[evillamer]

I have auditioned from a store that only had ibasso for their portable amps(15min session)

D10: This is like a desktop amp replacement, but it's way too big to lug around. More "controlled" than the D4.
D4 Mamba: Exciting amp, improved bass, but the iffy on the size

D2 + Boa: slight improved bass from the T3
T3: loved the size. iphone's 30pin line out sounds cleaner. Good value too, ~US$150 would get me the cable and amp.

The questions are two fold:
Does the improvements to the sound quality justify the increased weight and clutter? I am not very sure on that without additional time spent.
Is the Um3x's 56ohms too much for the iphone3G to drive? I find that the loudness is good enough, but the punch of the bass can be improved by a portable amp.

Are there better portable amps out there for the Um3x? I'm concern about portability.

 

[aamefford]

Re-read your post. I think you answered your own questions? I like an amp with IEMs. I have a pico slim on the way. Previously I've owned both the tomahawk and pico amp/dac. Both were used with se530's. Both provided an improvement in punch, clarit and a dead silent background. I still used hp out sometimes, beacause carrying an amp is also a pia.

 

[evillamer]

I guess i have to narrow my choices to a small amplifer:

How does the Fiios E3/E5 compare with the Ibasso T3?

 

[charlie0904]

if your concern is portability than you can only choose T3. anyway IMO is a very good portable solution, Fiio E3/E5 is not comparable to T3. It does quite well with UM3X. you may try RSA shadow also if within your budget.