Looking for new portable audio equipment suggestions
Jul 30, 2010 at 9:54 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 3

mbarry

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Hey guys, I'm basically looking for suggestions on:
 
Noise Isolating/Noise Cancellation headsets/IEMs/Anything.  Blocking out noise is more important than perfect sound reproduction, because if the outside noise is preventing you from hearing everything in your music, what's the point?  I also more of a bass head, but I like non-muddy bass.  I really like the SoundMagic PL30s, maybe the PL50s?  ~$100
 
Audio Source.  I own the Meizu M6, and that pretty much has the best sound quality out of anything portable I have heard.  The only issue is the 4GB memory, and the interface isn't great.  I also own a Cowon Q5W, but I actually don't like it as much as the M6, as I find the EQ is very hard to work with, and doesn't really do much, except make everything sound worse.  I usually use a Zune, as I find them to have the best balance between sound quality, storage capacity, and usier interface.  I'm all for a device such as the M6 with a useable interface, and great sound quality, but with more storage. ~$80
 
Amp.  I have a Fiio E5, and also a CMoy.  I'm wondering if these will be god enough?  Or if I need to get a better amp.  Also, are OpAmps interchangeable?  I have a LM4562 on my X-Fi that I like a lot, but don't know if I can stick that into the CMoy without any problems.
 
 
Thanks everyone!
 
Jul 30, 2010 at 10:37 AM Post #2 of 3
Here's my current favorite combo that meets your budget parameters:
 
Sanza Fuze 8GB ($70) + 8/16GB mSDHC chip ($30) -> Thinksound Rain IEM (silver+cherry look best to me, $60) (all prices right off Amazon.com).  I use the E5 with the Fuze and it gives me all the volume and clarity boost to make the Rain IEM sound great.
 
One thing about the Rain phones: if you get them, at first they are VERY open sounding, but there is a tiny port on front of phone, below the nozzle.  Block that port with a toothpick tip, some super-glue, whatever, and use the stock tips and you will get very good isolation and sound quality -- deep bass, nice sparkly highs and satisfying mids.
 

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