Source
r/HeadphoneAdvice•
spacegrab

Portable Headphone Amp Recommendation

Hi All,

I have an older Fiio E07K that I use when I travel; bit afraid it's battery life might not hold a long charge now that I've had it for 4 years.

Just wanted to drop a line and see if anyone has a decent recommendation for something similar since the E07K's are gone and the newer options don't seem that amazing in terms of value (I like having the dual output for airplanes so I can put a set of cans over my IEMs to block out noise).

Ideally around $100, not looking for something crazy high-end.

Thanks in advance!

Posted Feb 22, 2020, 12:22 AM UTC

19
fri98•

I use the Fiio Q1 (the one that look like a flask) and it works perfect for mi, it has rechargeable battery and can be used as dac or Amp, and connected to your laptop, computer or cellphone, and I'm very happy with it.

1
spacegrabOP•

Is that the Q1 Mark II?

I read that the knob is bigger than the "flask" and doesn't lay flat very well - is that an issue for you or not really?

Thanks again for the input :)

2
fri98•

No, the Mark II is the newest... The flask in deed is a little bit bigger than the flask, but I do use the silicone pads included with it and it is not a problem... Also I use a sinjimoru holder like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QTHFNYF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yJhuEbNTJ15H6 to hold my cell and Q1 together. I've used the holder with an iPhone 6/7/8 (all plus version) and now with a Huawei Mate 20 Pro and it works to perfection (the Fiio and the holder)

1
fri98•

Sorry, I meant the volume dial is bigger than the flask...

1
spacegrabOP•

Oooo that's amazing, I was using a flat strap before and it drove me nuts. Thanks for the recommendation!!

1
variant-11 Koss porta pro, HD 600•

iFi Hip DAC/amp

1
spacegrabOP•

Sweet, USB-C and 4.4/3.5 - I'll add this to my review list for this weekend. Thanks!!

1
Carry_Me_PlzHeart of the FLACs•

If you are using exclusively IEMs, I'd suggest that at most you get a DAC dongle since IEMs are so eay to power unless you have some IEMs like Tin Hifi P1 or something. Having an AMP for IEMs are like cutting cheese with your katana, quite redundant. Some good dongles are: Apple dongle, Ibasso DC02, etc.

If you insist on having a portable AMP/DAC to keep yourself sane then, my suggestion is Topping NX4DSD. It has incredible perfomance and power that can rival even desktop AMPs.

1
spacegrabOP•

Thanks for the input! I have an array of mid-tier headphones (nothing above $500) that i prefer to use...IEMs are solely for airplane sleep :D

I have an amp in my pc already so dont need one for home. Its probably a bit backward that im using an amp/dac to double up on the ears, but I love being able to wear iems + headphones at the same time. Cant hear a screaming baby next to me while the dude with his BOSEs kept complaining to the attendants.

I'll check out some of your recs, thanks again!!

2