Juunishinshou 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2009 hi guys, I need recomendation for good AMP + IC, currently I'm using iPOD Touch 2G + Westone 3, and wish to improve the sound even more if possible, so I need a recomendation for a good AMPs + IC, my budget for AMP + IC probably $400, so any recomendation? Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2009 (edited) If you can increase your budget, the Pico will be ideal. Look small but sound big. It matches the W3 very well. http://www.headamp.com/portable_amps/index.htm Someone is letting go at marketplace: http://www.sgheadphones.net/index.php?showtopic=9438 Edited January 18, 2009 by ical Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juunishinshou 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2009 hmm Pico, yeah maybe I need to audition it 1st. how about paired with RSA Predator? got the chemistry between them? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ical 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2009 Yet to hear it with Predator. Best to drop by Jaben to listen to all RSA amps and judge for yourself. Matching of amp and iem is very subjective. Audition will give you a better idea what you really want. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackmouth0 0 Report post Posted January 19, 2009 hmmm, and also can try the range of amp that Stereo also carry. To me, the ibasso D3 is nice when match up with Westone 3. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
[J]-ohn 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2009 Iqube would be my choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juunishinshou 0 Report post Posted January 22, 2009 (edited) tried iBasso D3 Phyton, the sound become quite good oh yeah baby! lol as for IQube, its kinda big to carry it around IMO, SQ wise very good but quite trouble some, also from money aspect kinda expensive unh... yet to audition PICO again as no time to go Jaben busy days duh... maybe will go tmr, friday evening. hopefully won't poison me lol Edited January 22, 2009 by Juunishinshou Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vii_haven 0 Report post Posted January 27, 2009 Of all the amps i've tried and owned so far, my preference is for the Meier 2Move or 3Move which i'm currently using. The amp portions of these two amps are the same, just comestic differences. Compared to the Predator, the Mustang, the Tomahawk, the iQube, this amp is very musical, and smoothens out the music, no harshness in the sound. My personal preference. My next favorite would be the iQube. You should be able to get the 2Move from Meier within your budget, if that is still too expsneive, you can consider the Meier Headsix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uberburger101 0 Report post Posted January 27, 2009 Or the XXS if you really want portability. I've heard the P51 and W3 combination is magical, YMMV. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hdrcorp 0 Report post Posted January 27, 2009 I don't know about the rest, but a Petite + IC is a pretty decent starter amp and well within your budget. Give me a buzz if you want to audition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dragonboy Report post Posted January 28, 2009 For around $400 for amp + IC.... I'll recommend you to try out the Ibasso P3 heron, though Iqube would still be my choice, of course we always have to look into our wallet. Ibasso have very good value for money amplifiers. For that price that they're price, performance are pretty incredible. With the option to roll the opamp, you'll be surprised how much you can push this giant to the next level! iBasso P3 Portable Headphone Amp Main Features: - Four Channel + Buffer architecture - Totally 8 gold-plated DIP sockets for opamps and buffers rolling - 2-Setting Gain Jumper for impedance matching - Two 3300uf NCC big capacitances. - Powered by either 6 AAA batteries or external power adapter. - Measures 55*21*92mm, and weighs 122g - Comes with one silver and one black enclosure, also comes with power adapter leather pouch, connection cable, warranty card, owner¡¯s manual, and opamp rolling kit. (includes AD797*2, LM6172*2, LTC6241HV*1, NE5534*2, Dummy adapter*2, Transistor BUF*2, empty adapter*2) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juunishinshou 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2009 just audition some of RSA products at Jaben, the P51-Mustang, I can say not bad lol and for the iqube, it seems to me the sound become balance with extra/tighter bass. so confused, which one to pick, so far still havent audition pico yet... as jaben no stock atm. btw if I can squeeze abit more budget say like $700 on amp (as I gotten my LOD but no amp lol), which one should I pick? iQube or PICO (but due to waiting order in like damn long 2-3mnths '') or P-51 Mustang? btw is the DAC really needed for portability? do the DAC sound really nice compare from sound card? thx. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uberburger101 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2009 I have both the iQube and the P51, and have tried the Pico many times. The iQube itself has a very nice lasting quality to it due to it being neutral. My P51 has been with a friend for a few weeks now, so I won't comment on the sound because honestly I can't remember much about it. From what I can remember is that the iQube has a wider soundstage than the P51, on par with the Pico. As for the DAC, sometimes I wish the iQube had one. I've tried the Pico's DAC briefly at the last meet and I have to say I was pretty impressed. If you thought the amp section was good, wait til you hear the DAC. All I can say is, go with your gut feeling. These 3 amps are all excellent, and you will be happy with any one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monte 0 Report post Posted February 12, 2009 I second the Pico. My other favourite is the Hornet. but I have not tried them with the Westone UM3s... Pico aslo has the advantage of a Lithium battery - which lasts longer! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
