[Ask]Best Portable Amps for JH 16 Pro..?

There are multiple threads on this (both JH13 and JH16) and a search is worth doing before posting. Amping the JH16 will be similar to the JH13. Many people say the JH16 does not "need" an amp, but an amp certainly enhances the quality of what is heard.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f105/b...highlight=JH13
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f105/r...highlight=jh13
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f105/a...highlight=JH16

Here is a suggestion and part of the reason why being into hi-fi is an enjoyable hobby - the journey of discovery and the process of research is part of the fun. Rather than just posting something to have people tell you what to buy, search these forums and I would also say go outside of this forum and see what others are saying. Then come back with the information you've obtained and start asking questions.

Even if money is not a factor the process of discovery is part of being into hi-fi. I cannot speak for others, but it does seem from those I know on this site most if not all feel the same way.

Enjoy the journey.

skoog who has now stepped down from his soapbox.

I would include TTVJ slim and Headstage Arrow 12HE int eh mix. But you will need to listen. They all are good and base your decision on your ears, form factor, price etc. The Pico slim is supposedly being shipped today but there will definitely be a backlog, so it also depends how fast you want it.

Since money is not an issue for your Dad, you can buy and test out a few of those recommended and keep the one(s) you like and sell the rest. As far as the best cable for the JH16s are concerned, I and others love the Whiplash TWag Elite replacements. Expensive but you'll get your money's worth. You can get them single-ended or the balanced version with the connectors for the RSA Protector amp.

x2 on twag cable and rsa protector.
craig offers twags protector female plug to 3.5mm viablue adapter so you can use the twag cable with other sources with the adapter.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you ideally match an amp with the signature of the IEM's? I mean if you have IEM's that are very bright, then wouldn't getting an amp that is geared for a brighter sound ultimately do more harm than good, even if it is a top of the line amp?

It seems in today's world everyone just wants a top 5 list so they can skip all the learning/discovery/journey and just get to the destination. The journey is the best part as then you can intelligently talk with others about what you liked and disliked in a certain piece of gear. I know I certainly feel this way myself when it comes to something I am not an "expert" at. With something as subjective as your own hearing, I would suggest a different road.

I would suggest just getting the JH16 Pro's, listen to them and enjoy an expensive piece of equipment without looking to improve it right off the bat. Then when you fully understand the signature of the 16's from whatever source you listen from, then you can start to tweak and modify to suit your tastes. If you find they lack in mids, then you can come back and ask a more specific question like which portable amp has a solid boost in the mids, versus which is the best.

Best what? I think that is the question. How can you ask for improvement when you don't yet know what you want to improve? There is always gonna be a better more expensive piece of gear out there and to continue to search for that elusive sound may send you to the poorhouse. The best way to avoid that is to enjoy the journey so that instead of making guesses you can actually make sound purchases with some research.

This is an expensive piece of gear and I don't see too many people buying a brand new Porsche and then asking just as it arrives what's the best engine to put in a Porsche. I guess what I am saying is just enjoy your incredibly expensive headphones for what they are. Then down the road you can tweak it to get just the sound you are looking for. They are not gonna stop making portable amps any time soon and the longer you wait they may improve even more.

Enjoy the music first!

Please read FRGus723 post... Its very informative and an excellent advice....

The safest way for you is p3+ since its chip rollable.. at first, dont ever try to roll/change the stack chips... Then later on, when you're done familiarizing the combi sound of the 2, then thats the time you start to tweak it to suit your liking....

There is no such this as a best Line out dock or perfect combination or whatever.. However, I'd suggest going with Whiplash since I had good experience with his products as well as his customer service. ALO also makes great cable and nice service as well.

IMO
For LOD, go with Whiplash TWaG Micro LOD
For Headphone cable, go with Whiplash TWaG balanced cable (48" or 64")
For Source, go with any ipod with exception of iMod (u'd have to buy specific LOD for them)

But I really recommend u to try out stuff before u spend thousands of money... Fortunately, Can Jam 2010 Chicago is only 2 month away and it will give u an excellent opportunity to try out many gears.. Amps, DACs, headphones, IEM, cable, etc etc...

I'm holding my purchase for JH16 until Can Jam since I'm hoping they will going to host another incentive program like last year (rebate + free impression). Though I might end up buying something else. Even if your dad is going to purchase it and not you, please choose and spend money wisely like its your money... Making money is tough in this recession.

They said on Facebook (I think today) that they will be there. Someone asked about the free impressions and they didn't comment on whether they would do that offer but I would bet they will.

I tried to offer assistance but I'm not sure he is fully understanding that just because I like a $500 amp has no bearing on whether he will like it. I might like a very bright or forward sound and he may hate that. Now he has a $500 amp that he hates.

Your suggestion about CanJam is the ideal one and would serve him best. Based on his responses I don't think he cares if it sounds good to him he would just rather spend his dad's money and get what the collective "we" like. It's unfortunate as the most enjoyable thing about this hobby is the learning and the listening.