[gratefulshrink]

Hi people. I'm thinking about upgrading amps. I want to step into the $200 range (I can't yet "commit" mentally to the ~$400 for the SR-71).

Use would be for 3g ipod with pocket dock, and maybe also with the jack on G4 powerbook.

Current cans: SR-60, AKG 240s and K501, Beyer DT250-250, Senn HD 280.

My "requirements" (other than cost): smaller is better, one battery better than 2, can take 9V rechargeable.

I'm not sure if USB port is worth it or not (comments appreaciated).

I had narrowed it down to the Portaphile v2, but then saw that Headroom is releasing the Micro Amp ($300). Now today I am reading posts about the Porta Corda mkIII. Any thoughts on these three, or perhaps a suggestion on a a different ~$200 portable amp that satisifes my audio needs (which probably will never be fully satisfied....) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[atx]

Quote:

I had narrowed it down to the Portaphile v2, but then saw that Headroom is releasing the Micro Amp ($300). Now today I am reading posts about the Porta Corda mkIII. Any thoughts on these three, or perhaps a suggestion on a a different ~$200 portable amp that satisifes my audio needs (which probably will never be fully satisfied....) would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think any of those amps sound any worse than the others. They just sound different, so it's a matter of preference and practicality. Once you get into the $300 range, you can add the supermacro to your list-- the advantage being you can then muck around with different opamps and add your own contribution to the holy-crap-the-supermacro-is-awesome thread.

As for the portaphile, if you sign up for an M3 demo at rockhopper audio, you can preview what you'll be getting without putting down money.

 

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atx I don't think any of those amps sound any worse than the others. They just sound different, so it's a matter of preference and practicality. Once you get into the $300 range, you can add the supermacro to your list-- the advantage being you can then muck around with different opamps and add your own contribution to the holy-crap-the-supermacro-is-awesome thread. As for the portaphile, if you sign up for an M3 demo at rockhopper audio, you can preview what you'll be getting without putting down money.

Thanks for the info. It looks like the portaphile is off the list for a while (they have a parts shortage, and don't expect to ship until August).

 

[Romanee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gratefulshrink Hi people. I'm thinking about upgrading amps. I want to step into the $200 range (I can't yet "commit" mentally to the ~$400 for the SR-71). Use would be for 3g ipod with pocket dock, and maybe also with the jack on G4 powerbook. Current cans: SR-60, AKG 240s and K501, Beyer DT250-250, Senn HD 280. My "requirements" (other than cost): smaller is better, one battery better than 2, can take 9V rechargeable. I'm not sure if USB port is worth it or not (comments appreaciated). I had narrowed it down to the Portaphile v2, but then saw that Headroom is releasing the Micro Amp ($300). Now today I am reading posts about the Porta Corda mkIII. Any thoughts on these three, or perhaps a suggestion on a a different ~$200 portable amp that satisifes my audio needs (which probably will never be fully satisfied....) would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't yet heard the new Micro Amp (I will give it serious attention at the June 18 NYC meet). I did not care for the Coda amp, though the Overture DAC was great with every amp I applied it to. I own and do not especially like the PortaCorda Mk II; aside from its new features, I am curious to know if the PCMkIII sounds better. I very much like the Portaphile V2 with My K501s, with Beyer DT250s, Senn HD650s, SA5000, Beyer DT-770.

Portaphile will probably have expanded features in the not-too-distant future, but it sounds great now, and it's a great value. I have a 4G 40GB iPod and the P-V2 is very lively and involving with the iPod and my K501s, which as you know are very challenging.

The SR-71 is a wonderful amp, but I can appreciate your budgetary considerations. I can't yet afford one myself.

It is very unfortunate about the BUF634 shortage. Perhaps you can find a previously owned P-V2.

I will certainly post mini-reviews of the Headroom Micro-units -- and every other important small amp and DAC present at the June 18 NYC meet (as will other attendees).

 

[S_Dedalus]

Just a comment on your issues with 2 batteries. Very few opamps can run well on only 9V, so the slight inconvenience of 2 batteries can bring a big improvement in sound. I haven't listened to any of the amps you mentioned, but a used XP-7 seems to fall in the $300-350 range, and that is a great amp.

 

[Romanee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by S_Dedalus Just a comment on your issues with 2 batteries. Very few opamps can run well on only 9V, so the slight inconvenience of 2 batteries can bring a big improvement in sound. I haven't listened to any of the amps you mentioned, but a used XP-7 seems to fall in the $300-350 range, and that is a great amp.

A used SR-71 should also fall into that range, and that is a great amp as well.

But the target stated is the $200 range, not $300-350.

 

[S_Dedalus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romanee A used SR-71 should also fall into that range, and that is a great amp as well. But the target stated is the $200 range, not $300-350.

Well a porta corda mkIII USB and a headroom micro amp are both around $300, and he/she expressed interest in both.

 

[gratefulshrink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romanee I haven't yet heard the new Micro Amp (I will give it serious attention at the June 18 NYC meet). I did not care for the Coda amp, though the Overture DAC was great with every amp I applied it to. I own and do not especially like the PortaCorda Mk II; aside from its new features, I am curious to know if the PCMkIII sounds better. I very much like the Portaphile V2 with My K501s, with Beyer DT250s, Senn HD650s, SA5000, Beyer DT-770.

What do you find lacking in the mkII?