Open Darth's are coming...now I need a new portable amp!

[Grey Massacre]

Hello there,

I have read extensively through the related threads but somehow I would like to get more input with what I am specifically looking for.

My budget is at most 250 and I listen to EBM/Dark Electro/Metal.

I like bass: quantity/quality/extension!

I currently have some DT-770 pro 80ohm which I enjoy through my C&C Box v2. I usually turn on the soundstage and bass extension switches. I would say I love a warm sound, a wider soundstage and more forward mids would be good as well!

I have the open Darth's re-cabled with BlackMax on order due to sometime this summer so the amp I will pick will be paired with those.

I would like recommendation for portable amps that you personally have auditioned! I only have had a headphone amp so I am calling you multiple-amps owners you are the ones better placed than me to compare!

I am considering the following from the least to most expensive:

iBasso P1 (really cheap nowadays around 67 without shipping)
Practical Devices XM4
Xenos X1HA-EPT (I heard many people not being so fond about this amp?)
Xenos X1HA-EPC
Your suggestion!

Help me out!

Thanks,

Charles

 

[kamal007]

im using Mister X XP amp but mine is the desktop version..drive my Darth beyer (closed blackmax) very nicely..didnt have any other amp to compare but for $110 the amp is great

 

[mrarroyo]

At $250 you can get an used Tomahawk. Sometimes if you are very lucky an use Hornet. If you are willing to wait a Supermini IV from Dr. Xin would be fantastic. Those would be my recomendations.

 

[Grey Massacre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif At $250 you can get an used Tomahawk. Sometimes if you are very lucky an use Hornet. If you are willing to wait a Supermini IV from Dr. Xin would be fantastic. Those would be my recomendations.

Thanks for the reply mrarroyo,

I guess I will have to keep refreshing the sale/trade forum and also reach 50 posts!

The wait for the Darth's is already killing me and from what I heard Xin amp's can take several weeks (if not months?!)

Charles

 

[Grey Massacre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif im using Mister X XP amp but mine is the desktop version..drive my Darth beyer (closed blackmax) very nicely..didnt have any other amp to compare but for $110 the amp is great

Hello kamal007 and thanks for the reply,

I will explore this option, I only read of that amp a few times, well from what I remember!

Charles

 

[apnk]

The XP is more heavy in the bass region (compared to the Tomahawk) and the mids are verrrry smooth but slightly recessed and the Tomahawk is lighter in the bass and doesn't sound as full to me (using the DT990's). Both are great, can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Grey Massacre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by apnk /img/forum/go_quote.gif The XP is more heavy in the bass region (compared to the Tomahawk) and the mids are verrrry smooth but slightly recessed and the Tomahawk is lighter in the bass and doesn't sound as full to me (using the DT990's). Both are great, can't go wrong with either one.

Hi apnk and thank you for adding that up.

Time to read about that amp!

Charles

 

[D1g1talV3n0m]

I would go with a MisterX XP portable if you do not want to spend a huge amount. Another option would be the Meier Porta Corda MKIII USB if you would like a DAC. If you have no use for a DAC go with the regular version.

I am running a MisterX XP amp directly from my Ipod to my Closed V3 Darth's and I do enjoy it. The only reason for my getting rid of it is because I am upgrading my home source to a GCHA and SQ84 so having the DAC will be nice for my travels.

 

[Grey Massacre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1g1talV3n0m /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would go with a MisterX XP portable if you do not want to spend a huge amount. Another option would be the Meier Porta Corda MKIII USB if you would like a DAC. If you have no use for a DAC go with the regular version. I am running a MisterX XP amp directly from my Ipod to my Closed V3 Darth's and I do enjoy it. The only reason for my getting rid of it is because I am upgrading my home source to a GCHA and SQ84 so having the DAC will be nice for my travels.

Hi D1g1talV3n0m and thanks for your reply,

I have read through a few posts and I am seeing this amp is highly regarded for it's price. Sounds pretty interesting indeed!!

Charles

 

[Skylab]

I think the Xenos 1HA-EPC would be a good choice in that price range. Since you obviously like bass (a good thing in my book), the 1HA excels in it's bass reproduction.

 

[Dimitris]

An SR-71 might be of your interest too. Check it out.

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1g1talV3n0m /img/forum/go_quote.gif ... Another option would be the Meier Porta Corda MKIII USB if you would like a DAC. If you have no use for a DAC go with the regular version.

I can vouch for the Porta Corda as being a good match. It has a nice clean sound which works well with my Darth Beyers helping to keep the bass tight. Power the amp with a 30 volt wall wart and it's a power house. I have the DAC version and it's amazing what it can do with Redbook CD for the cost. Highly recommended.

 

[Grey Massacre]

Thanks for the answers Skylab, Dimitris and GreatDane!

Skylab: Xenos sounds really interesting indeed and they are located in Canada, so no custom fees. I have also seen on eBay they are selling the EPT model at a reduced price of 145$.

Dimistris: I heard how good are Ray's amps but this one is out of my budget range!

GreatDan: I have not yet considered the Porta Corda yet but I have only heard great things of Dr.Meier.

For now MisterX XP amp sounds really tasty.

Charles

 

[kamal007]

are you planning to use the darths as portable cans?

 

[Grey Massacre]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif are you planning to use the darths as portable cans?

Considering the price not really, "portable amp" as inside the house.

Charles