Here's the deal, I have some S4's on the way, and they'll be used mostly with my old video ipod, and with my samsung impression via audio adapter. Mostly with the samsung due to hard drive issues on the ipod.  The audio out on the samsung isn't absolutely terrible; but it's a freakin phone so that's that.
 
I was thinking of getting a portable preamp (or DIYing it) because I'll be using the phone.  That said, what do you think?
I know this is probably painful reading for most of you because the audio source is a phone, but university classes are where all my money goes.
First when I was doing some research, I was considering the cmoybb v2.02 but then I decided to get a real amp and the mini3 is what I'm currently considering.
Is the mini3 a decent choice with the S4 or is it unnecessary?  
If you think an amp is a good idea, what others would you recommend?
 
Lastly, would an amp allow me to keep the output low on the smartphone, but boost the signal, in order to extend the battery life of the device and still have listenable volume?

The S4 don't need amping. In fact, I'll say that no IEM requires amping. If you choose to use an amplifier, realize that it will give you only an incremental boost. So the added inconvenience and cost of one does not become worthwhile unless you're using a top of the line earphone. And even then, their worth is subjective.

Yeah some iems need amping (ie, ER4S), but the S4 isn't one of them, don't waste your money. 

thanks for the fast replies, this forum is stellar!  Looks like i'll save the money and not amp up.
What's your opinion on my theory of battery life in the player being saved by using an amp?  I think it would, but I'm just now getting into the whole audiophile thing so my knowledge-base is still very low.

Quote:

dbkcarter said:

thanks for the fast replies, this forum is stellar!  Looks like i'll save the money and not amp up.
What's your opinion on my theory of battery life in the player being saved by using an amp?  I think it would, but I'm just now getting into the whole audiophile thing so my knowledge-base is still very low.

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That would make sense if you had a power hungry, inefficient iem.  I haven't had the S4's in a while, but I don't think that's them. 
 
For example, some iems require maxed/nearly maxed volume...that's where you would probably notice the amp/battery benefit.     

the S4's are very efficient, an amp is not needed, when i had a pair, they were more than loud enough at 50% volume, come to think of it, in a quiet enviroment, they were just perfect around 25-40%

I own the S4s.  I don't think an amp is needed (but i'll try it when mine arrives).  However, there is a difference in sound quality based on the source.  My iPod 6th gen doesn't power them as well as the iPod touch, or my computer.  Not a big difference, but noticeable.

Amping isn't needed for the S4s with my Zune, but (for whatever reason) they sound much better amped with my iPhone. Consequently, I just carry an amp with my S4s. Since I generally use my BB2.02, I can keep them in the amp tin. It also keeps both portable sources from discharging as quickly as they would without it. With a 6" interconnect, it's all good...