[pandab55]

Sorry, but I am a complete noob to this, so please don't be too rough on me...
 
I have a set of triple fi 10's, monster turbine pro gold and copper, and a set of shure se535s.  I have gone through a bunch of other sets, and these all sound great, but am I missing something with these by not using an amp?
 
If I would benefit from using a amp for my headphones, would you mind listing some that I can buy for less than 500?
 
I'm not an expert, I just really like to hear my music.

 

[SouLazee]

I mainly use IEM's and with the addition of an amp, does not drastically change the way it sounds, it is more of a subtle addition of warmth/detail/etc. So, I don't think you're missing out too much by not using an amp.

On the other hand, if you want to give amps a try, you might want to give the Pico Slim and RSA shadow a look, as they were designed for IEM's in mind. (Edit: spelling)

 

[revolink24]

Pico slim is a nice amp. About the Shadow, well, if you can't say anything nice....

I would say it's not totally necessary. IEMs are mostly quite sensitive. When it comes to IEMs I would be more inclined to get a DAC myself, but then you would need an amp anyway. In the end, it's what your ears think that matters.

 

[Mkubota1]

The TripleFis are efficient enough to run off of most portable players I know of.  I use mine just fine off of the iPad/Pod.  From limited demos with the Monsters (Copper/ Gold/ MDs) and Shures, I would say the same applies.

 

[Bop]

If you're using a PMP that offers a line-out (or something close enough to it) then there's a significant improvement over headphone out in my opinion...some portable amplifiers offer "EQ" or bass boost settings that can tweek the sound a little if that helps.  The FiioE11 is interesting if you want to look into it.
 
 

 

[pandab55]

I am using a iPhone 4 or iPad 2 most of the time.

 

[pandab55]

Thanks for the responses, I will look into those amps listed. 

 

[wind016]

No, but they will always improve through improvements in source.

 

[estreeter]

Quote:

Sorry, but I am a complete noob to this, so please don't be too rough on me...
 

Ever seen the movie 'Misery' ?
 
Seriously, check out ljokerl's epic IEM thread - he mandates an amp in a tiny fraction of the massive number of amps he has reviewed, and recommends the use of an amp in a few others. Note also that most of the amps he used in his reviews are relative minnows in outright power terms compared to many of the current wave of portable amps - you just dont need 1300mW per channel to push drivers that small. My P4 is almost unusable with either of my IEMs - both work fine straight from my 6G Nano. 
 
Most of the 'demand additional amplification' IEMs are sufficiently notorious on Head-Fi that you are unlikely to purchase them without seeing reference to that requirement somewhere. Still, people do buy continue to buy the K701 without realising they need an amp, so I guess anything is possible,