[RareArtists]

 
Hi there,

I am excited to have finally joined Head-Fi.org today....

I've spent the last 20 years in the music business, both as a Producer and principal of an Artist Management company.  With all the massive changes in the business and the technology, its time for me to update my portable playback setup.  I am way out of date!

I need a new, low-cost DAP, so I'll probably go for the FiiO X3 vii ..... unless you have better recs for under $400

My questions -

1)  With the FiiO X3 vii as source, any rec's the best IEM's under $200 ?

2)  What is good portable companion DAC / Amp for the FiiO X3 vii to better power the HifiMan HE-560 phones?  

3)  Would the Geek Out V2 even be in this category...or... is it strictly for laptop sourced playback?


thanks for your help!

CW

 

[cel4145]

1) The X3 should be able to power any IEMs you chose. So pick which IEMs seem most interesting to you. This list might help: http://theheadphonelist.com/headphone-list/ Click on the headphone model # to read a review.

2) I have the HE-400s, which are a bit easier to drive. The Fiio E12 does OK. I've heard the Cayin C5 come up a lot lately as a powerful portable headphone amp: http://penonaudio.com/Cayin-C5. You might google "cayin c5 head-fi" to find discussion and reviews.

3) I'm pretty sure that the Geek Out is meant to be powered by the device it would hook up to. I doubt a portable DAP would be capable of that. You need an amp that has it's own battery.