$,$$$ Amps For $,$$$ IEMs: Any Benefits?

[maynardewm]

I mostly only use IEMs nowadays, I prefer them to headphones. I use mine with my full setup: Gustard R26 /w DDC and External Clock, Eversolo A6 /w upgraded LPS, Primare CD32, and a Topping A90D. This would normally be a setup for home theatre or full size headphones, and I use it for that too, I have Susvaras and Elites and Atriums. But it sounds fantastic with my 64 Audio U12T! Its really all I use now. I’ll be selling off some of my headphones soon.

The Topping A90D is perhaps the weak part in my chain. I’m wondering if investing in a high end amp is worth it for IEMs? I usually only ever see people use IEMs with cheaper portable gear or DAPs. I have an SP3000. It’s ok. My full setup sounds much better though.

The reason I ask: I have a budget of about $4k, and I’ve been eyeing a few different pairs of IEMs: the FatFreq Grand Maestro, and the Campfire Audio Trifecta. But I’ve also been looking at the Holo Bliss. I can’t afford to get both. With IEMs is there really anything left to gain from more expensive amps? Or is an A90D already overkill? Power wise it’s overkill for sure, but sound quality wise is what I’m asking.

Thank you!!

 

[dunring]

The best amplifier I've ever had for IEMs is the Topping l30 II since it's the most quiet amplifier in the 50mv test ever recorded at Audiosciencereview. With 10ohm IEMs it's really obvious and you can here the tiniest detail.
An optical USB cable will really help if noise is any kind of issue.

 

[tassardar]

There is some small agains using good amplifier with iem. But the sound itself is still mainly by the IEM and amplifiers rarely make a whole lot of difference.

 

[baskingshark]

I mostly only use IEMs nowadays, I prefer them to headphones. I use mine with my full setup: Gustard R26 /w DDC and External Clock, Eversolo A6 /w upgraded LPS, Primare CD32, and a Topping A90D. This would normally be a setup for home theatre or full size headphones, and I use it for that too, I have Susvaras and Elites and Atriums. But it sounds fantastic with my 64 Audio U12T! Its really all I use now. I’ll be selling off some of my headphones soon.

The Topping A90D is perhaps the weak part in my chain. I’m wondering if investing in a high end amp is worth it for IEMs? I usually only ever see people use IEMs with cheaper portable gear or DAPs. I have an SP3000. It’s ok. My full setup sounds much better though.

The reason I ask: I have a budget of about $4k, and I’ve been eyeing a few different pairs of IEMs: the FatFreq Grand Maestro, and the Campfire Audio Trifecta. But I’ve also been looking at the Holo Bliss. I can’t afford to get both. With IEMs is there really anything left to gain from more expensive amps? Or is an A90D already overkill? Power wise it’s overkill for sure, but sound quality wise is what I’m asking.

Thank you!!

Most IEMs are generally easy to drive and most do not need amplification.

But there are outliers that have low sensitivity/high impedance - eg Final E5000 at 93 dB/mW sensitivity. While you can get adequate headroom and volume from a weak source like an Apple dongle, the bass may be flabby and one-noted, with a lack of dynamics.


But some are using the amps for sonic colouring (some amps are not neutral but perhaps bassier or brighter), and the output impedance of an amp may also affect low impedance IEMs (which may likewise colour the music).