[MaxD]

My first post so please be gentle .
 
I am trying to put together a very portable music player for the best price/ audio quality  I can.   I am a bit worried I might blow my budget on rubbish as I don’t know much about audio gear.
 
So I have a Cowan J3 and Shure 425 in ear headphones.
 
I want to get better quality,  I have £300 to spend.  It has to be portable so on ear headphones max and possibly portable amp.
 
What should I spend it on to improve audio quality ?
 
Portable Amp ?   (I was looking at the e17)
Replacement Headphones?  (Crosfade M-80 ?)
 
I rely need advice.
 
What is everyone else using with the J3 and what do you think ?
 
Thanks
 
Max

 

[Swimsonny]

i don't really see any major need for an amp with my J3.

 

[MaxD]

Yes the J3 is brilliant isn't it.  I don't need volume but do I need an amp to drive higher impedance headphones ?

 

[Swimsonny]

most higher impedance phones will be open and therefore not portable. You should only be conceded with phones over 100 ohms of impedance, i meant that the increase of sound quality with an amp and J3 is a lot less than with an amp and my iPhone 4 for example. It is one fantastics players.I think you best bet is upgrading phones. what sort of sound do you want?

 

[MaxD]

I listen to a wide variety of music so I really want to hear as close to the original as possible.    I use mostly loss-less formats.   I am hoping any specific adjustment can be made with the equaliser on the J3.    Sounds like replacement on-ear headphones would be my best bet ?  I made the mistake of getting some bose QC3's a while back.  Good for audio books but really too much distortion for me.     I do spend 3 hours commuting every day so background noise is an issue but the best quality sound seems to be a difficult goal when you want it to be portable.   I have had the j3 since it was released and just love it at home using my old HD595's.  If I could get some on ear (portable)  headphones like that for the commute I would be a happy man .

 

[Swimsonny]

i do not think i can assist much more as i am more an IEM man than on ears. sorry

 

[MaxD]

No problem,  I appreciate your help.
 
Cheers
 
Max

 

[kmhaynes]

If you can afford it, I wouldn't replace your Shure 425.  Keep it and buy something to complement it -- you mentioned the V-Moda 80.  I haven't heard it, but from the reviews, it would be a nice contrast to the 425s. 
 
Also, I have tried my J3 with a couple of mid-level amps (E11, Soundmagic A10), and could hear no real improvement to my Ety ER-4P, just a bit of volume increase.  The J3 is super.

 

[MaxD]

That sounds like a good plan.  I am going to go for it.    Thanks for everyones advice.
 
Much apriciated.
 
Max