[apropos]

I was looking for a portable amp to go with my Panasonic SL-SV550 CD player and my Ultrasone HFI 650 Trackmaster headphones. The player, unamped, drives them loud enough but I was wondering if using an amp would significantly improve the quality of the sound (I don't really care about making the sound any louder than it already is).

Do you think using an amp would significantly improve sound quality?

If so, which portable amp would you recommend. I am willing to pay around $150; $200 - 220, if the amp is really worth it. So far I was looking at Meier's Porta Corda and Meta 42.

Which of these do you think is best? Are there any other portable amps that would fit me?

Thank you very much,
Apropos.

 

[AIM9x]

From what I have personally had the chance to hear, I'd say a portable meta is the best-sounding portable amp you can get. I have heard the supermini up to v5.0 as well as having owned a cha47, they do not compare to the meta. I believe there are some selling used in the FS/FT forum (mainly mine,

). Or you can check out the websites on mall-fi for guys who fill in meta boards for a living.

 

[davidmiya]

Meta42 all the way baby!!!

I'm a staunch defender of the Meta42 tradition. My JMT Meta42 has DRASTICALLY (I mean a lot) improved the sound quality of ALL my headphones including cheaper phones. In hi-quality phones like the HD600's and ER-4S's, the change is HUGE. However, just to let you know, depending on your phones, you may not hear THAT much of a difference. However, the Meta42 will hold you for now. It drives almost anything (save the HD600's and a few others) to a decent quality level.

I would recommend investing in a used Transit Meta42. You can also commission one from JMT or Tangent. Though, JMT tends to build his amps quicker.

 

[apropos]

Thank you for your feedback! Since meta seems to be the best regarded portable amp on this board, I have ordered a used-like-new headsave transit from downingp. It should be coming in two days or so. I will let you know my impressions once it arrives.

Best,
A,

 

[Chops]

Personally, I would have gone with a HeadRoom Total Airhead or a used HeadRoom Supreme, both of which you can find for $200 or less these days.

 

[apropos]

chops,

just out of curiosity - have you tried meta42? if so, why were you dissatisfied?

A.