Headphones

I don't use IEMs very often, but there's something about plugging in my Tin T2s to my desktop amp, they just sound fuller. I've never looked into it more than just an observation, but more power more better? (kidding of course)

Especially running them balanced. 3.5mm has been plenty for me so far. On my BTR3k or Qudelix, I only use the balanced for harder to drive stuff like my HD6XX or HE4XX.

I use them on an amp at home because I also have headphones so why not. On the go I just use my phone. There’s really no point imo unless you get something with an eq

20+ years of shooting, and not always with good ear pro has left the gain knob on life a little low.

I like IEMs and my motherboard on my PC doesn't drive them enough.

There you have it good sir.

I noticed a difference going from an Apple dongle & 2021 MBP headphone jack (which is pretty awesome for a built-in jack) to a FiiO BTR5 on my EX800ST. Punchier and cleaner bass, more texture in the mids.

9 years ago, I had the Sennheiser IE80 and Aurisonics ASG-1, an iPhone 4, and the FiiO E7. Not much difference with the iPhone out and the FiiO, but I tried an ALO Audio The National portable amp - a lot cleaner output, mids got pushed forward, soundstage grew bigger - basically everything sounded bigger and more detailed. It wasn’t $300 worth of a difference, but my broke college ass would have gladly spent $150 for that difference.

Volume knobs are nice.

But really IEM cables are just a bit too short to comfortably use with desktop amps.

Occasionally if I'm already listening on my desktop stuff and want to switch to IEMs, I might plug them into my K7 which sits close enough on my desk. But I've never wamt s to plug them into an OTL tube amp or anything.