[RADI0HEAD]

Looking for recommendations on a portable amplifier to use with my HD600 and Samsung Note 8. I've never owned an amplifier before. Thanks

 

[franz12]

If you have a balanced cable, take a look at Fiio Q5. If not, look elsewhere.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

No balanced cable. Thanks

 

[yong_shun]

What is your budget and what is your sound signature preferrance?

 

[RADI0HEAD]

Budget up $500. Looking for something neutral sounding. Thanks

 

[Caribou679]

In the FS section you would surely find something like Ray Samuels portable like this:


https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fs-ray-samuels-emmeline-p-51-mustang-black-257.874785/

for a first time user of portable amp it is a start.

 

[franz12]

But I would buy one with Bluetooth if you plan to use with your phone. I wouldn't look anything without bluetooth connection. Wireless connection makes huge difference in terms of convenience.

 

[buke9]

HD-600’s is not would I think of as a portable headphone.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

HD-600’s is not would I think of as a portable headphone.

Right. Don't know if it's possible.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

I wish I had just a little more volume out of my phone.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

Right. Don't know if it's possible.

I wish I had just a little more volume out of my phone.

It's possible if you just want to walk around a quiet house.

The thing is though if you're gonna be inside the house anyway might as well use a desktop amp. As much as the output figures on a portable amp seems high vs a smartphone's audio chip, it's not a lot when you consider that every 3dB increase in (clean) output requires doubling the (clean) power output, and at 300ohms even powerful portable amps don't necessarily sustain the output level. Easiest way to do that before was with balanced drive portable headphone amps.

If you want to stick with portables I'd look into the following:

Ibasso D14 or D42
Fiio Q5
Meier PCStep

 

[RADI0HEAD]

It's possible if you just want to walk around a quiet house.

The thing is though if you're gonna be inside the house anyway might as well use a desktop amp. As much as the output figures on a portable amp seems high vs a smartphone's audio chip, it's not a lot when you consider that every 3dB increase in (clean) output requires doubling the (clean) power output, and at 300ohms even powerful portable amps don't necessarily sustain the output level. Easiest way to do that before was with balanced drive portable headphone amps.

If you want to stick with portables I'd look into the following:

Ibasso D14 or D42
Fiio Q5
Meier PCStep

Appreciate the help.

 

[buke9]

Might look at a Fiio A5 or Cayin C5 both have 800mW at 32 ohms and the A5 does 150 at 300 which should be enough for the 600's.

 

[RADI0HEAD]

Might look at a Fiio A5 or Cayin C5 both have 800mW at 32 ohms and the A5 does 150 at 300 which should be enough for the 600's.

Thanks. Will look into those models.

 

[yong_shun]

Budget up $500. Looking for something neutral sounding. Thanks

I would recommend Fiio Q5 if you do not have a DAC. If you owned DAC, then Fiio A5 would be good