» iPhone 3GS + Portable Amp + Headphones?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/616920/the-audio-technica-ath-anc9-quiet-is-an-understatement

for the m50 vs anc9 deal + vs qc15 and other phones. 

 

as for an amp, you're probably better off without one. Especially noise cancelling headphones. They already have built in amps (thus the batteries), 

I would choose Audio Technica ATH-M50 then possibly add C&C BH portable amp which members are mentioning is a good pairing for the M50. I think your phone will drive them just fine, though to get the best experience, BH runs for 80+ hours, no bigger than a credit card, so it won't get in the way. If you read the members impressions below my mini review you can see it's considered an upgrade over E11.

Sure, ATH-M50 will sound decent from your phone, but members are reporting good results using BH amp to get the most from them, and having owned a pair in the past can confirm they enjoy the amplification. If you take the amping route you will also need an LOD (line out dock to feed the amp), they can be picked up cheap on eBay.

Here's the thread to check out, but I would certainly choose ATH-M50 as your headphone, it's a known classic of all time here on Head-Fi being very popular and totally proven worthy of the price tag.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/644363/c-c-bh-portable-headphone-amp-80-hours-from-a-single-charge-buyer-review
Edited by H20Fidelity - 3/15/13 at 5:10am

Nah, it's still very well known. I never knew about the revision until you brought it up. The ATH-m50 is still very well known. 

 

If you're listening at moderate levels you won't hear much.

 

Think the question is what you're going to be listening to in terms of genre. The m50/MDR-V6 are both all rounders. The v6 and m50 are pretty much on par, just a matter of taste separates them. 

A few days ago I ordered the M50's for AU$129 and C&C BH Amp for AU$92.  I can't wait to listen to them and should be a good step up from a hand-full of lowish-end ear phones I have that I got from reading a massive review of all differently priced ear phones.  Can't find it now :(

 

I read the above threads too on the M50, but these phones still have massive respect and just seem to be a good place for someone new to the scene like me too.  I also think it will be good for when I'm ready to upgrade as I'll be able to make direct comparison to phones that are very popular.

@MrViolin: I've already started researching potential future purchases and I was reading about the Z02 amp. It interests me because its not only an amp, but you can also tweak the audio too.

I'm kind of thinking my next purchase should be some IEMs for work, but this interests me.

I had a 3gs and ordered some HIF 580's and a Fiio E6. FOr under $200 for the combo brand new, I couldn't be happier. HAving tried both the M50's and 580's, I can tell you right away 580's outclass them in bass, isolation and treble.

For the iPhone 3GS you are in luck, as VentureCraft is discontinuing their Go-DAP 3.0 and it is on sale now at Amazon for $20 (MSRP $200)!!  Get it now.

Are you suggesting the go-dap instead of the z02?

I tried ordering one (only 20 bucks) but its saying Amazon won't ship to me. I'm in Australia.

That sucks.  But VentureCraft still have it at $99 and I know they ship international.  http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_en/buy_paypal.php.  However, it will be great if you can find someone to get it for you in the US and forward it to you, and still save some money and have great sound :).

Oh damn, I think I still have my 3GS, I may have lost it however. Anyone know if the Go-DAP 3.0 for the 3gs works for iPhone 4?

It should, but the case won't fit. You will have to use an extension or mod the case.