[Pokeylicious]

'lo everybody!

Typically, I listen to my Ety's in a portable environment. I'm a minimalist, so I have no interest AT THIS TIME in obtaining a headphone amp to pair to my phones. Indeed, I bought the ER-4P precisely because I don't need an amp with my iPod while I'm commuting.

But...

Hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to amp these babies up, which amp would you guys recommend to pair with these? basmatirice has in his sig, and I quote:

"also, synergy is key. the amp that sucks for sennheiser may be great for grado. buy an amp with only one sound signature in mind."

So, given the sonic signature of the Ety's, what would you recommend? And to beat you guys to the punch, I'm aware of the fact that a P/S cable would be essential.

Also, for bonus points: Is there a difference between, say, a headphone amp, and a regular/full/-fledged/other type of amp?

 

[Dexter Morgan]

I have read that the Xin amps have great synergy with the ER-4P. In fact, I believe Dr. Xin had those IEMs in mind when designing the amp. I cannot recall which amp it was... I think it was the SuperMicro or Macro. The only bummer is that it takes a long time to get an amp from him. Standard waiting time is at least 3 months... I know people who are on their fourth month right now. But maybe that isn't a problem for you... if you have no interest at this time in an amp, go ahead and order. You'll be interested by the time you get it.

 

[EFN]

Dr. Xin is an avid ER-4S user himself. He actually build his SuperMacro, SuperMini and SuperMicro using ER-4S as a reference. His legendary SuperMicro-IV is still regarded by many as THE BEST portable amp.

So for an ER-4P I recommend SuperMini-IV (comes with built in P>S switch) and for ER-4S a SuperMicro-IV.

The good news is, we can also get a Xin Reference amp (finalized model) very soon.

BUT the gripe about Xin is that you have to be super patient with his delivery time. Typically 3 to 4 months.

OR

You could always use:
- HeadAmp AE-2
- RSA SR-71
- RSA Tomahawk

These amps have been known to have superb synergy with Etys

 

[SONGsanmanwah]

Use credit card when order from Xin. he won't charge until your amp shipped.

 

[Spyro]

Why does it take 4 months to get an amp?

Raw materials ordered one peice at a time with each order? Strange....

 

[SONGsanmanwah]

It's a hand assembled product of a rocket science PhD who loves to materialize his vision of better amp whenever he sees a chance to. Every time he figures out the improvement, everyone who owns that particular version of his product can get the upgrade too, free of charge.

 

[tnmike1]

Have both Xin's Supermacro IV LE and Cesar's Portaphile maxxed out. Both sound absolutely magical with my Ety4ps. So if you don't want towait about four months. get the Portaphile--about a three-four day wait last I heard. Both sound wonderful with the ety signature

 

[GreatDane]

AE-2 sounds great with ER4P/S to me, this amp has nice bass. Not quite as much bass as with Supermini w/ bass boost but overall better to my ears...enough to have sold my Supermini.

 

[robm321]

Another vote for the supermini

 

[lilmoonee]

a vote for govibe 6. its amazing especially now that it is 60 bucks now.

 

[undo]

v6 drives it pretty well. drop it into your list if your budget is not daring.

 

[kramer5150]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatDane /img/forum/go_quote.gif AE-2 sounds great with ER4P/S to me, this amp has nice bass. Not quite as much bass as with Supermini w/ bass boost but overall better to my ears...enough to have sold my Supermini.

nother vote for the AE-2... warm and bassy, yet just enough air and detail articulation to liven up flat/accurate IEMs.

Love the AE2 with my jays IEMs.

 

[mdarnton]

My GoVibe 5 was just OK with my ER4Ps, not special, but my new Move is incredible.

 

[lutwey]

how about the tomahawk??? are the move and supermini better than the toma???

 

[EFN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutwey /img/forum/go_quote.gif how about the tomahawk??? are the move and supermini better than the toma???

RSA Tomahawk has been known to have better synergy with Shure E500, Westone UM2 and UEs. ER-4S is a bright IEM, pairing it with Tomahawk will make it even more glaring.