[audiogamma]

Can anyone suggest a portable amp or dac/amp that offers easy access to a 9v for power? I am familiar with the iBasso-line. Any others that are well regarded? I would be using a Cowon 7 and U3; and occasionally the iPhone 3GS > SE535s. TIA. 

 

[krmathis]

RSA The Hornet is one alternative.

 

[HiFlight]

The Decware Zenhead is another highly-regarded 9v amp, however it should more accurately be called transportable rather than portable, as it is a bit larger than pocket-sized.

 

[audiogamma]

Thanks guys. I'll check RSA and Decware. It looks like Decware is in my neck of the woods.

 

[cooperpwc]

Meier Stepdance is an option, as is the smaller and less expensive Meier Headsix. Both are very good amps - the Stepdance is excellent.
 
(Following on HiFlight's comment, the Stepdance is not for pant pockets.)

 

[SoulSyde]

Quote:

Meier Stepdance is an option, as is the smaller and less expensive Meier Headsix. Both are very good amps - the Stepdance is excellent.
 
(Following on HiFlight's comment, the Stepdance is not for pant pockets.)

+1
 
I think the Meier Headsix or Meier XXS would be your best best for "pocketable" amplification (sans DAC unfortunately).  They're both very highly regarded amps and have the easiest access to the battery of any 9v amp on the market.  You'll just have to forgo the DAC.

 

[wuwhere]

A Neco Soundlab V.2, it has a rechargeable 9v Nimh. Not well known, not expensive, but sounds awesome.

 

[bcwang]

Any particular reason you want a 9V as a power source?  I find 9v batteries much less durable than AAA or AA and they cost more too.

 

[audiogamma]

I've narrowed it down to the Stepdance or the Decware for 9v. Also considering the Arrow 12, but that's a rechargeable.

I like 9v for power, fewer batteries to deal with.

 

[Dtown808]

I have an RSA XP-7 that takes two 9 volt batteries. Its a little bigger but it powers my K701s beautifully, also easy opamp rolling.

 

[jcx]

just a reminder - sensitive iem really want attenuation - not amplification
 
you get amplifer suggestions simply because thats what people do here - not necessarily because its the best way to improve the sound

 

[SoulSyde]

Quote:

I've narrowed it down to the Stepdance or the Decware for 9v. Also considering the Arrow 12, but that's a rechargeable.

I like 9v for power, fewer batteries to deal with.

Personally, I would go with the Stepdance just for the simple fact that changing the battery is much easier with the Meier than the Decware amp.  
 
Decware Zen Head (see the stupid 9v connector on the far right):

 
Meier Stepdance (See how the 9v battery drops right in):

 

[qusp]

I suppose it will never happen that 9v batteries are known by their real name; 8.4v batteries? the iqube v1 used a 9v as well didnt it? I just remember it had a battery door, so could have been AA I guess. pretty unforgiving amp though, so youde wanna be using decent rips

 

[bcwang]

Quote:

I suppose it will never happen that 9v batteries are known by their real name; 8.4v batteries? the iqube v1 used a 9v as well didnt it? I just remember it had a battery door, so could have been AA I guess. pretty unforgiving amp though, so youde wanna be using decent rips

There are 9.6v variants too.  Maha recently released LSD (low self discharge) versions of these too.

 

[SoulSyde]

Quote:

I suppose it will never happen that 9v batteries are known by their real name; 8.4v batteries? the iqube v1 used a 9v as well didnt it? I just remember it had a battery door, so could have been AA I guess. pretty unforgiving amp though, so youde wanna be using decent rips

Well, you're right and wrong.  NiCd, NiMH and Lithium batteries are 8.4v, but alkaline are 9v.