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Amp recommendations for UM3X? (Specific)

post #1 of 13
11/28/09 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
I have a mini3 amp that improves the low frequency resolution compared to the iPod. I want an amp that preserves this and fixes the hiss. Some warmth in the midrange is good, though I don't want to sacrifice the high frequency detail.

Music: Symphonic, chamber, jazz, hip hop, R&B, soul, blues (in descending order of listening frequency)
Source: iPod classic (2009), ALAC, AAC 320 kbps
IEMs: Westone UM3X

Requirements for the amp:
1. No hiss
2. Rechargeable battery
3. Preferably no gain switch/bass boost, etc.
4. Portability does not matter, but I'd prefer to have an amp with a mini stereo jack (so most portables and not most desktop amps)
5. "Price is not important ... when you sing to your girl friend, and her heart SCHWAM-BOOM fall down on the floor then you say thank you Don!"

Recommendations?
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post #2 of 13
11/28/09 at 12:48pm
fwiw, I got an iBasso D4, but it's mostly used as such:
laptop > USB > D4 > UM3X
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post #3 of 13
11/29/09 at 10:51am
Thread Starter 
How is the output noise floor to the UM3X on the D4?
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post #4 of 13
11/29/09 at 11:34am
Last time I used iBasso amps, I had hiss. This is from 3 of their older amps though, the T2, D2, and D10. That was also with TF10's and not UMX3s.
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post #5 of 13
11/29/09 at 12:54pm
I had no hiss with UM3X and iBasso D10 (via optical from the iRiver iHP-140).
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post #6 of 13
11/29/09 at 2:15pm
i have the UM3X, and i'm currently deciding between the RSA Shadow and the ALO Rx.
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post #7 of 13
11/29/09 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by VicAjax View Post
i have the UM3X, and i'm currently deciding between the RSA Shadow and the ALO Rx.
What were your criteria for narrowing down your search?
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post #8 of 13
11/29/09 at 2:24pm
The Shadow is an incredible amp for the UM3X.

It sounds better than my Ibasso Python or Move by a large margin.

It is the best iem amp I have heard.
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post #9 of 13
11/29/09 at 3:19pm
Istn the T3 the ibasso amp designed for IEMs?
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post #10 of 13
11/29/09 at 3:35pm
Thread Starter 
All of the iBasso amps seem to have gain switches. I prefer not to have a bunch of features I won't ever use.
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post #11 of 13
11/29/09 at 4:03pm
fiio e3 does not have any switches ..
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post #12 of 13
11/29/09 at 8:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unclejr View Post
What were your criteria for narrowing down your search?
i want an amp that will do 3 things:

1. crystallize the treble. UM3X has good treble extension, but can be a bit recessed. EQ does fine, but amping really puts the high end right.

2. broaden the soundstage. the UM3X has a tight, intimate soundstage with good instrument separation. amped, the soundstage broadens out just right, to give a more realistic sense of space without getting too big.

3. tighten up the bass. the UM3X has great extension and the bass is exactly as present as i like it. the amp will make it a bit punchier and more groovy.

the UM3X is already incredibly dynamic, so i'm sure any amplification will bring that out more.

IMHO, bass is the easiest thing for an amp to handle. that's why almost everyone comments on how great the bass is when they get a new amp, no matter what it is. it's trickier, i think, to make an amp that handles dynamics, soundstage and detail right. from all the comments i've read, it seems that the Rx and Shadow get the most right in the areas i'm concerned with.
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post #13 of 13
4/15/10 at 1:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by VicAjax View Post
i want an amp that will do 3 things:

1. crystallize the treble. UM3X has good treble extension, but can be a bit recessed. EQ does fine, but amping really puts the high end right.

2. broaden the soundstage. the UM3X has a tight, intimate soundstage with good instrument separation. amped, the soundstage broadens out just right, to give a more realistic sense of space without getting too big.

3. tighten up the bass. the UM3X has great extension and the bass is exactly as present as i like it. the amp will make it a bit punchier and more groovy.

the UM3X is already incredibly dynamic, so i'm sure any amplification will bring that out more.

IMHO, bass is the easiest thing for an amp to handle. that's why almost everyone comments on how great the bass is when they get a new amp, no matter what it is. it's trickier, i think, to make an amp that handles dynamics, soundstage and detail right. from all the comments i've read, it seems that the Rx and Shadow get the most right in the areas i'm concerned with.
I am all for this. x2 from me. I am really thinking of either the Shadow or the RX but I'm not sure which... a lot of people say the Shadow will get the job done though...
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