[dagobah]

I'd like to get an amp that can pull double duty as a portable with my iPod 5G and at home with my X-Fi soundcard. My budget is $300, which I can stretch a little if it's worthwhile to do so.

I'll be using the amp with my AT A900, Beyer DT770/80, Grado SR225, and some JVC Marshmallows which might get replaced with another IEM at some point.

My preference is for a single amp, but I'm open to suggestions for two amps -- one portable and one not -- if they both fit within my budget.

I've been looking at the Meier Corda Move, but I don't really want/need a DAC... or maybe I do... Would the DAC on the Move be better than using the analog out on the X-Fi?

 

[Dzjudz]

I can only speak from my own experience, but I've been using the RSA Hornet for both home and portable use (Sennheiser HD650 and Shure E4 respectively) for the past 9 months (I've only just ordered a separate home amp yesterday). I have to say, it does a damn fine job of providing the juice for my HD650 (I, of course, don't have to say anything about its portable capabilities, there is an abundance of threads praising the little bugger already). If I had to decide on my first amp over again, I'd do the same in a heartbeat.

Hope this helps some.

 

[pkjames]

I think the CORDA MOVE is a very nice amp for such purpose. The internal DAC can act as a sound card so I plug it into my computer at home/work, where its small size is also suitable to carry around.

 

[warrior05]

I'll second the Move suggestion since it has a built-in DAC. Yes, you wouldn't be using your X-Fi but so be it. The Move is a wonderful little amp and I'm willing to bet dollar to donuts it will sound much better than what you can get out of your X-Fi.

 

[elnero]

It's a touch over your budget but how about a HeadAmp AE-2? I bought mine with the intention of using it for both home and semi-portable use and it's been working out fantastically. Part of the reason I went the AE-2 route is it's versatility, with a mini input jack on the front for portable use and RCA's on the back for home use. Gain switch so multiple phones can easily be used and Justin's build quality is top notch.

 

[nburge]

heres a super link for protable amps to help you make your choice
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=216903

 

[dagobah]

I've looked at the Hornet and AE-2. They are a little too far out of my price range if I buy them new, but getting them used is an option.

The portable reviews -- Skylab's especially -- are what got me considering the Move.

If using the DAC on the Move is better than running the X-Fi out straight to the Move amp, then that's fine with me. (My X-Fi is primarily just around for gaming purposes anyway.) In fact, I'd probably prefer it this way since it would justify the perceived extra cost of the integrated DAC and I'm just shy of being convinced that the Move is worth getting independently of it.

 

[Mansize_tissue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagobah /img/forum/go_quote.gif If using the DAC on the Move is better than running the X-Fi out straight to the Move amp, then that's fine with me. (My X-Fi is primarily just around for gaming purposes anyway.) In fact, I'd probably prefer it this way since it would justify the perceived extra cost of the integrated DAC and I'm just shy of being convinced that the Move is worth getting independently of it.

I'm in exactly the same position as you. I use my DT 770 Pros for gaming with my desktop (with an X-Fi Platinum Fatal1ty) and with my laptop for music (with integrated sound card which is on its last legs). Instead of getting a sound card for my laptop, then an amplifier, i think i'm probably going to get the Move since i can use it with the DAC when using my laptop for music and without when using my desktop for gaming.

 

[jdimitri]

While i had the hornet and the Headfive, i'm certain that that hornet was better (at least for the darths)

But nowdays i'd probably recommend a Move more.. it's gives out around the same level of sq for less cash AND it has a DAC (for watching movies on your computer and such)

 

[epaludo]

I'd say the Hornet for this purpose. I use it with a variety of cans and it works very well with all of them. From E2c to K701, with some Grados also.
The hard to be driven K701 isn't a problem for the Hornet, which can make them shine. Highly recommended.

I have listen to other portable headphone amps, but keep in mind that i've never listened to the MOVE ...

 

[Sieg9198]

Most review seems to agree that the Corda Move sounds similiar if not better in SQ compared to the hornet, although I've never heard one(Move) before, I DEFINITELY love my hornet. You can get the Move for a lot less than the hornet. I would say go for the Move.

 

[warrior05]

There is a difference in sound sig between the Move and the Hornet. Some of it comes down to personal preferences. The biggest difference I could hear was the more open sound of the Move.

To me, it sounds like the Move is really the way to go in your case. It is in your price range and offers the flexibility you are looking for. It really is a wonderful little amp.

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nburge /img/forum/go_quote.gif heres a super link for protable amps to help you make your choice http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=216903

I disagree pretty strongly with that ranking, and although I admire Skylabs skills and time invested, I have to speak up occasionally to say the results and methodology (testing base not testing best) is far off in my opinion and I feel very mixed that it's become an expected standard to refer to.

The AT900 will benefit a bit in the low end, but I wouldn't expect drastic changes with amping. The Emmeline SR71 sounds very close to the HR2 in some tests a few of us did with phones and systems better than what you're contemplating, so that, with the exception of lack of AC would be an excellent choice and I used it with the SR225 as a home amp for awhile. The other Emmeline portables may be better here.

I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity and bang for buck of the C&C Box. You can read my review here. I can't speak about the Moves DAC, though the Arias left much to be desired (the amp was the better half).

 

[DennyL]

It does depend on what sort of music is most important to you. My own priority is acoustic/jazz/classical (I listen to other music, but care less about the sound quality). For these types of music I find my SR-71 is very good, and with two PP3 batteries it has a claimed 60 - 70 hour life with alkaline batteries. I have also heard the upcoming Xin Reference, and this would be a very good choice if you are not in a hurry

, as it has a 200+ hour battery life, is within your budget and has sensational sound quality. Both these amps are only bettered by the very best home amps, I believe. They are both better than my DarkVoice, although when I've done some more tube rolling that may change.

 

[AudioDwebe]

From what I've read, the Xin Reference might be your ticket. You can get the headphone jack with "both" plugs for portable headphones AND regular-sized home headphones.

And the sound is supposed to be unreal.