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What should be a good amp for ESW10JPN?

post #1 of 8
11/15/09 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I got used ESW10JPN yesterday, and I'm very happy of them.
I use them with my RH1(for portable use) and Macbook Air(for stationary use).
I have read many threads here and in my domestic head-fi website and found that ESW10JPN would be more shining if used with an amp. So why don't I get a good one for my lovely ESW10?

I would like to have a stationary amp because to use amp when traveling is very annoying and inconvenient. I have an experience using RH1 and Mustang. I couldn't change tracks or adjust volume, just because they were stuck in my bag!! And I think that I don't have enough concentration to perceive any differences between not using and using the amp when I am outdoor.

By the way, many people have recommended that ESW10JPN should go with Mustang, which is portable. That's ok if I got Mustang, I can use it as a stationary amp and I will not use it outdoor. That may waste the portable cost of Mustang (I mean that in a same price, stationary amps are higher in SQ than portable amps are).

Now, I have some choices for the ESW10. These are ...
-Mustang
-Pico DAC-amp or Pico amp
-Compass
-Darkvoice 336i or 336se (I would like to have the tubes, but I don't have any experiences)
-Graham Slee Novo
-AE-2
-iBassos (ex. D10)
There may be more choices (About 300 bucks as a secondhand price) because I don't know about amps. But these are what expected to be accessible in my city (other amps may be unpopular or unknown).

And I have to tell that now I have a tiny usb-DAC which is unreliable (about 25 bucks with only a stereo mini out, not able to control volume from the MacAir).
-It may be better to have a DAC-amp (Macbook Air ---> the DAC-amp ---> ESW10).
-If not, I can get an amp-only device with RCA input (I will do it like this ... Macbook Air ---> My unreliable tiny DAC ---> mini to RCA cable (maybe Nordost with Pailiccs jack, I'm not sure) / mini to mini cable (for portable amps such as Pico or Mustang) ---> the amp ---> ESW10).

For sound, I would like to have wider soundstage, more aggressive sound with larger dynamic range (let's imagine a fun track like Bizet's Carmen) and maybe larger images. I don't have problem with bass and I'm not the basshead. No,no ... I don't want it more.

What amp or DAC-amp is the best for my situation?
Thank you.

P.S. Please note that ESW10JPN is 45 Ohms and have maximum input Watts=1,000mW.
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post #2 of 8
11/15/09 at 12:48pm
The Pico DAC/Amp was a real match with my ESW9's
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post #3 of 8
11/15/09 at 1:11pm
Congratulations on your esw10's. I've had these headphones for about a year now and enjoy everything about them (SQ, portability, wood finish etc..)

a lot has been said about the synergy of mustang + esw10's, so you cant go wrong with that combo. Don't really have much experience with amps but I do use ibasso D10 and they match really well. (esw10 - D10. even the numbers match!!)

The D10 has optical in which you can use the DAC/AMP combo with your macbook air. and with opamp rolling you can adjust the SQ to your liking. however, be warned that opamp rolling is addictive and will cost you!!
if your need for an amp is only for esw10's I would recommend a portable amp as it is very easy to drive and you get the benefit of portability.

although you said in your post you will not use it when out and about, you might find portable amps useful in quiet cafe's, hotels, library etc (as transportable rather than portable). I tend to take it with me when I go traveling or am out in the yard etc.
and since esw10's are not so small that they fit into your pocket, you will be carrying them in a bag so the extra amp does not make much difference in that regard.

another option in your list can be ibasso D4. from what I read it has excellent dac and the amp section has been improved as well. although it doesnt have optical in like the D10.
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post #4 of 8
11/15/09 at 4:30pm
x2 on the D10.. A great match for the ESW10's
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post #5 of 8
11/16/09 at 3:37am
Thread Starter 
Ok, well.
Between Mustang & D4 & D10, what's better for the ESW10?
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post #6 of 8
11/16/09 at 4:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tidal View Post
Ok, well.
Between Mustang & D4 & D10, what's better for the ESW10?
I haven't heard the mustang or D4 so cant really comment. however, I believe jamato8 and headphoneaddict both have all 3 amps so you might try asking them. they are usually in d10 or D4 threads so just ask their opinions there or if it's urgent maybe you can PM them.

in the meantime, I'm sure there will be many others who will give their opinions here in the thread...
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post #7 of 8
11/18/09 at 2:36pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you everyone and sorry for the ibasso user that I got the Mustang because I was offerred with a good price. If I don't like it, I will get the D10 or D4, I promise.

By the way, what gain should be selected when I use it with the ESW10?
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post #8 of 8
11/18/09 at 2:52pm
congrats on your Mustang. a lot of people love the esw10s + mustang combo so I'm sure you will be more than happy with it.

from what I've read people used it in medium gain. but just try low and medium gain and choose the one you like. as far as I know, it's always preferable to use the lowest gain possible as its clearer sound (less colored?? not sure if thats how you would define it.)
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