Fantastic review Paul! I had no idea this thing packed so much power, given its compact size. I noticed it takes 4 hours to charge. Would it be safe to use a quick charger to charge it faster?

Thanks Tamal.  I don't have any quick charge devices, so I can't really test.  Sorry.  Most of the time, if I've been using it, I just throw it on to charge late at night, and it's always ready to go in the morning.  If I do get access to a fast charging device, I'll let you know though

I was not aware it was so small. I got the e18 cuz i needed a dac but I was considering this. Love the "opening er' up" pics

Thanks Chris. Although i'm sure a lot will look at the price, and think to themselves "toy" - I'm continually surprised by how cheap very good quality audio is being offered by some companies out there.

Great review Paul!  Very informative and great pictures (love "inside" shots!).  You finally caught up with E11k, so would be great if you can take a look into Q1 which in my opinion makes E11k obsolete, considering additional usb dac functionality and double battery life.

Thanks Alex.  I just asked Joe about the Q1 so I'll see what he comes back with.  According to the specs, I still see a place for the E11K - especially given its higher power output (Q1 = 190mW into 32ohm vs E11K = 270mW into 32 ohm).  Would love to compare all three though (if I get the chance) : E11K, E17K, Q1

Great review, iv had my e11k, and topping nx1 for a while now, I find them both very good, my fiio cost £46, and the topping £26.... so im very happy.... I use various headphones, inc, .geado 325i, and geado 225i, and geado sr60, and senn hd 580.......all sound good....and at the minute for my soyrce iv been going over a liad of mini discs pkaying on my sony hi md mini disc players......

Sorry some text came out wrong.....grado.etc ?

Its OK Martyn - I got the gist of it And agree - it just shows that you don't have to spend big $$$ for excellent sound. I haven't had a chance to try the Topping.  Might have to see if I can get one to compare.

Can this be used with a computer as an external DAC?

No - it's an amp only.  for the dac/amp combined you'd need to look at the E17K or Q1.

Ahhh right I see now! Thanks Brooko, I'll check those out.  Well done with the review too, really thorough!

Good review. Using this for last 1 and half year. No issues so far other than the curved body giving some tight contact to my phone's body. 

Looks like they listened to your critiques... my A3 came with the pads instead of the feet.

I have a Fiio X1 + E11k + soundmagic e80. I am confused whether I should use the line out or headphone out on Fiio X1 with the mentioned accessories. Line out is supposed to drive speakers and more powerful stereo systems. But I have seen posts where it is stated that Fiio X1 should be amped with e11 on line out. What's the difference between line out and headphone out in the context of amping? Is line out healthy for ears? Is it dangerous? Or is music cleaner or better via line out? Line out vs headphone out earphone? Can anybody shed light on this ...

No - line-out is essentially fixed voltage from the DAC - so if going to another amp - that is what you should be using It is usually cleaner than the headphone out. FiiO lists all their specs, so you can tell for sure.
 
But if you like the sound of the headphone out to E11K/A3 - then by all means keep using it.  the only one who's opinion really matters - is yours.

Can anyone recommend stacking this with a K1? I bought both that and this one off eBay on impulse when I was drunk, but now that I'm sober it makes sense because I need a DAC and something to boost bass. I'm new to headphone amplifiers though. I was planning to use the K1 for my laptop audio and the A3 for my phone but now I'm thinking of stacking both for my laptop which is where most of my music gets played. 

Should work pretty well Daniel - but really depends on your use.  If the laptops DAC is a decent one, and you don't have issues with noise etc (most modern ones are pretty good) - then just use the E11K - it may be all you need.  If you could sell both though - then my recommendation would be either the A3 DAC/amp, or in your case the E17K DAC/amp.  You'll love the tone controls on the E17K. And it will work on both phone or laptop.

Hi Brooko, thanks for the comprehensive review Would you recommend E11K with Audeze Sine? Considering that I am using iPhone X mostly for music and that E11K is Amp only? Is Fiio A3 same as E11K or is it dac/amp? Thanks

Yes A3 is same as E11K. I’d actually recommend looking at something a little later in the release cycle. Q1ii is a good choice for portable.