[tdogzthmn]

I have an iPad which sounds pretty good when listening with my ER4S.  I am curious if an amp would give the sound an increase in fidelity of some form.  

 

[calipilot227]

You can get a decent volume level without an amp, but you won't unlock its full potential.

 

[tdogzthmn]

I am also wondering if a portable DAC would be worth while, or if line out will give a similar result.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

you absolutely need an amp for the er-4s. it sounds like ass without being properly amped.
 
get a line out dock + a portable amp and you can really make the er-4s sing.
 
jds labs cmoy bb is really good amp to go with as a beginners portable amp for the er-4s (it's lush, musical and inviting, and adds some okay bass), but i can promise you'll end up wanting more.
 

 

[Spyro]

ER4S DEFINITELY requires an amp.. 
 
I even think the ER4P requires an amp unless you are listening very passive, low volume background music.
 
Ety is the undisputable thinnest sounding IEM ever made.  Some like it, some dont.  Those that like it say the bass is reality.  I just dont hear it that way. 

 

[pedxing]

The fact that you already thought of getting amp pretty much says you want one. Your ety's are telling you how badly you want that amp. Go get an amp unless you enjoy torturing your ears with that really thin sound from your iPad.

I actually don't know how ER-4S and an iPad sound. My iPhone 3GS sounds pretty thin already with the ER-4PT and 75 ohm adapter.

 

[calipilot227]

Quote:

you absolutely need an amp for the er-4s. it sounds like ass without being properly amped.
 

Couldn't have said it better myself 

 

 

[tdogzthmn]

I see a 2stepdance in the near future.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

or arrow or leckerton uha-4 or ttvj slim or the upcoming jds labs c421

 

[cardozo]

In short: If your ER4S dont sound like a full sized headphones, you have a serious problem with your source or amplifier... )
 
Cheers,
 
Peter

 

[KimChee]

Get an amp!  Those ER4Ss will shine!  You're making me wish I still had mine..