[DavidR]

I'm upgrading my IEM from UE SuperFi 5 to a pair of Shure SE425.  My search for higher music quality from my Iphone lead me to wanting some form of amp to further improve the sound quality.
 
My question is, which one?  I'm lost.  I listen to music 5-7 hours a day, in a typical office.  I want something small and portable.  An EQ of some form would be nice as the reviews I have read indicate the 425's can be flat.
 
Currently thinking of ordering the Fiio E6 and L3.  Is there a better option?  Will I notice a difference in sound quality? 

 

[musicinmymind]

E17, I use them with iphone->L9 (LOD)->E17->TF10 and they preform very good,
 
battery on E17 has around 8-9 hours for me

 

[ZARIM]

The JDS labs C421 is amazing for the price and it's neutral airy with good size of soundstage(better match for the SE425), but if you want realy small like E6 then improvement willbe very little ( i will recommend the Mustang P51 for the small size).

 

[grokit]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/522348/venturecraft-go-dap-battery-pack-portable-amp-for-iphone-3gs

http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_en/gd04.php

 

[DavidR]

Quote:

The JDS labs C421 is amazing for the price and it's neutral airy with good size of soundstage(better match for the SE425), but if you want realy small like E6 then improvement willbe very little ( i will recommend the Mustang P51 for the small size).

I do appreciate the smaller size, but I'm not willing to spend the money for a Mustang P51.  Anything else that is this small and will fit my needs better then the E6?  I would like to keep it under $100 if possible.

 

[DavidR]

Quote:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/522348/venturecraft-go-dap-battery-pack-portable-amp-for-iphone-3gs
http://venturecraft.jp/gadget_en/gd04.php

I saw this, and it is a cool design but I would like something smaller.  Also I have a 4S and that version isn't out yet.

 

[Mutnat]

Quote:

I do appreciate the smaller size, but I'm not willing to spend the money for a Mustang P51.  Anything else that is this small and will fit my needs better then the E6?  I would like to keep it under $100 if possible.

 
At that price point, you're probably best with something like a Fiio E11 or iBasso D-Zero.  Under $200, I'd suggest the JDSLabs C421 or the Leckerton UHA-4.  For under $300, the Headstage Arrow seems really nice.

 

[Mooses9]

just save your money, the fiio e5/6 are more of a volume booster verses a amplification. i wasnt impressed with the e5 or 6.

 

[TemplarUK]

another alternative for iphone, never used as don't have an iphone is an ifuzen...http://www.ifuzen.com/

 

[tachyon42]

I had originally went with a Total Bithead for my iPhone/iPod Classic, but overall, it is somewhat of a large little guy to be carrying around in your pocket, and it seems to pick up interference quite easily.
 
Looking back, I definitely would have probably went with a Fiio, but oh well. Now it serves as a DAC for my laptop at home

 

[KimChee]

Fiio E11 with your budget.

 

[FieldingMellish]

I read threads here that says interference results using E11 with an iPhone 4. Or that neighboring iPhones in use can cause interference.

 

[calipilot227]

Quote:

I read threads here that says interference results using E11 with an iPhone 4. Or that neighboring iPhones in use can cause interference.

 
Never had a problem with mine (iPhone 4 -> Fiio L3 -> E11 -> ER-4P). I'm actually looking to upgrade to the C421 in the near future as well, since I've heard it has great synergy with the ER-4

 

[alv4426]

Did you try listening from a music streaming service (pandora, MOG, etc) using 3G/4G/EDGE seems to be the culprit when it comes to interference. At least on my turdy E6 with an iphone4>L3>E6>____. I hope my just ordered Arrow is at least slightly better on that front since I like pandora once in awhile.
Quote:

 
Never had a problem with mine (iPhone 4 -> Fiio L3 -> E11 -> ER-4P). I'm actually looking to upgrade to the C421 in the near future as well, since I've heard it has great synergy with the ER-4

EDIT: Yea definitely go for the L9 I'm actually looking for a lower profile LOD right now cause the L3 is too bulky

 

[Dyaems]

I'd say just buy an L9 and an E6 and toy around the EQ settings from the E6 for your se425. i think blue EQ sounds great with it. and your iphone won't look bulky with an E6 (compared to E11/17). L3 looks bulky when pairing it with an iphone and E6 so L9 is a "better" for me IMO
 
i recommend the e17 though, haha