[Am84]

in the right direction.

I've only stumbled across this forum today, so don't kick too hard. )

I've developed a serious obsession towards purchasing a portable amp for my iRiver H10, however, living in Moscow (Russia) i do not have the chance to listen to any amps before purchasing, so spending $100+ on something that will not improve the SQ significantly enough is not something i want to do.

Is there an amp. for around $100-$150 that NEone could recommend (currently using MDRG74 -> will get Sony 81s) worth getting. Or at least any advice regarding this issue ))

pLLeeeeaaaseee

 

[Covenant]

Welcome to Head-Fi, sorry about your wallet

For an amp for an iRiver, anything simple yet decent will do the trick, depending naturally on the type of headphones you'll be using it with. Best bet is to go for a MINT-based amp, using either the AD8610/8620 or OPA627/637 chips (check the technical specs of any amps you look at, if in doubt). Here's some suggestions to start you off:

Headroom Airhead
http://www.headphone.com/products/he...om-airhead.php

PPA (by JMTaudio)
http://jmtaudio.com/

Go-Vibe (less ideal)
http://members.shaw.ca/storage_2/headsave/

 

[Am84]

Well, the first post came much quicker than anticipated ))) which is very nice ! )

just a thought here... Would it be smarter and therefore more noticeable to spend the $150 on a nice pair of h-phones... say, the Etymotic's 6i Isolators?

 

[grandenigma1]

that would be the most noticable improvement from where you are at now.

 

[Covenant]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Am84 Well, the first post came much quicker than anticipated ))) which is very nice ! ) just a thought here... Would it be smarter and therefore more noticeable to spend the $150 on a nice pair of h-phones... say, the Etymotic's 6i Isolators?

Yes, very much so. One thing i learned early in my audio obsession - low-end Sony's suck. Period

If you're going for canalphones (probably your best bet in a portable situation), Shure E3c would probably be your best option, followed by said Etymotics. Then invest in an amp. Then if you're still not happy, switch to E5c's and a Ray Samuel's SR-71 (http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/index2.html).

And then if that doesn't work out, its time for Meridians and Omegas and all things spiffy and expensive