JDS cMoy Portable Headphone Amplifier Altoid Tin Earbuds Amp (cMoyBB V2.03)

Altoid Tin Headphone Amp

As I've built many little interface boxes over the years, when I first saw this it really perked my interest. My iPad's volume wasn't so hot.... this well designed and built amp does the trick in getting the volume up when I travel. The only down side is, the scrutiny you will likely receive from an ignorant TSA inspector who might look at this thing as some kind of home made electronic device that could be a detenator or trigger circuit for a bomb, regardless of the fact that you have headphones connected. Most of these government employees are not college graduate scholars. That all said, I wouldn't change a thing about it. Who needs to fly anyway... take the train. :-)

Great Manufacturer Service

I had this item with little use for awhile. When used with Audio Technica MTH50's and VModa LP's I had a crackle and pop. Sent JDS Labs an email and the president got back to me the next day. He had me send it to him for the solution. This company tunes this amp to your specific headphones. Mine didn't match the generic unit they sell here. I recommend dealing directly with JDSLabs.com to get right setup. The result of their tune is OUTSTANDING!!! Thanks John at JDSLabs

Really Worth It!

I have had the luxury of testing this product out, and I was EXTREMELY pleased with it. First off, WOW. That is one of the most unique ideas I have seen for a headphone amp. I have tested numerous different headphone amplifiers, some of them rigged up with a 9volt, and some of the more reputable amps like beyerdynamic, and Grado (which I read was using the same chip). I think it is extremely clever to take such a common item, that probably 90% of people would recognize, and transform it into such a beneficial accessory to the fastest growing market out there. I listened to headphones for years before I even knew that portable headphone amps exist. Since then, I have been transformed into a die hard fan. I don't think that many people even understand the benefit of a headphone amp. This took a pair of headphones that were harsh, with too much treble, into a perfectly balanced set that sounded 10 times their $$$$ value. Anyways, back to the review...

When I first got the amp, it was in the MOST basic of packaging. I have learned from experience: it's not the fancy box, or face on it, it's what it can actually do. So, I opened it, and sure enough, an Altoid container. The build on it is far more stable than I had anticipated. The volume knob has a nice, sturdy feel to it. The battery fits securely into its position, and all parts were fixed.

The amp has a protection mode that will not allow it to turn on unless there is something hooked up to it, which I thought was a great feature. When I opened it, I immediately went for the bass boost button. The headphones I was using were INCREDIBLY accurate for all the top end, but I wanted to hear the bass. BOY, did I hear the bass. Now I prefer it just amp'ed, and no bass boost. It's got a rich, warm sound to it. I actually prefer it over most of the entry level FiiO amps I have tried. The battery lasted over a month of constant usage, and I love showing it off. Everyone I have let use it has felt very similar to my evaluation.

Overall, I would rate this 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to really enhance the performance on their relatively low impedance headphones!

Great amp, really worth the investment

Awesome amp. I watched the video on it and thought it was a very clever idea. The sound really is warm, and very pleasant. I think it helps me relax even more. Sometimes, the Bass boost is exactly what the recording needs, and other times its nice to listen to it all natural. it gets really loud. 100% satisfied. I cannot think of anything I would want done different, and that is the best problem to have.