Othello3
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 14, 2009
- Posts
- 33
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It seems that there is a strong sentiment against portable amps in general and it doesn't take much to figure out why but I have a more specific question regarding the relatively inexpensive amp market. I am new to Head-Fi but I intend to expand my horizons as I will likely be living without a real speaker system for several years (university, graduate school, etc...). As to my "background," I will for the time being be using a pair of SE530 IEM's out of either an iPod, an external soundcard or possibly an older model Adcom cd player. I also have a salvaged Adcom stereo amp and pre-amp that I may or may not use depending on the feedback I get.
Now for my actual question... In the $200-400 amp arena, how do high quality portables such as the RSA amps compare to cheaper desktop amps? Are these amps noticeably better than cheaper portables (ie. iBasso)? Any other recommendations? I am by no means the worlds most discerning audiophile so ultimately I think I would rather spend my money on a reliable amp from RSA than something from Taiwan with nobody to stand behind it but not if it means less reliable sound.
Now for my actual question... In the $200-400 amp arena, how do high quality portables such as the RSA amps compare to cheaper desktop amps? Are these amps noticeably better than cheaper portables (ie. iBasso)? Any other recommendations? I am by no means the worlds most discerning audiophile so ultimately I think I would rather spend my money on a reliable amp from RSA than something from Taiwan with nobody to stand behind it but not if it means less reliable sound.