeed is engaged, the bass is boosted...functions much the same was as loudness button on your home stereo amp.

and I love my new Super-mini V5. Personally, if portability is the key item, the super-mini must be one of the best options 'cos its SO small!...much smaller than the IPOD (which I also have, and which I personally also use the amp with).

I have also owned and used a Total Airhead for the same purpose, another fine item, but the Super Mini is so much smaller even than the TAH...and to my ears sounds just as good if not a little better.

Ian

Headroom Cosmic is the ulimate portable amp. The META isn't too far behind at about 1/4 of the price.

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This is all you need to know. . . .

What's a multi-looped META???

is the regular headroom airhead worth $100? (i get a discount if i buy the 280's there.. good deal?)

The impression is that the supermini is a better buy at $100. I personally didn't like the regular airhead that much. Might be able to get something better going either the DIY or the used route for that budget.

i'll second jmt on the cha47. i have an entry level one that i like better than the superminiv4. the radr's meta42 is an improvement over the cha47, but it was hardly portable and cost 3x as much.

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The amp that everyone calls the META, is actually a multi-loop amp built on a META 42 board.

my bad, i could have sworn jmt said cha47. well, i like mine anyway, that is until i get my meta42!