[toxic888]

Budget is a very firm SUB ~$165.
preferably, if there is an amp out there that cost ~$80, and performs very well for it's price, please let me know.

This amp will be used with Klipsch Image X10 IEM's. (a single driver, bassy IEM)

I listen primarily to progressive rock, alternative rock, alternative, rock, hard rock, metal, electonica, techno, dance.

The portable amps i'm considering are:
-Corda HEADSIX/XXS
-iBasso T4
-iBasso D2 Boa
-HeadRoom Total AirHead

I don't need DAC, actually not at all. My portable rig is my home rig.

Please let me know which one pairs best with IEM's, or the X10 specifically.

 

[ibis99]

How about a Total AirHead from Headroom.com. $100 and well worth it.

 

[toxic888]

ill check it out, thanks for the info.

EDIT: that seems to be what I'm looking for. Hopefully, with less portability comes more amplification. (at the same price...)

Thanks!

 

[ibis99]

It's actually quite portable.

 

[LeonWho]

Mini3?

 

[nsx_23]

I have the D2 Boa, Corda XXS and T4.

My ranking would be: XXS > D2 > T4. The T4 and D2 are extremely close though, and if it wasn't for the DAC in the D2 I'd probably put the T4 just a bit ahead.

The Corda might be a bit too clean for your tastes though.

 

[inukage0029]

x2 on the mini3. You can have it built for you, even though its a DIY amp, and spend 150 after shipping. a great sounding, tiny little amp

 

[nsx_23]

I'm wondering whether I should build a mini3 or buy a pre-built one.

 

[rsatmans]

I am also wondering the same thing. Not sure if I have the soldering ability yet.

 

[Headphile808]

Meir Corda Headsix $165
Rockhopper Audio Mini3 $135
Practical Devices XM4 $135
NuForce Icon Mobile $99
Aloha

Headphile808

 

[toxic888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the D2 Boa, Corda XXS and T4. My ranking would be: XXS > D2 > T4. The T4 and D2 are extremely close though, and if it wasn't for the DAC in the D2 I'd probably put the T4 just a bit ahead. The Corda might be a bit too clean for your tastes though.

exactly what I was looking for, thanks, surprised you have all those. Have you compared all of them in a formal review/thread? I'll look if you have... would definitely like to read it to get someone other than Skylab's opinion hah!

ironically, for my circumstances, it turns out the cheapest one is best

 

[toxic888]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Corda might be a bit too clean for your tastes though.

Are you trying to say that the corda headsix is the kind of amp that keeps the sound fairly neutral, not accentuating or increasing the level of bass or treble? (well... relative to others that ight do so....) Is that what you mean by clear? I'm looking for an amp that would properly accentuate and/or increase bass impact and treble response rather that just primarily be engineered based on neutral sound and meant for high impedance phones so you could listen to them at a satisfying volume level... since i don't own high impedance phones this is not a feature i will need/ am worried/concerned about.

With that said, would the T4 match my tastes? Is the Boa similiar? are there any other amps that aren't listed that match my preferences, that are under $165?

 

[zenzsh]

NuForce Icon Mobile. Read solid reviews.. will be ordering one soon.

 

[TubeStack]

I've got a PA2V2 on its way in the mail - $60 shipped.

Have read great things about it here and elsewhere, and Gary's a fantastic guy to deal with, as many here will also say.

 

[TubeStack]

Gary's site is here. Very cool!