If you haven't already done so, check out ljokerl's awesome IEM comparison:   http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-267-iems-compared-fitear-to-go-334-added-12-16-12   IEMs that come to mind: Audio Technica CK10/CK100, Hifiman RE-2X2, Phonak PFE Series, Fischer Audio DBA-02...

If you want to go even higher end then the JH-3A, there is always the upcoming Unique Melody Platform Pure.

Bump

I'm looking to purchase a pair of the Audio Technica ATH-CK10 sometime in the near future. The only place with a reasonable price is a place I've never shopped before. Has anyone else used either of these sites before? They look identical:  ...

Quote:   When the JH-3A everyone was just impressed that this thing was going to exist. Now that Unique Melody is producing more in a smaller box, we expect a DAP throw in as well? 

So correct me if I'm wrong, this is going to have both analog and digital inputs. The digital inputs are a given considering its a DAC, but I just want to check on analog (Line In) ports. If it has them awesome; otherwise it seems a little bulky for normal (trans)portable use. That the housing...

Though you still won't get the full Etymotic isolation, the Brainwavz with triple flanges or foam should still isolate reasonably well. 

What's your budget? As always, ljokerl's thread is something you probably want to check out:   http://www.head-fi.org/t/478568/multi-iem-review-242-iems-compared-vsonic-gr99-gr02-bass-edition-added-06-11-12   Etymotic is definitely a good brand to consider. You may also want to check out...

What's your budget? The best portable amps I've tried are the LISA III (barely qualifies as portable) and the Meier Stepdance. Both are extremely good amplifiers and worked great at least with my SM3. If you need something slightly smaller, the Headstage Arrow sounded great to my ears. 

Quote:   I think your last point was a natural result of Head-Fi's increase in popularity. A couple years back, there wasn't nearly this many people on Head-Fi, nor did so many people look at Head-Fi.

Out the ones you listed, I liked the Sparrow the best. The D4 was better than the RSA Predator (if you want a battery operated thing). You may want to look into the iBasso D6. Another device you may want to look into is the Audinst HUD-MX1.   Keep in mind, some devices can be USB Powered...

Pretty much any full size headphone case should be able to hold that stuff. I really liked the case below, when I tried it out. You may want to try it out, especially with its 30 day money back guarantee.   http://www.headphone.com/accessories/headcase-bag-w-shoulder-strap.php

As with anyone looking to IEMs, you should check out this thread:   http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/478568/multi-iem-review-142-iems-compared-phiaton-ps-20-pioneer-se-clx60-added-02-11#post_6492044   I would really look into the Panasonic HJE-900, the Westone 1, Audeo Phonak PFE...

Technically its still winter until March 20...

Quote:   Really? How do you get a digital signal from a Sony X Player?

First off, check out ljokerl's excellent IEM thread. That should give you an idea of what headphones you should be looking into. I would look into the Fischer Audio DBA-02, Audio Technica CK10, and the Head-Direct RE-2x2.

Though I agree with the OP for the most part, using a "portable rig" has become easier nowadays. LODs can be had for $10, and can be made for even less. You can also get super small, custom made LODs pretty cheap as well. Portable amps are also getting slimmer and smaller. Just look at the trend...

Over the ear is usually sufficient when using IEMs with a good cable (ex. Westone, Earsonics, Audio-Technica, etc.). On other headphones (ex. Ultimate Ears, Etymotic, Head-Direct, etc.), using a shirt clip eliminates the problem. In either case, it isn't that big of a deal.

Quote: I remember someone posting (dfkt?) that the J3 at full volume was very close to a Line-Out. That is to say that Freq Graph was extremely flat at that point (almost as good as a Line Out).   EDIT: Found the posts by dfkt. Check out Post #1300 (page 87) and Post #1307 (page 88).

^ How does the UM Miracle pair with the HM-601?

Quote: Yes, but 24 bit recordings are usually mastered better (at least that's why I think it sounds better). 

Quote: That's because foobar2000 doesn't have as much competition. Though FF does have a bunch of awesome add-ons, No-Script is the one that keeps it afloat. If Chrome added No-Script, I think a large chunk (but not all) FF users would switch.

The Cowon Q5 does have a digital out, it uses an adaptor (something like a bulky LOD). Check this out:   http://www.jetmall.net/browseproducts/AV-Cable-for-COWON-Q5W.html   The orange lead is the digital out. This person used it:  ...

Quote: As others have mentioned, these are comfortable enough to sleep with. I believe my longest listening session was ~7 hours (without any discomfort).