[Aryik]

Before someone tells me to search, I did, and I couldn't find anything, sorry if I missed something. Moving on, I own a pair of Grado SR60i's and my music is on my Samsung Galaxy S, I also use the Grado's for my Xbox. I've noticed that my cheap earphones that I use to workout are much louder, and I have to listen to most things on full volume with the Grado's. Even then, sometimes it's still on too quiet. I was wondering if an amp would help with this (I imagine it would) and I was looking for recommendations. I'm on a very tight budget, and the cheaper, the better. My very top is $100.
 
Thanks in advance for your help,
 
Aryik

 

[Aryik]

Also, It has to be portable, I forgot to mention that.

 

[wje]

I'm a fan of the Grado house sound.  Also, I'm a fan of Grado modified headphones.  The "warmer" sound of the FiiO E11 is doing an excellent job of keeping the highs tamed, yet detailed.  The lower end it tilted up a bit, changing that Grado house sound on the lower end and making it better.  For $60, you can't go wrong on this one.  Seriously.
 
If you had a pair of Sennheiser HD-555, I wouldn't give the same recommendation.  Since they're more of a neutral sounding headphone, I didn't get as impressed with the E11 paired with the 555s.
 
Eric Clapton, BB King, Cowboy Junkies, Buika, etc.  They all sound just "right" with the amp and Grados.

 

[Aryik]

Thanks, I was searching for the E11 and I couldn't find a store, could I have a link? Also I'm fairly new to hi-fi audio, would the E5 do?

 

[Mad Max]

Skip the E5, grab the E11 or Soundmagic A10.  They are not "high-end" or anything anyway.

 

[radonsg]

pa2v2

http://www.electric-avenues.com/audio8.html

 

[wje]

Quote:

Thanks, I was searching for the E11 and I couldn't find a store, could I have a link? 

 
Are you in the U.S.?  http://www.miccastore.com - had some left a few days ago.
 
Worldwide? http://www.mp4nation.net - should be able to take care of you.
 

 

[mohinder]

Head-Direct.com also has the Fiio E11.  

 

[Aryik]

I'm in the US, thanks for all the replies. I'll work on getting some cash together for the E11

 

[RudeWolf]

Hmm... Does sr60i really need amping? My Samsung Wave phone drives the sr80i quite nicely even on 13/15 volume. Make sure that the lack of isolation is not making you listen louder than you used to.

 

[Mad Max]

Though they sound better with more current being fed into them, nope, they do not require amping.

 

[Aryik]

 
Quote:

Hmm... Does sr60i really need amping? My Samsung Wave phone drives the sr80i quite nicely even on 13/15 volume. Make sure that the lack of isolation is not making you listen louder than you used to.

Yes. On my phone, they lack power. Also, I use them for xbox and there's no volume control.

 

[marcusgi]

The E-11 makes my sr-80's sound better than my AT50's, imo. Love the fact the Grado's are so lightweight. The E-11 adds monster bass and controls the highs.