[dr.morton]

I got my MisterX XP amp today.
Honestly I am disappointed. It is not a bad amp but shows no good synergies with my iMod and my UE-10 pros.
It is a bit better them my Pengamp but not much.
While the Pengamp has too much bass IMO and a very narrow soundstage, the XP lacks transparacy. It is very warm and cozy sounding with a serious punch, but I like it more analytical.
I already ordered an AE-2 but since it comes with the same Opamp as the XP, I am starting to get worried.
Any suggestions?
I am fortunate to be able to listen to my home setup with my wonderful AMT speakers at least half the day, so maybe I am spoiled a bit. Maybe I am asking too much when it comes to portable amps?

 

[epaludo]

What about the LaRocco PRII? And the Hornet?
Have you listened to these amps?

 

[dr.morton]

I had a LaRocco once.
It is a wonderful amp but not very portable IMO. And I do not need a headphone amp for my home. I only use headphones "on the road".
I also disliked the inputs at the back.

I never had the pleasure of listening to a Hornet. Sadly I am the only guy with a headphone amp in my region. In Germany using a headphoneamp is still widely unknown. So I have to order everything what I am interested in.

I always played with the idea of a getting a RSA amp but would have went with a Tomahawk in the first place.

 

[FallenAngel]

Do the UE-10's really benefit from an amp? I haven't heard many IEMs that do.

 

[dr.morton]

Usually they don't.
But with the iMod an amp is a must have. And they do make a difference.
But of course a full size can which does not work without an amp directly out of a DAP does benefit more.

 

[vorlon1]

The Porta Corda MK III is very uncolored and excellent sounding with my Imod and Tripe-Fi 10s so it may sound good with your gear also. (And it is selling for an excellent price from Dr. Meier right now). Mine was $160 US, check the website for the Euro price.

 

[Skylab]

You're in Germany - the PCIII is a great choice - VERY neutral.

 

[mrarroyo]

X3 on the Porta Corda MkIII.

 

[webbie64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr.morton /img/forum/go_quote.gif And they do make a difference.

Agreed. Every portable amp I've tried made a difference to the SQ of my UM2s.

In terms of neutrality I think you must also consider what you're feeding the amp and what the amp is driving. It's the synergy you'll be looking for to achieve best neutrality for your ears.

 

[Asr]

Although I haven't heard the aforementioned Porta Corda it may be worth looking into, as it's made in Germany!

Don't worry about the AD8397 in the HeadAmp AE-2, I certainly did before I got mine but its sound signature is remarkably close to the very transparent and higher-end GS-1. It's like a micro GS-1.

 

[dr.morton]

Thanks for all the replies.
I would have went for a Porta Corda a long time ago if it wasn't so damn ugly.
I am such a sucker for beautiful cases!
But the price is hard to beat.

 

[xxlMusikfreak]

Where are you in germany? Maybe you should ask in the germany hifi-forum in the headphone-section. I know some people over here have RSA Amps (me included).
And if you want neutral in a fine case have a look at the AE-2 and the new Corda Move.

 

[dr.morton]

Quote:

Where are you in germany? Maybe you should ask in the germany hifi-forum in the headphone-section. I know some people over here have RSA Amps (me included).

Husum, am Popickel Deutschlands (zumindest wenn es um tragbare Verstärker geht)!

 

[dr.morton]

Quote:

And if you want neutral in a fine case have a look at the AE-2

The AE-2 is already on my list. I am just waiting for the right case.

If it is a neutral amp, then everything is fine. But as I said earlier, it uses the same Opamp as the XP and I find the later far from neutral. Thats why I started to worry.

 

[slwiser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Although I haven't heard the aforementioned Porta Corda it may be worth looking into, as it's made in Germany! Don't worry about the AD8397 in the HeadAmp AE-2, I certainly did before I got mine but its sound signature is remarkably close to the very transparent and higher-end GS-1. It's like a micro GS-1.

Asr

I loved the sound of your AE-2. It was my favorite of the three you sent.