I was looking for an inexpensive USB DAC with pre outs and volume control for a pair of monitors and ended up with this because I couldn't find any better alternatives.  Im finding that the headphone out sounds pretty terrible with my ER4s and RE400s.  The first impression is that it sounds...

Hahaha +1. Really exited to hear these though.

Haha so true.

Nice, thanks. That would leave a nice upgrade path as well if I want to try balanced down the road.

Would you say that Pono balanced was significantly better than the x3ii for the Er4S? Enough to jusify 2x the price? Thanks

Thanks guys!

The Pono single ended did hold its own with those other mid-fi DAPs you mentioned though? Specifically the x3ii? Thanks

I've been told the Pono in balanced mode pairs very well with the ER4S, anyone else tried that combo?

Can anyone comment on how he X3 ii pairs with Etymotic ER4S?   Thanks

I've never had good results EQing HPs. I know in theory it should work fine and I use EQ with good results on my speakers. For some reason I've never liked adding bass to the er4s (even though I would prefer more bass).

Cool, thanks for explaining that, and thats more or less what I thought.  Sounds like its more of a question of tonality.   BTW I was going by the ER4S specs on BH photo, it looks like they are little off.

Can anyone comment on the DX90 paired with ER4S?   Thanks

Ibasso DX90 is back on Massdrop.  Seems like it would be a good match power wise, ER4S max input= 3Vrms, DX90 2.8Vrms.  Anyone tried this combo?   EDIT: Geez, it looks like this is another neutral-bright DAP.  Once gain maybe not the best match?

Did you ever have the chance to try the ER4S on the Cayin N5?  I was really hoping to go to a single DAP.  From what I'm hearing though it sounds like I may have overestimated the amps in these mid-fi DAPs.

I do find that they sound really thin right off my iPod classic. I've been using the same portable amp with my er4S for almost 15 years now! This was back when HP amps weren't really even a thing yet. I think it's probably a modified cmoy design, it has a lot of power but I'm sure very dated by...