So, my Linearossa W1 portable amp got here today. It's even smaller then what I thought it'd be. Pretty cool.
I dug out my *coughs* Bose ear buds *cough cough* (I bought these because I was desperate in South Korea and there was nothing else around at the time).
So anyway, I can already tell a difference. These ear buds are rather flat on their own, but this Linearossa is doing a great job of accentuating the mids and highs which were more recessed before. I'm definitely getting more of a "spacey" feeling then I was before as well.
I'd say that, so far, for $85.00 it was well worth it. I think this should be added to the OP! It's not as well known, but think it's a good alternative to the E5/E7.
It'll be interesting to see how a better pair of ear buds sounds with it