Small enough to carry on a keyring, the super-simple Fireye Mini from Firestone Audio (who brought you the ILTW high-rez DAC Geoff Morrison reviewed this week) packs enough punch to power your portable phones. When Brent Butterworth examined miniature headphone amps in December, he commented that the Mini "reminded [him] of some of the old tube amps I’ve owned, with the same fat, satisfying sound." So if you're in need of more power for your new headphones, the Mini's well worth considering — especially, of course, if you can get one gratis.
Firestone Audio have given us a Fireye Mini to give to a lucky reader, so one of these solid, easy-to-use performers can be yours — and as usual all you'll have to do to qualify to win is share your thoughts with us. This one comes to us in a lovely white finish, suitable for any wardrobe or keyring.
This week's topic: How big a percentage of your listening time is spent with headphones, as opposed to speakers? Are you listening to headphones on the go, at home, or are you doing both? And has this mix changed over the past few years? No need to address all of these points, but clue us in to your changing headphone listening habits and how they've changed over time.
The winner will be chosen randomly from among those who leave on-topic comments. You will have to register, however — no anonymous commenters, we need a valid e-mail contact address to inform you of your win. We'll take entries until midnight (Eastern Time), on Wednesday, February 22nd, and notify the winner via e-mail by Friday, February 24th.
Best of luck!
would like to try this instead of headphones.headphones are not nearly as a full size speaker.
Headphones and IEMs have become the dominant vehicle for critical listening. My HT rig gets attention from me on weekends for family movie watching and the kids enjoy it daily with satellite TV. My music tastes don't suit the entire family and I now enjoy music approximately an hour each night at bedtime. Now have a headphone amp, USB DAC, and three mid to high end headphone options. Hobbyist for life!
I only use headphones (set of JH5's), and almost always on the go. It's only when I'm walking around that I can really find time to focus in on my music.