ER-4P with Go Vibe or Supermono?

[motifone]

Hi All

I am considering the purchase of an amp to use with my Ipod's line-out and ER-4P set. Portability is important. I've heard some decent things about the Go Vibe and the more expensive, soon-to-come Xin SuperMono (for all intensive purposes, basically like the SuperDual but better)

It might be unfair to compare the Go Vibe and the more expensive SuperMono, but are there any thoughts as to which way I should lean? Will one clearly provide a better sound than the other? Is one indeed "better" (assuming the SuperMono performs at least at the level of a SuperDual). Has anyone used or heard both?

I do want a conversion of the 4p to 4s, and that built in switch in the SuperMono is nice (plus bass bost and wall power). With the Go Vibe I assume I'd have to add another cable (4p>4s) to the mix.

Just curious as to all your seasoned thoughts!

 

[bthall]

The only thing I can tell you is that I personally think the combo of the SuperDual and Ety4p is fabulous. Therefore, on the assumption that the Supermono (or whatever it will be called) is going to have the same characteristics as the SuperDual, the Supermono would be worth waiting for.

BarryT

 

[LTUCCI1924]

HI: I heard from XIN today and asked him if the super mono will sound better than a PPA amp and he said that will be up to the buyers to decide. He did say that the supermono will be the best sounding amp that he has made so far.Just think better than any of his other amps. That it will have all the sound of a full pledged amp. I think the momo is going to be vey special.
Here is some of what he said.
Hi LOU,
There is no RCA jacks, but of course you can simply use a RCA-mini cable/adapter. Other than that, the SuperMono has all the power and features of a home amp. With a 24V wal wart, it can output 5W (with default 250mA buffers) or 10W (if 500mA buffers pluged in, user swappable).

 

[Jon L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTUCCI1924 HI: I heard from XIN today and asked him if the super mono will sound better than a PPA amp and he said that will be up to the buyers to decide. He did say that the supermono will be the best sounding amp that he has made so far.Just think better than any of his other amps. That it will have all the sound of a full pledged amp. I think the momo is going to be vey special. Here is some of what he said. Hi LOU, There is no RCA jacks, but of course you can simply use a RCA-mini cable/adapter. Other than that, the SuperMono has all the power and features of a home amp. With a 24V wal wart, it can output 5W (with default 250mA buffers) or 10W (if 500mA buffers pluged in, user swappable).

Will it drive AKG K1000? I would have to make 4-pin XLR to headphone adapter...

 

[loveheadphones]

i have found (and it is a general consensus here as well) that Xin's amplifiers pair very well with Etymotics earphones. The supermono will be an excellent choice.

 

[motifone]

agreed, I have heard good things about the Xin line of amp with Ety headphones

would it be fair, to say the stacking order of amp quality from low to higest would be

go vibe > Xin superdual (supermono) > SR-71

Would there be a leap in quality from a Xin product to a SR-71. (certainly a leap in price)

 

[etys rule]

motifone,

i was one of the first to receive xin's sd. i use the sd with my 3g ipod, and my ety 4p's. this has become, by far, the most convenient setup for everyday use. i lugged around a larocco pr (the sound was fantastic, mind you) but it became tiresome lugging around that big amp. i am now able to slip the sd into my front pocket with the ipod attached to my belt. it is imho the perfect ultra portable setup. my only grip is with apple, in that there is still no dedicated line out in the 4g models (and no, i will not be upgrading until there is) the sik imp is a bit annoying in that it tends to get all curled up. but even this is a small price to pay for great sound. the bass boost works quite well, and the imped switch works, but i have not done any a/b testing between the etymotic converter cable and xin's switch. and yes, i find that xin's amps do complement the etys sound.

as for the supermono, one thing i have learned from owning a few of xin's creations is that he is always improving or tweaking current models. so i would say, if you come across a sd for sale, buy it. given the fairly limited supply, i would think it would retain it's value quite nicely. and when the supermono is in production, you can upgrade from there, if you are so inclined.

jm2c.

etys

 

[motifone]

etys rule

thanks for the helpful post. your set up sounds similar to mine. here's what i'm planning:

40GB 3rd Gen Ipod > Sik Cable > (insert here probably the Xin mini to mini right angle unit http://www.fixup.net/products/whitemini.htm) > (insert here Amp yet to be bought) > ER4P

What I like about the Superdual/Supermono is its reputation with Ety's and the built in E4P>E4S switch, which would eliminate the need for yet another cable in the above set-up. SR-71 also has a great reputation, but not quite being a seasoned audophile, I don't know if my ears would here the difference from a Xin product to the SR-71 and be able to justify the additional $200 (mono is around $200; sr-71 $395) And if this conversion switch is up to par to a conversion cable, then all the better.

i'll see what the word is when mono is released