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Looking at iBasso amp. Which one?

post #1 of 7
12/5/09 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
I have a 30GB iPod running RockBox and some UE TripleFi 10 earphones. I'm looking at buying my first amp and have decided on an iBasso due to the availability and value for money. I'm quite new to amps and while I have read quite a lot about them i'm still not sure what to get. I will basically be running my iPod and amp and don't intend to listen to any files stored on my computer. So with the above in mind, what would you suggest? I like the look of the D2+ Boa and P3+ but i'm not sure which sounds better.
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post #2 of 7
12/5/09 at 2:46am
If just an amp I would go with P3+ as you can do some amp rolling for fine tuning your sound,another option is the D4 as from different recommendations here, it has one of the best DAC, something that would cost you heaps and as an amp it is on par with P3+.
I recommend it.
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post #3 of 7
12/5/09 at 3:12am
Well generally I consider it like this.

Source as computer: D4
Source as PS3/box etc: D10
Source as iPod: T3 or P3+

IMO skip the D2 all together. I always like to say "If you can't afford the best in it's class, just go for the worst." If you just want to see if you really need an amp and to see if you can tell the difference between amped and unamped, get something like the
T3. Go for the P3+ if a DAC is 100% not needed. Get the D4 if you MAY want to use a laptop/computer as a source in the future.
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post #4 of 7
12/5/09 at 3:20am
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys.

So I have just heard about the iMod and it sounds like a good option considering my iPod is a 5th Gen. However. i'm a bit confused about what it actually does. I have read the FAQ and still can't quite get my head around it.

How I understand it is, the 5th Gen iPods have a high quality internal DAC but this is overshadowed by the cheap quality circuitry that follows the DAC. The iMod solves that problem by bypassing all the cheap stuff and sending the output signal straight to the iPod docking pins. So, does this mean that the audio quality is improved through headphones or does the iPod need to be used in a docking station to make use of the improvements? I'm confused.
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post #5 of 7
12/5/09 at 3:37am
Read some more of the FAQ - your 'docking station' days are over with the iMod:


Q: Can I use my 5G/5.5G iMod with my docking station or sound dock from “brand X?”

A: No! – After the iMod, you must only use the ALO Audio iMod dock cable for the line output signal. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the dac inside your iPod, and/or the device you connect to.

Vinnie is a regular here - you may get the information you need from him : I have never heard the iMod.
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post #6 of 7
12/5/09 at 6:21am
Thread Starter 
Ok so docking stations are out but I still need a dock or amp to run it, correct?
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post #7 of 7
12/5/09 at 6:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deniall View Post
Ok so docking stations are out but I still need a dock or amp to run it, correct?
I seem to recall that this thread began with you asking which iBasso amp would meet your needs. The iMod mandates a LOD from ALO, per the iMod FAQ, and that will plug in to any of the iBasso amps, AFAIK - problem solved. As to which amp sounds best with the iMod, I cant answer that question.
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