Simpl A1 Amp or Headroom Airhead Amp

[IpodSF]

Alright so it's pretty simple. I'm getting the Sennheiser HD595's and an Ipod. Should I go with the Simpl A1 Portable Amp (Which attaches right to the ipod, so this would be more convient) or the Headroom Airhead amp?

They are about the same price, the Headroom amp is about $10 more. What do you guys think?

Or is there any other amp you would recommend to use with the HD595's for the Ipod? It needs to be pretty portable and $160 or under.

 

[sumguy_]

one thing to keep oin mind with the a1 -- you cant use a case.

you might think that thats not important now, but go out for one day with a bare ipod and you will reconsider...

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumguy_ one thing to keep oin mind with the a1 -- you cant use a case. you might think that thats not important now, but go out for one day with a bare ipod and you will reconsider...

What are you talking about? You sure as hell could use a case with the A1.

 

[IpodSF]

Well right now its between these three amps:

Simpl A1 Heaphone Amp: http://www.simpl.com/
XIM SuperMacro Headphone Amp: http://www.fixup.net/products/macro/index.htm
Headroom Airhead Amp: http://www.headphone.com/layout.php?...tID=0000010001

I am leaning towards the Simpl A1 due to how well it goes with the ipod and how portable it really is not to mention its 10 bucks less than the Airhead (Not that big of deal... 10 bucks.) and 110 bucks less than the SuperMarco.

So what do you guys recommend?

 

[digitalcat]

speaking of portability, check out the little brother of supermacro, supermicro. It's the one and only in-line control that amplifies...

 

[PhilS]

Have you considered the Porta Corda group buy?

 

[Lisa]

Have you considered all other portable amps?
I'm sure I'm forgetting some but here's what I can think of right now. From cheap to less cheap:
CMoy
Go-Vibe (www.headsave.com)
MINT
Porta Corda (see group buy, really good offer)
(Total) Airhead
SuperMini/ SuperMicro/ SuperMacro (three different amps, same manufactuer)
SR-71

What all these amps have over the simpl A1 is a volume knob! Which comes in very handy if you want to use it with the ipod line out to make the soundquality better than the headphone out.
The CMoy and MINT amp are DIY amps. Some DIYers can build one for you. See mall-fi for builders or ask around. or maybe you can build one yourself. Or buy second hand on the for sale forums.

 

[IpodSF]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa Have you considered all other portable amps? I'm sure I'm forgetting some but here's what I can think of right now. From cheap to less cheap: CMoy Go-Vibe (www.headsave.com) MINT Porta Corda (see group buy, really good offer) (Total) Airhead SuperMini/ SuperMicro/ SuperMacro (three different amps, same manufactuer) SR-71 What all these amps have over the simpl A1 is a volume knob! Which comes in very handy if you want to use it with the ipod line out to make the soundquality better than the headphone out. The CMoy and MINT amp are DIY amps. Some DIYers can build one for you. See mall-fi for builders or ask around. or maybe you can build one yourself. Or buy second hand on the for sale forums.

OK I just have to say it. Honestly I just want some really good sound, not sound studio good, just really good consumer sound. The best I have listened to at this point is a $50 set of Sony Professional headphones which are junk to the Senn HD-595's I just ordered. I think my ipod, Senn HD595's and A1 portable amp will suit my just fine ya know. I'm just looking for some good sound. Nothing over the top.

I think the setup I put together will do it. Thank you VERY much for your help guys! I will let you know how the setup runs onces its all set! Thanks again!

 

[aeriyn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sumguy_ you might think that thats not important now, but go out for one day with a bare ipod and you will reconsider...

I don't put my iPod in a skin/case/protector. I think it looks dumb.

Maybe if I could find one that's kinda like a cell phone case, but wasn't fifty damn dollars. >.<

 

[MartinJ]

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...t=95717&page=2 some emails from the company