[altaxc]

ibasso would probably put me back $175.  Another option is the e17 and slightly better headphones though.  Is there really much difference between dual wolfson chips and a single of the same style?  I've been using portapros and k550s unamped and without dac so that's my sonic range right now.

 

[altaxc]

so for example, here's two setups:
1) ibasso amp/dac and etymotic hf5/ klipsch x10
or
2)fiio e17 and triplefi 10
 
which would you recommend has more bang for the buck?

 

[H20Fidelity]

Personally, I would get the TF10, and possibly consider C&C BH for your amp. Which I know pairs overly well with the Triple-Fi's for $100. I have the TF10 and BH amp, the results are very pleasing.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/644363/c-c-bh-portable-headphone-amp-80-hours-from-a-single-charge-buyer-review

Remember though C&C BH is not a DAC/AMP, only an amp.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[altaxc]

I'm thinking that i'll probably need a dac because my source is poor (stock laptop).  Any other suggestions or ideas between the two packages previously mentioned?

 

[H20Fidelity]

I tell you what, if you're looking for a decent budget DAC/AMP check out the Topping D2 MK2.

Here's a review.

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.headfonia.com%2Ftopping-d1-mark-ii%2F&ei=_hRoUf2ECoKRigfTnoGoCQ&usg=AFQjCNF21AFOCEV7JhasesP61S93aYU9fA&sig2=tlsxwIm0c47X7jGY1ihJ-A&bvm=bv.45175338,d.dGI

You can find them on MP4nation for about $89

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mp4nation.net%2F&ei=PxVoUcSQJu20iQfel4DYCA&usg=AFQjCNFGaUUqN1fMVSXzD5J2v21K9UW2HQ&sig2=4qKxtr1PjVdq4gMp5lqjHw&bvm=bv.45175338,d.dGI

Edit: They have on eBay for about $83

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Topping-TP-D1-MKII-MK2-USB-sound-card-CS4398-USB-decoder-External-For-PC-laptop-/180981151844?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item2a23513864&_uhb=1


All the best.

 

[altaxc]

thanks!  Another important aspect to consider when helping me with this choice is that I will buy the more expensive item first.  If, for example I got the ibasso I would use it with my portapros for a while and then upgrade to IEMs a little later.  If I upgraded to more expensive IEMs I would wait for a while for the dac/amp.

 

[cravenz]

Have a look at what H20Fidelity referred to and what the write ups about them are. I'm not sure how much benefit you'll gain with spending approx 100 on a pair of IEMs. They will be decent for sure, but whether the difference will be night and day will be another thing altogether. It's hard to make the call because we all hear things differently too. 
 
I would go for any USB dac unit that improves on your laptop. But also, in my opinion, if one upgrades, they should take a few strides forward and not little by little. Another option is really to think about getting a DAP i.e. iPod or a dedicated audio player so to speak. That way, you use it when you move around etc. And they don't cost a crazy amount either. Then spend the rest on a good pair of IEMs. Heck, you may not even blow your whole budget out of the water. 
 
And of the options in your two, I too would go the way of the TF10, though I'm not sure how much an amp would help if you are just using it from your laptop i.e. that's my caveat. 

 

[HFAUDIOPHILE]

The Portapro are already very good sounding pair and if add AMPs/DAC in chain then they will realy improve and i will recommend these AMPs/DAC iBasso D7, ODAC/O2 AMPs, E17 and XM6. You can buy highend IEMs later for more portability, isolation, better soundquality and AMPs/DAC will help them for further improvement