[whubbard]

I'm looking to get a new portable headphone amp and the P-51 seems perfect. I don't really wan't to spend anymore than $400 and RSA's new SR-71B seems like overkill based on what I'm looking for. For $400 are there any other recommendations. If I'm willing to DIY does the Mini^3 come close to the P-51?
 
Thanks,
West

 

[whubbard]

We'll after I realized how cheap the Mini^3 could be had for, I jumped. I still might want to get the P-51 if it's better though.

 

[Mad Max]

P-51 probably better.

 

[violinvirtuoso]

Quote:

We'll after I realized how cheap the Mini^3 could be had for, I jumped. I still might want to get the P-51 if it's better though.

The Mini^3 is good, but it won't be as good as the P-51 Mustang. If you don't care about size, get the iBasso D4. It can sound almost exactly like the P-51 Mustang (after rolling Op-Amps). It also has an excellent built in DAC.

 

[Mochan]

Mini^3 and Mustang sound very different. Also priced very different, haha! Mini^3 is like 1/10th the price of the Mustang. Personally I find the Mustang is too expensive and not that good really.  It has a sublime level of clarity and detail -- the separation of sounds is incredible as is how clear it is especially in the mids. I don't find it worth the asking price but different people will spend whatever on whatever, so see if you find it's worth it to you.
 
The Mini^3 is very different, unlike the Mustang which is more relaxed and effortless the Mini^3 is like a marathon runner trying to do a 100m dash. It is very excited, aggravated and aggressive, giving a lot of energy to the mids and placing things right in your face. It doesn't have anywhere near the finesse and refinement of the Mustang but has its own aggressive charm.

 

[whubbard]

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. The way you described the Mustang has me definitely wanting to purchase it, but Mochan you seem to think there is something better for the price. Do you have anything in mind?
 
Also I will have the Mini^3 completed for $124.61 including shipping & taxes, ($96.11 in parts) which isn't bad. I will build the "High Performance" version and worse case scenario I use it as a backup to another portable amp.
 
Thanks Again,
West

 

[Mochan]

Better for the price? Well, can't really say. There are desktop amps which I think are better for the price, but then it wouldn't be a portable. Portability has its own premium.  I haven't heard anything to best the Mustang when it comes to detail, clarity and effortless presentation in a portable, anywhere at $400 or below. Probably another RSA would. 
 
If these things are important to you, the $400 shouldn't be a put off and this may be the portable amp for you.

 

[incursore61]

Hello I have this  question: but the P51 have the battery? is rechargeble ? or must always be connected to the main supply?
tanks

 

[CaptainFlam]

you can look here
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/457176/p-51-mustang-recharge-question
 
 
battery with 70-80 hours per charge

 

[Mochan]

Internal battery, long lived, only chargeable with a wall wart charger. No USB unfortunately.

 

[incursore61]

very tank's  !!!