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Portable amp for a n00b

post #1 of 12
3/23/09 at 3:49am
Thread Starter 
Hi there, first time post here on Head-Fi. I was wondering if you guys could help a poor n00blet out with a problem. I would like to know what a good portable amp with a DAC is for around $100-160 price range. I've been looking at the Nuforce IM and the Headroom Total Bithead but am really unsure. Please help!
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post #2 of 12
3/23/09 at 4:31am
Push your budget a bit more to $230.00 for a one time purchase of the MiniBox-E+ from Head-Direct. It's a very versatile amp that will work with many cans. And not to mention among one of the top contender for the best sounding battery powered 18V device.

Seems that Head-Direct have received new stocks now and buy them before they are sold out.



EDIT:
I just noticed you mentioned +DAC. If this is a must than the MiniBox-E+ is out of the recommendation. For Amp+DAC, go for either iBasso D10 or D2 Viper. But both will require you to stretch your budget.
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post #3 of 12
3/23/09 at 4:33am
Thread Starter 
That does sound good, but I'm trying to save up to buy a Yuin PK1 along with my amp.
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post #4 of 12
3/23/09 at 5:33am
Go for an Ibasso D2 boa or viper
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post #5 of 12
3/23/09 at 2:11pm
I would go with a little dot MK1+. I got a MKI as my first portable amp and upgraded it to some of the same specs as the MK1+ It is a great little amp that preforms well, is easy to use and looks great!

If you wanted something really portable look at the little dot micro + it is very small and not expensive. I would think a good starting place for a beginner that cares more about portability.
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post #6 of 12
3/23/09 at 5:24pm
You may want to wait for a DAC combo. I understand the PK1 need some good juice to drive. I have the PK3 and they sound great un amped and can be had in the for sale forums for $50 or less.
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post #7 of 12
3/23/09 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by EFN View Post
Push your budget a bit more to $230.00 for a one time purchase of the MiniBox-E+ from Head-Direct. It's a very versatile amp that will work with many cans. And not to mention among one of the top contender for the best sounding battery powered 18V device.

Seems that Head-Direct have received new stocks now and buy them before they are sold out.



EDIT:
I just noticed you mentioned +DAC. If this is a must than the MiniBox-E+ is out of the recommendation. For Amp+DAC, go for either iBasso D10 or D2 Viper. But both will require you to stretch your budget.
So is the Nuforce out of the question?
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post #8 of 12
3/23/09 at 10:58pm
I don't think the Nuforce IM has been around long enough for somebody to test with PK1, but check the threads. I have the IM and use it with my PC and Grado SR80, which sounds great to me. I believe the IM is very neutral, although some head-fiers feel it may be on the bright side. The brightness probably goes away with adequate burn-in. I listen to amped music all day while I'm at work without any fatigue, so I have no complaints about brightness. But if you like a lot of acoustic music, you might be happier with something "warmer" (aka "tubier"). For some reason, tubier always = more expensive!
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post #9 of 12
3/24/09 at 12:02am
Thread Starter 
That does make sense, it's just that it's cheaper than the bithead.
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post #10 of 12
3/25/09 at 3:55am
Save money and get more!
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post #11 of 12
3/25/09 at 4:12am
There are two excellent review threads by HeadphoneAddict and Skylab you should definitely read through. The new amp+DAC products by iBasso are probably much better than the Total Bithead.
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post #12 of 12
3/25/09 at 6:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by grammicci14 View Post
Save money and get more!
tush-ay
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