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Originally Posted by Leyliner /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I tend to agree - the SQ is a bit lifeless on my Classic, but it was a surprise gift from my wife so I can't really replace it. Well, I suppose I could but the ramifications would be colourful 
So that's why I immediately invested in the E530s and am interested in the improvement a portable amp may or may not provide. No doubt I'll upgrade the player in a few years - but for now, I'm stuck with it. Plus, it was a pretty nice gift to be given and I can think of worse problems to have to be honest!
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Hi Leyliner, it sounds like you're in a similar situation as I am. I'm also fairly new to head-fi (1-2 months) and to getting into higher fidelity sound. Like you, I decided to splurge on a high end pair of headphones for my Ipod 5G and Cowon O2 and bought Sennheiser IE8 (after reading 250 pages of thread on them
). As you have stated, the higher end headphones alone have drastically improved my experience and I'm spending much more time listening to music than I ever have and have loved every minute of it.
Since your background is so similar to mine, I thought I'd share my plans for near term upgrades. You seem to not want to spend a fortune all at once, but you also seem willing to invest over time to get awesome SQ.
I just bought my first DAC/amp in an Ibasso D10. If you haven't heard much about it yet, it is one the highest regarded values around here for portable DAC/Amps at $275. It is truly awesome and I am LOVING it
. It has optical, coaxial, and USB connections, which make it extremely versatile. I use it on my PC at home in the evenings and on my laptop at work during the day. I''ll also use it with my Ipod 5G via LOD cable when it arrives for portable use (overall impression for this forum is that it is significant and worthwhile improvement over headphone out).
I would advise you to spend a little more than the $100 options so that you get something with more longevity and higher quality. D10 is regarded as an excellent DAC with a very good amp section. The DAC section is known to scale really well and I have seen many head-fi'ers on here keep it for a long time for use as a DAC to feed more expensive desktop amps.
While I'm covered for desktop and work listening, I really want a digital out solution for bedside or living room listening through D10. I'm strongly considering buying the Wadia 170i iPod dock for $375. Although its on the pricey side, it will let me access my entire storage of loss-less music in pure digital so it won't hinder my D10's potential at all. A lot of people use old and clunky iRiver ihp-1xx players for this, but I wouldn't use it enough on the go to make it a better option for me YMMV of course.
After that, I plan to buy a pair of Denon AH-D2000s (about $250 new) and mod them over time with the popular Lawton Audio mods -- custom wood cups, upgraded cables, sound dampening and extra padding--. These also seem to be a popular option for a really high end finished product.
Sorry for writing a book here, just wanted to share anything that might help.
If you haven't yet, MAKE SURE to read Larry's (headphone addict) massive review of portable amps. I can't remember the exact number, but I think he compared 20-30 different amps (or DAC/Amp combos). Reading his review was the single most helpful thing I have ever read period. That probably includes my finance major classes as well
. In it, he rates D10 number 1 with great $400-$500 options following it like Predator and Pico.
Hope this helps...
Using the line out is night and day to the headphone out. My Graham Slee amp is excellent and it's "contour" circuit helps no end with my IEM's (cheepies ATM). Expensive but I do not anticipate ever buying another portable amp. Russ Andrews LOD cables are superbly built. I splashed out on the silver version but the copper would be a bargain. My rig is still not perfect but highly listenable and way ahead of the iPod on it's own. HTH enjoy your Classic!
