cheap amp for RS-1 / e4c, is it worth it?

[zeyus]

Well my RS-1s are on the way and reading thru the forums it sounds like any headphones benefit from an amp.

But seeing that I have been on a spending spree, I really only want to spend about $50

Is it worth getting an amp for this much? or is it better saving up and getting in future.

Also what kind of other stuff (cables etc) would I need.

The sources would be laptop, ipod mini (4G) and home system.

I would be looking at battery powered. small size so I can sit it in my laptop backpack which has plenty of pockets for bits and pieces.

So buying a cheapie now would it make much difference? or just wait till later?

thanks

Luke

 

[joelongwood]

If you can stretch your budget to $60, you may want to look at the Pocketamp v2 by Gary Ali at Electric-Avenues.....here:http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplifiers.html
I just did a quick A/B using the RS-1 and iPod mini, with and without an amp. To my ears, there is a very noticeable difference. Using the amp (plugged into the headphone jack of the Mini) the sound is noticeably richer sounding and fuller all around. The bass is tighter and more present, and the midrange is more upfront. Without the amp, vocals are rather thin sounding, and the bass weakens considerably. I haven't tried it yet, but using the line-out of the mini by way of a pocketdock or sik din, should improve matters even more. Hope this helps.
BTW, there is an entire thread devoted to the Pocketamp, here:http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=pocketamp

 

[zeyus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelongwood If you can stretch your budget to $60, you may want to look at the Pocketamp v2 by Gary Ali at Electric-Avenues.....here:http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplifiers.html I just did a quick A/B using the RS-1 and iPod mini, with and without an amp. To my ears, there is a very noticeable difference. Using the amp (plugged into the headphone jack of the Mini) the sound is noticeably richer sounding and fuller all around. The bass is tighter and more present, and the midrange is more upfront. Without the amp, vocals are rather thin sounding, and the bass weakens considerably. I haven't tried it yet, but using the line-out of the mini by way of a pocketdock or sik din, should improve matters even more. Hope this helps. BTW, there is an entire thread devoted to the Pocketamp, here:http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ight=pocketamp

Thanks for that, thats exactly the kind of thing i wanted to hear

I'll check that thread, and do some more research and see if (and it does sound like) its what I want.

Thanks

Luke

 

[Jmmmmm]

I just got my pocketamp today, and while I only got to listen to it very briefly, there seemed to be a noticeable improvement with my 325i's. This is my first amp, but I think I see all the fuss now. There were a couple pocketamps in the f/s forum lately, you could check out there. If not the pa, the go-vibe would be good too, if you can find it used.