[legodt]

I have two hundred dollars to drop for upgrading my portable setup, and I am at a loss for choices. The current system is a pair of HD25-1 IIs plugged directly into an iPod for some chiptune, breakcore, soundtrack, and indie rock listening on the go. Would switching to a Cowon player have a significant increase in sound quality, or should I keep my money for a better cause? Also, if I raised the stakes to 250 dollars, is there a possibly superior set or IEM to the HD25s? Thanks!

 

[MaxwellDemon]

Maybe a portable amp?

 

[legodt]

Quote:

Maybe a portable amp?

I heard those were a sham, is this a true statement?

 

[Jackquelegs]

It's Christmas. Be a secret santa

 

[hotsport]

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/522984/winter-deal-hm-601-player-and-re-zero-combo-259
how about that?
You get both new player and an IEM

 

[Oggranak]

If you're a hardcore audiophile looking to eliminate minor issues with the sound of your portable setup, go for the amp. If you're like me and haven't even found the right headphones yet, I'd avoid them for now.

 

[MaxwellDemon]

Quote:

Quote:

Maybe a portable amp?

I heard those were a sham, is this a true statement?

I don't think so. Especially if you are looking at the portable aspect. However, if you are trying to setup a full-size setup and you decide to buy a portable amp... then... well, yes, it is a bit of a sham.

 
The reason why I suggested a portable amp is because I don't think there is another portable headphone that delivers the quality of the HD25-II. Maybe there is another IEM, and there is definitely room of improvement up to the custom IEMs, but I don't think there is a better earphone/headphone within the range of the $200 - $250.

 

[legodt]

Many people voted for a new player over a portable amp, which one will improve sound quality the most?

 

[Guidostrunk]

The DAP will.Start with a good source and phones.
Quote:

Many people voted for a new player over a portable amp, which one will improve sound quality the most?

 

[MaxwellDemon]

I agree source over amp, however... I was assuming that you are using a relatively new iPod (or a Rockbox'd one). In that case, I don't think there will be a major difference between it and a Cowon player.

 
If you are using an iPod older than the 4th generation, then an update is probably a good idea. If not, then you upgrade your source by making sure you are listening to good bitrates.

 

[Guidostrunk]

Agreed, bitrates of at least 256kbs mp3 or better. I use Media monkey and rip everything to FLAC mostly, WAV isn't bad either.
Quote:

I agree source over amp, however... I was assuming that you are using a relatively new iPod (or a Rockbox'd one). In that case, I don't think there will be a major difference between it and a Cowon player.

 
If you are using an iPod older than the 4th generation, then an update is probably a good idea. If not, then you upgrade your source by making sure you are listening to good bitrates.

 

[xXFallenAngelXx]

I think your DAP should be fine and if you haven't already like others suggested upping ur bitraets ..considering iems seems like a good idea as well

 

[legodt]

Everything is in v0 or 320kbps mp3, so that should not be a problem coming from a fourth generation iPod Nano. (time to upgrade?)