iPhone 3GS SQ help

[nycbone]

I've been suffering with the 3GS and RE2 during my 1+ hour commute for the past several months. I had originally chalked this up to the RE2, but had a revelation after playing around with an LOD, several amps and headphones today:
 
Headphones: SR125i, KSC75, RE2
Amps: LD 1+, Headroom Micro
 
The RE2 isn't the culprit. It's quite usable with other amps and sources. I've been using it all a.m. to block out the sound of the air conditioner. It certainly doesn't match the SQ of my CD player/DAC and SR125i, but it would be good enough for commuting with a decent source.
 
SQ using the 3GS headphone out is dreadful - shrill and lifeless. Essentially unusable IMO with any of the headphones listed above.
 
SQ using the 3GS/LOD and any of the above amps/headphones (including RE2) is acceptable for commuting.
 
So....
 
I need recommendations for a transparent amp that will allow me to use the 3GS with an LOD and fit in my front pants pocket. Really just something that will allow for use of the LOD. Obviously, smaller is better. Any thoughts about the Fiio E5?
 
Or do I look for a cheap DAP (Sansa Fuze? Clip?) that will fit in my shirt pocket and just use the 3GS for its other features (all that good 32GB gone to waste...)?
 
Thanks.

 

[IDK]

pico slim
mini-box d
fiio e1

 

[nycbone]

re: Fiio E1
I don't know how I missed that one. Just ordered. Thanks!
 

 

[nycbone]

The Fiio E1 should arrive tomorrow. I'll post my initial impressions with RE2 and a new set of RE0 with and without the E1.
 
I just picked up a Sansa Clip+ to replace a 2G Shuffle for exercising. The RE2 sounds sooooooo much better with the Clip+ than the iPhone 3GS headphone out. Not even close. The RE2 really is a nice IEM - perfectly suitable for use away from the home system. After a year, I've finally learned to appreciate it away from iPod sources with headphone out (Nano 4G, 2G Touch and 3GS). I'm anxious to try the Clip+ with the RE0. That could be my solution for commuting.
 
I like the iPhone for it's other features (I use the video playback quite a bit), but I've not been at all happy with the SQ. It may have to go...

 

[nycbone]

 -

 

[striker]

Quote:

I just picked up a Sansa Clip+ to replace a 2G Shuffle for exercising. The RE2 sounds sooooooo much better with the Clip+ than the iPhone 3GS headphone out. 

Not my experience at all. Tried my RE0 with the Clip+ just to check what all the fuss was about, and honestly it was pretty much the same as the iPhone 3G HO, perhaps a tiny bit more body on the bass region, a bit less sparkle on the highs, but nothing really noticeable on the move.
 
This is at moderate volume levels, btw.

 

[nycbone]

I guess you responded as I was deleting that message... (decide to wait until E1 and RE0 arrive).
 
The 3GS with RE2 is useless. I'll be curious to see how it does with RE0 (all w/ and w/o E1).

 

[nycbone]

E1 and RE0 just arrived (so RE0 not burned in, if that matters). First of all, the RE0 is a lovely IEM. Far better than the RE2 15 minutes out of the box. Just what I was hoping for.
 
Tested Sansa Clip+, 3GS HO and 3GS with E1. In order of SQ (without EQ):
 
RE0
3GS with E1 > Sansa Clip+ > 3GS HO
 
RE2
3GS with E1 > Sansa Clip+ >>>> 3GS HO
 
Better SQ means that I like it better. Nothing more, nothing less.
 
I'll let the RE0 burn-in for a while to see if anything changes. I will be putting the RE2 in my (ever-growing) backup drawer.
 
I'm not yet sure whether or not having the extra coil of wire from the E1 in my front pants pocket is better/worse than having the Clip+ in my shirt pocket. Fumbling with the extra wire has 'drop the phone' written all over it.
 
I think the perfect option would be a headphone jack built into a locking LOD, without the wire or volume/playback controls. If I go with the E1, it will need to be modified.
 
I may also try to live with the RE0 and 3GS HO for a while.

 

[adktitan]

you could try the ttvj slim..

 

[nycbone]

I guess... although I've spend to much time/$ on music for my commute. I'd rather spend the $ on recordings. I'll figure out the best combination of SQ/convenience with what I have and make do. I've listening to the 3GS/E1/RE0 since my last post and I really like it. If I can get creative with tape or adhesive (to the case, not the phone), I should be able to make it work.
 
I'm glad I got the Clip anyway as it's a HUGE improvement over the iPod Shuffle that I've been using during exercise. Good for working around the house as well.
 
Thanks.
 

 

[striker]

Quote:

I'm not yet sure whether or not having the extra coil of wire from the E1 in my front pants pocket is better/worse than having the Clip+ in my shirt pocket. Fumbling with the extra wire has 'drop the phone' written all over it.
 
I think the perfect option would be a headphone jack built into a locking LOD, without the wire or volume/playback controls. If I go with the E1, it will need to be modified.

You could try this, it's pretty easy:
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/457862/fiio-e1-review-thread/15#post_6630443

 

[nycbone]

Cool. Time to whip out the soldering iron.
 
Thanks!