[olddude]

Just to add to the mix, you could also look at the C&C BH, for about $100.  Lots of folks seem happy with it as well.  I use a JDS Labs C5, but that's more than double the cost of the E11.  Keep in mind that these smaller amps don't seem to handle big earphones for some people (I use iems).  You might want to read up on that here in this thread.

 

[xaddictionx]

The topping NX1 seems to be getting raving reviews with DX50 as well.

 

[Paul Davidson]

I have seen the Topping on Amazon but there are a couple of duff reviews so I wasn't sure but I suppose the price it's at I can't really lose out too much. If I don't like it I can always give it to my dad to use with his iPod Classic, it would make a big difference to the sound for him.

 

[H20Fidelity]

The NX1 will increase soundstage width and you'll actually hear more micro detail than DX50 headphone out. That's a $40 amp. Makes you wonder how much IBasso focused on DX50 amp section. The stage is without a doubt wider and better layered.

 

[Paul Davidson]

I think you've helped me make my mind up for me.

 

[H20Fidelity]

I think you've helped me make my mind up for me.

It's a good little amp, also gives vocals a specific tone or timbre, like a trait of the amps house sound.

 

[olddude]

The NX1 will increase soundstage width and you'll actually hear more micro detail than DX50 headphone out. That's a $40 amp. Makes you wonder how much IBasso focused on DX50 amp section. The stage is without a doubt wider and better layered.

Never listened to the HO on my DX50.  Just got it and plugged in my C5 to the LO.  

 

 

[H20Fidelity]

Never listened to the HO on my DX50.  Just got it and plugged in my C5 to the DO.  

It's a bit congested imo. I've been quite vocal about it in other threads.

 

[olddude]

I already had the C5 and loved it, so it seemed natural to just plug it into the DX50 and enjoy the music.  Makes everything sound wonderful.  Whenever I read here that someone thinks the sound of the DX50 is lacking, I wonder why they just don't amp it.   Even a smallish amp would make a difference.   I also really like the UI of the DX50, pretty easy to use on the go.  

 

[salavat]

I have upgraded recently to DX90 recently. There is a significant difference between DX90 and DX50, though I consider DX50 to be marvelous DAP by all means. 
I have had a debate in this thread about hiss coming from DX50 to my very sensitive FAD Heaven VI, the argument (from someone) was that DAP and phones are just not compatible, I was (and I am) sure that it was because of the amp section of DX50, some sort of design problem, not the compatibility problem, since everything was just perfect, except for the hiss (which did not bother me at all). The fact is that same phones on DX90 are dead silent, no hiss. The same phones, very similar DAP, just different model, and no hiss. Ibasso listened and improved amp section.

 

[yoztpetra]

  I already had the C5 and loved it, so it seemed natural to just plug it into the DX50 and enjoy the music.  Makes everything sound wonderful.  Whenever I read here that someone thinks the sound of the DX50 is lacking, I wonder why they just don't amp it.   Even a smallish amp would make a difference.   I also really like the UI of the DX50, pretty easy to use on the go.  

I went from iPod touch gen3 + Fiio E11 to DX50 to get better portability setup.
by getting portable amp kinda ruin the purpose of buying it for me..

 

[olddude]

Mine is quite portable.  It's not tiny, but it is definitely carry-able.  Basically two iPhones attached to each other.  The tradeoff of size vs. sound makes it, for me, worthwhile.  I can see where others might want smaller/lighter.
 

 

[Marco Angel]

Ok, where is my new firmware?
IBasso, are you there?

 

[HeatFan12]

  Mine is quite portable.  It's not tiny, but it is definitely carry-able.  Basically two iPhones attached to each other.  The tradeoff of size vs. sound makes it, for me, worthwhile.  I can see where others might want smaller/lighter.
 

 
 
Looking good olddude...
 
Where'd u get the the Mun IC, if you don't mind me asking?
 
Cheers!

 

[olddude]

Ok, where is my new firmware?
IBasso, are you there?

"Few days" my