Quote:   Thank you for your reply. I really dont mind big headphones out in public. I carry a backpack where ever I go, and don't need the smallest most portable equipment, I don't mind as long as I am not carry a full home amplifier on my lap. I think I am going to end up trying out the...

From what I read though IEM are not suitable for great bass response compared to over the ear noise canceling headphones. Bass is a huge thing for me as I listen to alot of rock and rap.

Quote: From what I have been reading though, IEM's are not great with bass response compared to noise canceling closed DJ type headphones....

Okay so based on what I have been reading I should first upgrade my headphones with some noise canceling design, or IEM. I should also improve the audio quality of the files I am listening to before exploring into headphone amplification.

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You make a good point while I am at home it is louder, without all of the train, bus noise and what not, however some of the tracks I am listening to are not of the greatest quality so I am sure that has something to do with it as well. However while at home the volume to me is not ear killing...

For instance this: http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E5-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B001P9EQH8   I would need something small like that, because this is obviously portable.

I have been in car audio for quite some time, but now that I am walking and talking the train/bus alot more I find myself listening to my itouch alot more these days.   I will make this brief as I appreciate your help guys.   I have the volume on my itouch set the highest it can go. I...