[Audio 26]

I am looking to get one of my first Portable Headphone Amplifiers. I was looking at the IBasso PB2 but woud like some help. My limit to price is under $400. My headphones are not hard to power but am looking to upgrade them eventually, I am looking now to enrich the sound of the headphones with an amplifier. I will be pairing the amplifier with an Ipod Classic.

 

[DrSheep]

I just reviewed the Sony PHA-1 over in the portable amp section and you should check it out.  You can find it for around $350 and has a lot of functions.  I was a bit critical in my review but I do think you will be happy with it.  Much better quality than any FiiOs and way less expensives than Fostex or VentureCraft.

 

[ostewart]

JDS Labs C5?

 

[Audio 26]

The PHA-1 seems good but I will eventually be pairing it with a DAC. Will it still be a good choice? Also will it be able to drive larger headphones if I upgrade the ones I have?

 

[DrSheep]

Quote:

The PHA-1 seems good but I will eventually be pairing it with a DAC. Will it still be a good choice? Also will it be able to drive larger headphones if I upgrade the ones I have?

If you are going to those REALLY high end portable stuff, then look into the Cypher Labs AlgoRhythm Solo (CLAS) pair with ALO RxMK3.  However, I strongly suggest you look into VentureCraft Go-DAP TT and their SounDroid Typhoon as they are much newer with loads more advanced functions.

 

[Audio 26]

Thank you for your help.

 

[DrSheep]

NP, for the long run the SounDroid Typhoon is your best bet, because it 1, has DSD; 2, works with high impedance cans; 3, on discount right now since it is new; 4, optical in and out for all kinds of future hookups.  I really want to get one too, but I already have a DragonFly and a V-MODA VERZA so that will be an overkill.

 

[Audio 26]

Do you know anything about the Practical Devices XM5? I was looking into that also.

 

[mstrbootrcrd]

I just reviewed the Sony PHA-1 over in the portable amp section and you should check it out.  You can find it for around $350 and has a lot of functions.  I was a bit critical in my review but I do think you will be happy with it.  Much better quality than any FiiOs and way less expensives than Fostex or VentureCraft.

I was looking at getting a fiio e07 or e17
What do you find wrong with them?

 

[DrSheep]

My major beef with the PHA-1 is the analog amp, which seems much weaker than the listed spec compare to my V-MODA VERZA.  Otherwise it is a great medium level DAC/AMP if you want to move away from FiiOs and have some easy to drive IEMs or headphones.  For $350 it is a good buy but not for $600.

 

[mstrbootrcrd]

I have shure 940s, recently bought them and getting into the portable and home headphone amp world.
Are they easy to drive?

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

 

[DrSheep]

It's only 42 ohms, should be easy enough.

 

[Audio 26]

Would you recommend an Amp/Dac combination in one unit or just a regular amp. I will be getting an external dac eventually with either one.

 

[DrSheep]

The key is how's your budget and what are your sources.  If you get something like the CLAS DAC with the ALO amp but cost more, or a good all in one unit that you can reuse the DAC later like the VentureCraft ST.