Best Headphone amp for under $150?

[phantompersona]

Hi im looking for a new amp to power my RE262. I'll be using it with my Sansa Clip or my computer. I've been using the Fiio E6 for a while now, but i feel its time to upgrade. I want an amp full size or portable(preferably)  for $150 and under. I listen mainly to Iems. 
 
My choices so far the Fiio E11 and Cmoy Dual Chip http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Best-Ultimate-CMOY-Dual-chip-rechargeable-mp3-ipod-LM6171-Lm4562-/200680768072?pt=AU_Electronics_Audio_Amplifiers&hash=item2eb9818248#ht_3833wt_1017. 

Any other suggestions(better) are welcome.

 

[Mustvid]

Check here http://www.jdslabs.com/store.php the Cmoy is a very nice portable amp under $150 and they also sell the C421 for $184. I've had the Cmoy for 18 months and really like it. I am thinking about moving up to the C421.

 

[phantompersona]

Yes the cmoy is nice but i got word from Clieos that the dual chip Cmoy i listed is much better. I needed the biggest upgrade i can get from the Fiio E6. Thanks for the input though, if you have any more suggestions, please post

 

[Mustvid]

Sorry, I didn't see that in your post. I've never heard of a dual chip Cmoy. I might check it out but I'm leaning toward the C421.

 

[phantompersona]

C421 sounds nice too, But a bit over my budget. If i can wait 2 more weeks i can up my budgets by 100. but for now  mainly looking for 150 and below.
 
Off topic : Nintendo Direct conference in less than 2 hours OMG! https://www.facebook.com/WiiU/app_385608378148291 Watch it Nintendo Fan Boys!!!!

 

[phantompersona]

no more suggestions ?

 

[Mutnat]

I'd suggest you wait the two weeks and pick up the C421, personally.

 

[shadow419]

Quote:

no more suggestions ?

If you need portable (like keep in your pocket small)  I'd try the C241 or E17.  If you just need something you can put in a backpack and runs off batteries, you could try the O2 also for sale at JDS Labs.  The O2  has plenty of power for most headphones and a very black background for the most sensitive of iem's. (you did say you're an iem guy)

 

[ClieOS]

I don't think I had said the dual opamp cmoy is much better. It is the three opamp (dualLM4562 + one LM6141) cmoy by the same eBayer (fred_fred_2004) that I am referring to.

However, for $150 and really more of a semi-portable headphone amp, I do think O2 is the best as long as you can live with its size.

 

[phantompersona]

Oh thanks for clearing that up!

 

[risenfallen]

Depending on what you want to pair with it and how much portability you need. For full-size phones, I feel the Neco Soundlab Portable V3 (listed here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/new-V3-DUAL-AMP-portable-headphone-amplifier-/140768397860?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item20c6734a24) is really great for the money; simple design yet really clean, powerful and very open soundstage. I'm not familiar with IEMs in general or the RE262 though but I've heard people have good experience using their IEMs with the Neco too.

 

[BrainFood]

Quote:

Depending on what you want to pair with it and how much portability you need. For full-size phones, I feel the Neco Soundlab Portable V3 (listed here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/new-V3-DUAL-AMP-portable-headphone-amplifier-/140768397860?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item20c6734a24) is really great for the money; simple design yet really clean, powerful and very open soundstage.

 
Loads of information, except...the weight

.  Looks interesting anyway.

 

[risenfallen]

Quote:

 
Loads of information, except...the weight

.  Looks interesting anyway.

 
It's a bit on the bulky side though but build quality is hard to match. As for performance, I prefer it by a large margin to the transportable O2.

 

[BrainFood]

thanks for the heads up 

 

[shadow419]

Quote:

 
It's a bit on the bulky side though but build quality is hard to match. As for performance, I prefer it by a large margin to the transportable O2.

Looks like a dual mono cmoy type amp.  Claims much better battery life but really not impressive, especially since you get absolutely no type of performance numbers form the seller.