E500+what amp or DAC or whatever

[wayneker]

I am a new owner of Shure's E500/SE530.

My setup is as follows. Apple's MacBook Pro 17in with iTune (mostly lossless) and iPod Video 60GB. most of the music is jazz, lounge/chill out, hip hop

My question is what should I get to improve the sound? DAC? external sound processor, Amp?

What is my best option for under US$400?

 

[Spyro]

What don't you like about the sound as is?

Am I the only one at Head-Fi that thinks the Ipod internal amp does quite well with E500's?

I can't imagine a bassier sound being a plus and I'm not sure what else you gain. I mean what specifically is wrong with the Ipod amp with IEM's under 30 Ohms?

 

[apnk]

The hiss for me. And I am a basshead, add the XP amp and it's even more bassy.

 

[wayneker]

For me, I am just gonna use iPod as is. You are right, E500 is pretty easy to drive. For my laptop though, I want to get rid of the hiss and some harsh high in a few songs. I also want an improved sound stage. Of course, I want my highs to be sweeter and bass to be a bit more extended. I have heard that a good amp can improve just about every thing. So, I am wonder if I should add an amp or change improve the source by adding a DAC.

 

[HearMe]

When I wanted to improve my sound I started with the Headroom Micro Amp and Micro DAC. This setup is transportable with my laptop. The amp has gain settings to adjust for my IEM's. Eventually I purchased the Headroom Desktop Maxx for my desktop setup. I hope this helps and sorry about your wallet

 

[ZARIM]

TOMAHAWK, XIN SUPER MICRO IV, LaRocco PRII (mk2) ARE THE BEST FOR PORTABLE USE(WITH IPOD OR LAPTOP)..........

 

[PeterDLai]

The Headphonia might be somewhat practical for your laptop considering it has a USB DAC and amp in one unit.

 

[spacemanspliff]

iMod + XP = E500 = big, big thumbs up. One of the best sounding combos ever heard by me.

 

[mrdeadfolx]

RSA Tomahawk

 

[wayneker]

In addition, I am accustomed to using the triple-fanged washable inserts from my ER4P days. I have heard that the yellow foamies are the best. But my SE530 doesn't come with them. Are they worth it? what are the impressions on those yellow foamies compare to the washable ones and the black foamies that come with the headphone?

 

[i.comm]

tomahawk makes a big diff to me - as do black foamies!

 

[wayneker]

How about Meier Aria? Is it a good match with E500? I only ask because it has a build in USB DAC. Has anyone experience this AMP, particularly with E500?

 

[Wildcard30]

The E500s sound great with the Tomahawk and the XP the XP has heavier bass.