[inego]

Arrgh! In just happily throwing my ibasso D2+ into my bag, I seem to have broken the "charge" on/off switch by pushing it into the unit, so will need a replacement.
 
Now, I've been happily listening for a while and lost track of the "bang for buck" portable amp discussions. I actually don't need a DAC -  I bought the ibasso cheapish off a fellow head-fier to see what difference an amp would make to my ipod classic/UM3X rig.
 
So, in the $70-$200 range, what are the best options for my replacement amp ($70 being the E11 in Australia)? If I was being cheap, would the E11 be a big disappointment after the Ibasso, especially with the UM3X?

 

[chef8489]

I feel the e11 was a great amp for the price.

 

[inego]

Quote:

I feel the e11 was a great amp for the price.

Thanks - my only concern is, having scanned the E11 threads, the hiss noted given that I'm using the UM3X. I haven't noticed any with the ibasso, so introducing it by saving a few bucks doesn't seem a good idea. But if it's really not a major issue with the E11, $70 is a great price.
 

 

[inego]

Just a bump on this, and maybe I should have titled it better - what is currently the best portable amp (no DAC) up to $200, and what is the best value for with accurate IEMs such as the UM3X?

 

[HiFlight]

Just a bump on this, and maybe I should have titled it better - what is currently the best portable amp (no DAC) up to $200, and what is the best value for with accurate IEMs such as the UM3X?

I can highly recommend the iBasso T5!

 

[inego]

Thanks - before I bought the D2+ I'd almost pulled the trigger on a T3D, so a T5 would be logical.
 
Is my thinking that an amp alone is (or at least ought to be) better than an amp+DAC at the same price point?

 

[SoulSyde]

X2 on the T5!