[Soox]

Hi guys,

Sadly my IE80s just broke down (one earbud is much quieter than the other) and I'm in the market for new earbuds. Replacing IE80 costs $200 - so are there any better options for that money?

An alternative would need to beat the combo of IE 80 + this $120 replacement cable I got a few months ago and that only fits the IE 80s. I know it's not conclusive whether this cable improves quality, but let's assume it avoids a cable bottleneck that other earbuds may have.
(https://www.null-audio.com/products/arete-series-mkii-replacement-cable-for-earphones)

Second, and perhaps better fitting a separate thread, could you recommend a portable external DAC/amp? Think this is my bottle neck now. Currently on a Nexus 6P. Heard meaningfully better audio coming from the HTC10 (separate internal DAC/amp) with my earbuds.

Thanks!

 

[serman005]

I think you would like a 1More Quad Driver quite well and it is within your price range. Maybe read about it and see what you think. Also, do you want a desktop or portable DAC/amp?

 

[Soox]

Thanks!
Portable please, to make sure I end up using it.