PLEASE, don't shoot me, but I am an amp newbie and need some help
Oct 4, 2009 at 7:28 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 16
Sproles

Sproles

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OK - I have been lurking for a while and have been looking for the pros/cons and the true "amount" of benefit of adding an amp to my ipod Classic 160gig. I have a pair of custom LiveWire Trips on order (actually ordering tomorrow once I get my molds made) and have been researching amps.

If I wanted to add an amp to my iPod / LiveWire rig, and had about $150-200 to spend on this adventure...wanted it portable (as in attaching to my iPod to travel with) where should I begin my search.

I love me some music and am elated about my IEM on order and if an amp can take me to another level, I am all for it. I like a good fit-n-finish, and would like for this addition to look good when carried around with the iPod.

So, if there is a "Amps for stupid people" thread, please point me in that direction. I look forward to your responses...

Sproles
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 7:39 PM Post #2 of 16
iBasso T4, or wait for the T3
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 9:01 PM Post #4 of 16
Total bithead - Good entry level amp/dac (ie can use as soundcard on your pc). $200 (or even cheaper if you find one 2nd hand on these forums.)

Very decent indeed. I started off with this one. Now I have a Emmeline P-51, but that might be a bit pricey for you.
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 9:20 PM Post #5 of 16
Skip the Icon Mobile and look at the iBasso T4. Or better yet, just wait until your LiveWire customs arrive and see how you like the music unamped first. By then the T3 may be out.
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 9:46 PM Post #6 of 16
Bithead is not what I'd call stylish. The T4 is:p

IMO.

What source will you be using?
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 9:48 PM Post #7 of 16
Quote:

Originally Posted by Gbjerke /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Bithead is not what I'd call stylish. The T4 is:p

IMO.

What source will you be using?


I'd have to agree. So chunky. Ugly too! And I always found myself leaving it turned on. Gah.
 
Oct 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM Post #10 of 16
iPod and iPhone only have analog outputs (line out and headphone out). DAC is already done by that stage.

DAC is used as a "replacement" sound card when plugged into your PC.
 
Oct 5, 2009 at 4:38 AM Post #11 of 16
Unless you're going to use it with your computer, I wouldn't bother with an amp at all, unless very specifically the Livewires are known to benefit significantly from an amp. I tried a very good amp with a couple of the IEMs I've owned and there was no benefit at all.
 
Oct 5, 2009 at 5:17 AM Post #12 of 16
I'm going to suggest not going for an amp right now. Your Livewires don't need one. Some iems benefit slightly from an amp, others do not, and others actually sound worse. Since you're new to this, I'd spend some serious research time, watch the FOTMs come and go, get a good idea of who is telling you things and ask yourself why you're believing them, and get a handle on what you're really looking for before spending your money.
 
Oct 5, 2009 at 6:04 AM Post #13 of 16
Hi. I am currently using a pair of Razer Morays with my ipod touch but it lacks the bass I want. So i considered getting an amp to boost the bass. (By the end of the year i will get a westone 3 so the amp is just for now)
I searched and found the FiiO E3 and E5 to be the cheapest amps available. Will it work well (boost the bass) with my Morays or should i just wait till the year end for the W3?
 
Oct 5, 2009 at 6:07 AM Post #14 of 16
Quote:

Originally Posted by boomana /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I'm going to suggest not going for an amp right now. Your Livewires don't need one. Some iems benefit slightly from an amp, others do not, and others actually sound worse. Since you're new to this, I'd spend some serious research time, watch the FOTMs come and go, get a good idea of who is telling you things and ask yourself why you're believing them, and get a handle on what you're really looking for before spending your money.


Exactly.
 
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