Audio Technica AT-PHA30i - ipod powered amp

Nah! It's getting powered by the iPod battery. Just sort of a volume booster in my view.

it is a real amp, powered by a 20mw X2 amp, but is unique to connect to the iPod, much like the Fiio E1. I think it is a great idea if AT can pull off a good implementation of it. Who knows, maybe they oem from Fiio - I cannot imagine they make even half of their massive line of products.

I can tell you for sure that FiiO didn't OEM it for AT. In fact it is more like AT copied the idea since FiiO announced the idea first almost half a year ago (or you can call it spontaneous-idea-generating on AT's part ).

One thing I don't understand is why AT has to make the output so weak. 20mW is barely better than some DAP's headphone-out. Other than that it looks pretty solid. Personally I am more interest in the other small portable amp AT is releasing at the same time (no sure what model it is though).

The model is called the PHA10, but both look impressive. by OEM, I mean that Fiio may be the OEM for them - in other words, maybe AT buys from Fiio.

More information on both here: Audio Technica AT-PHA3i and AT-PHA10 headphone amps

Yep, that's the one.

I understand what you mean but still, FiiO didn't OEM anything for AT (I heard it from James @ FiiO himself).

okay, good. yeah, anyway, i may hear them soon as I'll be in japan!

AT-PHA30i BK/WH JPY12,600



Japanese-Page
http://www.audio-technica.co.jp/prod...at-pha30i.html

AT-PHA10 BK/WH JPY6,300.



Japanese-Page
http://www.audio-technica.co.jp/prod.../at-pha10.html

I am pretty curious about how the AT-PHA30i sounds like. I bought the Icon Mobile amp but i found that I do need a remote for the iPod Touch. If it synergies nicely with the CK100 I would be pretty happy.

BTW, I believe elecom had a similar LOD/Remote which they sold for the last several years called the AVD-RCAD1WH.

JPY12,600 is like US$140, right? That is real expensive. It will have too be extreme good to warrant that price tag.

Actually its around 8900 to 9800 yen retail, which is about $100 USD. Considering that my Icon Mobile amp cost me about 20,000 total when you include the LOD and the cable, it puts everything into perspective.

I would think it is because Icon Mobile is severely overpriced in Japan (my understanding is Icon Mobile is around US$150 in Japan's local retail). You can actually buy directly from NuForce for $120, shipping included. A non-fancy LOD can be obtained from eBay for $10~20 with free shipping. Assuming if you get lucky on the custom, the total of both will come cheaper than buying from a Japanese retailer on the amp alone. Plus, don't forget Icon Mobile also has an USB DAC.

I think a fair comparison with be iBasso T4, which is about $110 in retail, or at least it should have the performance of a really good cmoy.

Yes, the Icon Mobile is overpriced if you buy it in Japan at retail prices. I bought a OK LOD and a interconnect cable all at the same time. I will use the Icon Mobile when I am at home, either with a CD player or my laptop, but using it in the subway during rush hour is too much of a hassle. I had the old Elecom inline remote for the iPod, and I loved the convenience of it but hated how it made everything connected to it brighter and seemed to compress the sound a little. This is why I am waiting for the AT-PHA30i. I am hoping it will have better synergy with the CK100 since they are both Audio Technica products. Actually, the Fiio E1 would also work, and I will try get on through DealExtreme.

AT-PHA30i BK/WH JPY12,600

too bad NOT compatible with iPhones

I bought one, and I am currently burning it in.

Right off the bat when paired with the ATH-CK100, there is slightly more bass when compared to the Icon Mobile.

More impressions to come after I listen to it some more.