[etherealbeats]

I need a portable amp for my use with my iPod classic and ER-4P's. I do have the ER4P/S cable but don't like the sound of it from the iPod.

What amp goes best with the ER-4P's?

 

[tnmike1]

any Xin product. Apparently, he uses Etys to design his amps, esp. the Supermacros. They also have a switch to change them from "p" to"s" sounds

 

[etherealbeats]

Ok thanks,

so the switch eliminates the need for the P to S cable?

 

[melomaniac]

that's right. btw some people might advise a line-out cable to the amp instead of a mini-mini IC from the headphone out, even though the headphone out of the classic seems to be better than that of previous iPod generations. if you're going to use an amp, might as well simplify the signal path.

 

[etherealbeats]

What about the iBasso T2 with a line-out cable and ER-4P's. Not sure I can go up to over $200 and needs to be easy to carry around in my messenger bag.

 

[bwv1080]

Supermacro III's are popping up in the FS forum from time to time, and I believe there's one there now for $200. I just bought one last week for my ER-4, but I haven't listened to it yet. You'll definitely be able to carry in your bag, though. If it's any help, I can tell you that I read these boards for weeks before deciding to buy the SM III v6. The iBasso P2 has also been getting great reviews, and it's less than $200 - but you'd have to buy the p-s cable.

 

[etherealbeats]

Ok thanks, I hate decisions. I like the look of the Tomahawk from RS, then I could use the 4P's without the annoying P to S cable, right?

 

[Ricey20]

hmm what is your budget for a portable amp?

 

[etherealbeats]

I say $200 but I guess I could stretch to $250

 

[gp_hebert]

Xin amps are great if you can find them used. SuperMacro and SuperMini cured my portable amps upgraditis by offering the option to roll opamps. That's cool because there's no "house sound", so you can configure them to your liking. A lot of people have had good experiences with SuperMicro and Reference too, but they have less features than the other two models.

From my experience, portable amps using opamp AD8397 add warmth to the ER4 and some extra punch in the bass. That includes the Mini^3 and PINT amps. They're DIY builds, so they can be found a lot cheaper than commercial models like RSA or Xin.

 

[Ricey20]

I'd suggest a Mini^3 or PINT too, good amps and you can pocket the savings. Also if you could save to 299 you could afford a Headamp Pico (amp only, no DAC) or RSA Tomahawk.

 

[etherealbeats]

Thanks all for the advice.

I think the Tomahawk will be my weapon of choice. I better get saving I guess. What cable would you recommend with that? I'm liking the Jumbo Cryo Dock from ALO but little out of my price range if I'm gonna get the Tomahawk.

EDIT: Wait what's the difference betweent he Jumbo Cryo and the Cryo?

 

[Ricey20]

jumbo is 18 gauge wire so its thicker than the normal cryo that uses a 22 gauge wire.

 

[etherealbeats]

Does anyone know if there is much audible difference between the two cables. The Cryo Jumbo and the Cryo.

 

[antonyfirst]

The effects of Xin amps with ER4S are overrated. At least using the Supermini III (close to IV with upgrades) and Supermacro LE.
I'm getting much more enjoyment with the iBasso P2, which offers good bass, awesome soundstage, clarity and instrument separation.