[J Tran]

So what is the strongest source? If you don't know waht I'm talking about, I mean: What portable source has the most drive? Which one drives a pair of HD-580s the best?

I won't be using an amp, because of finacial reasons. So thats why I need the most that I can get out of a portable source. I'll be getting a pair of HD-580s in the summer.

I want to stay within the price range of a 30gb 5g iPod. If the iPod is the best of that price range, then an iPod it is. I don't want to spend more than 400 CND. I also might want a PCDP even.

Anything really, just need it to be strong. Thanks!

 

[RedLeader]

well I can certainly vouch for my Rio Karma, it runs my 990s as well as my KSC-75 o_O. Not sure about the power from the typical iPod, mayhaps a bass rolloff issue with those cans?

EDIT: Also, both of my PCDPs will run 580s easily, as I played around with my buddies pair

 

[Kirosia]

For what it's worth, I had a HD650 and 5g ipod . . . bleh. I say if you're gonna use a portable source, get portable headphones.

 

[timmins]

Rio karma= 55mW at 16 ohms
ipod 5g= 30wW at 16 ohms
iaudio X5= 20 mW at 16 ohms

most other are around twenty, the karma is definately the most powerful.

 

[zip22]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Tran I won't be using an amp, because of finacial reasons. ... I'll be getting a pair of HD-580s in the summer.

 

[lumanogin]

I don't understand why you won't get an amp bc of finances yet are willing to spend up to $400 cdn for a source. A cmoy will give some power u'll need for the 580

i'm using the 580 and a pcdp and an amp.

 

[YamiTenshi]

I believe the Creative Lab Nomad 3 was one of the most powerful DAPs out there, unfortunately they've been discountinued for sometime now.

For the 580 you're probably better off getting a pcdp and an amp. You can get a very good pcdp for about 100-200 usd and still have cash left over for a nice amp.

 

[bangraman]

The NJB3 put more power into the line out but not that much more power into the headphone out than the iPod... which is 30mw into 32 ohms I believe not 16, making it roughly similar to the Karma (which I thought it was on comparing the two). Things don't get more powerful than the iPod these days but even that's not going to power an HD600 (assume I mean the 580 in your case) particularly well, although I don't think anyone will dispute it does make a noise. Even some of the 'vintage' PCDP's, some of which are very loud indeed, doesn't drive the HD600's all that well.


Amp it, or split your budget between portable phone and DAP.

 

[RedLeader]

Hold on a second, you're planning on using 580s portably?

 

[Orestes]

I won't wear my HD-590 outside of my house. Not even if you pay me $100.

 

[J Tran]

hahah no no no, I'll have finacial problems after I get the cans. Which will be... around 200 CND. And the source I will eventually upgrade not long after I get my cans.

EDIT: And no, I"m not going to use them portably. I'm going to use them around the house, I don't want to be stuck to my home system all day. So, I guess I'm leaning toward a PCDP... but I don't know... I'll see what's up with the 'upcoming' Soiny 2006 line.

After reading your guys comments again. That got me thinking... again. Should I even get an amp for my Mini? My mini is going strong and still has 100% 1 year warranty on it. Hmmm... or maybe, I save up a whole lot more and get a good amp later on. Because if you look at my sig, I've not had much audiophile experience too far.

 

[recephasan]

... is within.

 

[laohuchirenle]

strongly recommend creative nomad jukebox,the most powerful dap i have ever seen
powerful enough to driver akg k501,
but 580 is a little bit harder to drive
but if you want no amp
nomad jukebox is the best choice

 

[WhiteShadow]

Iaudio u3
16 Ohm earphone : 30mW + 30mW

 

[J Tran]

That gots me thinking again. I think I'm just gonna save up for an amp, then get a decent PCDP. Thanks a lot guys.