[modusmortis]

Hi everyone,
 
I’m looking for the most accurate and neutral amp/dac unit in the <$300 price range.  I’m also curious about units in the <$500 range. My headphones are Etymotic ER4S (IEMs) and my source is a PC (foobar/flac). I would prefer to use SPDIF to connect to the PC, instead of USB.
 
Any suggestions on what is good to get?
 
Thanks

 

[Ypoknons]

You don't really need a home amp for a ER-4, but if you do want one make sure that 
 
1) You make sure it doesn't hiss with IEMs before you buy.
2) It's gain isn't too high so there's a good usable range on the volume trouble. 
 
Maybe you can get a Sheer Audio HA-006+ with lowered gain, Dynalos are supposed to be neutral. You might get more mileage from a DAC with a decent headphone out though. 
 
Personally, I'm not a ER4 fan, so I wouldn't get a home or any amp for them, but I suppose all the new IEMs are kind of on the bassy side. 

 

[kunalraiker]

Quote:

Hi everyone,
 
I’m looking for the most accurate and neutral amp/dac unit in the <$300 price range.  I’m also curious about units in the <$500 range. My headphones are Etymotic ER4S (IEMs) and my source is a PC (foobar/flac). I would prefer to use SPDIF to connect to the PC, instead of USB.
 
Any suggestions on what is good to get?
 
Thanks

I would recommend getting adecent pair of headphones for that price, something like the grado's which won't require amp.There is no point buying a DAC/AMP for your iems.

 

[modusmortis]

Thanks for the replies. I'm limited to IEMs since regular headphones hurt my neck after a while (they are too heavy.) That, being said, I think I am going to look more into a DAC with headphones out.