Hmm... I tried the switch in the middle. Interesting. It does seem to clear things up a bit.
Anyway, after shelving my E5 for a while, I decided to hook it up again... It's quite impressive for the price. It's also cheap enough to be an impulse purchase. I've never listened to the PA2V2 (I decided on the Fiio instead), but it's a very big improvement over an unamped ipod when using easy to drive phones (I used the HD595 and Triple-Fi 10). Things like cymbals that sound recessed/muddy without it clear up nicely. IMO, it's a good starting point for a portable amp. If you want/need better, they're definitely out there, but the Fiio 5 makes a good case for portable amps in general.
Later today, I'm going to compare it with my home amp... and my home phones 
Edited by gsilver - 9/27/10 at 9:29am