Need an Amp

[LeonWho]

I currently have a FiiO E3 that's great, but not quite filling my needs.

I want a semi-portable or portable amp for under $75 to power my headphones/future headphones. I love smooth and sparkly treble and a liquidy midrange and care about transparency and soundstage a lot. I also enjoy a forward sound. (Think Grado's with more soundstage.) Bass isn't a big factor for me, but I do like tight bass and detest bloated or loose bass.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
Leon

 

[Miklos]

Maybe a cmoy unit? Or a pa2v2?

 

[LeonWho]

Thanks for the answer. I was thinking maybe a bit better than a CMoy. Oh, and I don't really want to buy a DIY amp (CMoy or Mini^3), unless it's made by a really good builder. Lol.

I'm looking at the PA2V2 right now. Looks pretty good.

 

[LeonWho]

How's the PA2V2 for $60?

And does anyone have any opinions on the MiniBox F for $70?


Oh and I have an option to buy a new, but messy DIY Mini^3 from my friend in this price range, who called himself a "17 year old kid working with crap 40 watt soldering iron." I don't really care if the amp isn't the best looking, but the sound quality really matters to me. He said, "plus, it won't be anywhere near as good as any of the mass produced amps (ie, pa2v2, minibox-f)." If he uses the standard parts but isn't nearly as skilled as other amp builders, could the sound quality of the amp differ? He hasn't built it yet, so I don't know how it'll turn out.

Thanks a lot!
Leon

 

[smeggy]

A well built mini3 is great. Very nice sound and powerful. Trouble is that you might have trouble finding a nice one for $60-70.

I'm not sure why he'd say it'll be nowhere near a cheap commercial amp...

 

[LeonWho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeggy /img/forum/go_quote.gif A well built mini3 is great. Very nice sound and powerful. Trouble is that you might have trouble finding a nice one for $60-70. I'm not sure why he'd say it'll be nowhere near a cheap commercial amp...

I see you said well built. The problem is, it's probably not going to be well built. Then? How would that affect the sound quality?

Thanks.

 

[smeggy]

A mediocre build would only mean it being possibly untidy and maybe some dry solder joints etc. If it's built properly and all the joints are ok it should sound fine.

The amp was designed by very clever guys who also design reference class gear, so it can fully compete with other portables.

 

[LeonWho]

Ok. Thanks a lot. He knows how to solder pretty well.

 

[LeonWho]

Just wondering. How is the Mini³ compared to the iBasso T4?

 

[Peyotero]

Yup. I've been wondering the same.

 

[LeonWho]

Anyone with both?