I suspect price isn't the issue with the lack of response, but the fact that the i10 is relatively new.   For buds I'd think the i10 puts out sufficient power. Do the highs and lows sound muted, like the buds are not getting enough power?   I like COWON products, at least the iAudio 7...

No experience with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50S headphones, sorry.   I use my headphones at work, akin to library use, and during walks, with at home use a minimal. I settled on Sennheiser HD-25 headphones and Alessandro MS1 headphones. Each of these has its merits with sufficient sound...

I have a mini3 assembled by Rockhopper. Nothing against the quality of the sound or construction, but I am really annoyed by the short runtime between charging.   My favorite in production amp is the XM4 with the 8620 opamp, with the lithium battery charge kit. However, I notice that your EQ...

At this juncture, based on your comments, I still recommend the XM4 with 8620 and, though I have yet to hear it, the JDS with bass boost. These appear to be the lower cost standard battery options at the moment. Well, there is the fred-fred stuff as well as that guy from Lithuania I read good...

That looks interesting.   Any info as to price and anyone done a comparison review? Company website or a seller?   .    

What is your source? What phones are you using? Do you need the DAC feature?   I generally recommend the Practical Devices XM4 with the 8620 opamp and recharge kit to my friends as a beginner amp. It seems to work well with a variety of phones/sources. I like it, but it is a bit pricey.  ...

I use MS1's with my Iaudio DAPs and an old Headstage Lyrix and an Practical Devices MX4. These amps have a bass boost feature that I find helps the MS1's a bit.   I'd recommend waiting to see if one of these or a similar amp shows up on the secondary market.   If in a "rush", the JDS Lab...

Not sure why you think it seems most of the portable headphone amps are best used with IEM's or are specifically made for IEMs.   There isn't any "best" portable (or stationary, for that matter) amp for "cans".   Not sure what you're criteria was for the list of amps you made, though I...

Is that one of those phones that uses a mini-USB to headphone adapter?   Be that as it may, the article seems to indicate that as soon as there is some resistance to the output, sound issues develope.     

Knowing the source also helps as some sources have EQ while others don't.    

+1 on the Practical Devices XM-4. Get it with the AD8620 opamp and rechargeable battery.   Or, maybe, look for a secondary market Headstage Total Lyrix Pro.   I have found both of those amps enjoyable with Iaudio 7/9 source players  and HD25/MS1 headphones.   BTW - I dislike the...

Interesting discussion as it touches on many of the recommendations I give co-workers.   As to headphones, I like the Senn HD-25 and Alessandro MS-1 for portable and work use. I rarely feel I'm being cheated in any area of the listening experience with these. HD-25 for rock and such, the...

What is your source?   I use an iAudio 7 or 9 as a source and use Practical Devices XM-4 as well as old mSeed Spirit and HeadPhonia amps with HD25 headphones.   I still think the XM-4 is a deal with the rechargeable battery and the optional op-amp. Pushes your budget a bit, though.  ...

I use an Iaudio 7 and MS1 'phones (close to the Grado 80, I believe) with a couple different amps. I favor the XM4 because of the bass boost (though the 7 can be adjusted for more bass by itself). I feel it has been good money spent. I splurged on the battery and charger. I have recently...

Everytime I read a review, I want one. But the price stops that want but quick. Appreciate the review, though. Nice to see the iQube lives up to the gaining reputation.

I listen primarily to an Iaudio 7 and use HD25 (1 with a stock cable and 1with a ZY cable) and MS1 'phones. My favorite AMP so far has been the XM4, which I feel is a reasonable AMP for the money. I like the bass boost, but the crossfeed feature affects volume to much. Pretty light, too, with...

I like the XM4 due to the bass boost, also. The XM4 is a fair bargain, to me at least. Just picked up a Lyrix PRO and it may beat the XM4, though (subjectively, anyway). The bass seems to extend a little lower and the crossfeed on the Lyrix doesn't reduce the volume as much as on the XM4.

Quote: Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict I've like my Lyrix Total Pro USB so much, I haven't felt the need to roll opamps. And, it has the best synergy with my Grado's as is, even with bass boost off. Which Grados as you list several?

Well, have you looked at those "T-Amps"? Battery powered and about 15 watts max. Or finding a pair of HEAVY Acoustic Research PARTNER speakers? I liked those fine.

I use mine with the settings of: -Equalizer in a classic "V" shape, nothing maxxed out or below 0 -BBE 1 -MachBass 1 -MP Enhance OFF -3D Surround 1 -Pan 1 -playspeed 0 Advanced EQ filter setting at the default settings. I suspect starting with a "flat" EQ setting may be less than...

Appears no one has experience with multiples of these AMP/DAC devices to make any suggestions yet. ASR (I think that was the individual) said a review and comparison of some of them was in the works.

I just picked up a PRO Total version of the Lyrix and would have to agree that the bass without boost sounds about the same as far as volume is concerned as my other amps (XM4 with AD8620, mSEED, and Xtra). With the boost, the bass sounds more refined and deeper with the Lyrix than the XM4...

I have an Iaudio 7 and use it with XM4, mSEED, and Xtra amps. I usually use the XM4 with the mSEED as a backup. The Xtra is used when I want something smaller, as when taking a walk wearing a shirt only (fits the pockets better). I haven't really looked for any source clipping. I adjusted the...

I've wondered about that amp. What are the internals? Outer surface views tell me little about the amp itself.

Quote: Originally Posted by Michgelsen Bass boost with HD25?? You must be a total bass freak. I have to use my HD25 now, since my HE60 will be gone for some time, but the thing has plenty of bass already, that's for sure! Most of the music I listen to is from before the "bass...