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Difference Between Fiio E1 and E5

post #1 of 20
11/22/09 at 12:12pm
Thread Starter 
I need to buy one of these to go with the RE0. What are the differences, other than the fact that I would only be able to use the E1 with my iPod?
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post #2 of 20
11/22/09 at 12:50pm
A lot of people say that the E1 sounds better than the E5.. I'd get the E1 seeing how you don't have to recharge it like the E5..
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post #3 of 20
11/22/09 at 1:39pm
No bass boost on the E1, but less bloated and more tight bass than the E5.
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post #4 of 20
11/22/09 at 2:02pm
All of these are true statements...

Better SQ
No need to charge
No bass boost (sounds bloated IMHO anyway)
iPod exclusive
Cost the same
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post #5 of 20
11/22/09 at 8:34pm
E5 you also need a LOD to connect to the iPod. The advantage is the bass boost.
Sound wise, the E1 is more transparent and the mid/highs sound a little bit better.

IMO the E1 sounds better.
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post #6 of 20
11/22/09 at 10:43pm
you don't need an lod for the E5. Just a mini cable which is supplied with the E5. I still agree that the E1 sounds better though.
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post #7 of 20
11/22/09 at 11:16pm
Thread Starter 
I guess I'll get the E1 =P

The only concern I have is not being able to a amp my laptop, but from what I've read, the RE0 is alright without the amp too right?
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post #8 of 20
11/23/09 at 12:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingsabr View Post
you don't need an lod for the E5. Just a mini cable which is supplied with the E5. I still agree that the E1 sounds better though.
Using a mini cable on the E5 with iPod defeats the purpose of amping for better sound quality since you're not bypassing the ipod amp.
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post #9 of 20
11/23/09 at 12:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4sound View Post
Using a mini cable on the E5 with iPod defeats the purpose of amping for better sound quality since you're not bypassing the ipod amp.
Depends on the iPod and I couldn't tell a discernable difference between using an LOD vs HP out.
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post #10 of 20
11/23/09 at 12:53am
[Wingsabr] Is the amp different on different iPods?

I can totally tell the difference between LOD and the headphone out on the iPod, but I guess it depends on the type of music you listen to, the quality of recording, if it's in lossless format and the sensitivity of the headphones you use.
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post #11 of 20
11/23/09 at 1:21am
Of course different iPods sound different. There are threads in the portable source section outlying differences between the various models with some sounding great and others not so much. Considering that the E5 is a good value for the money, it's still a very basic amp that's not going to make much of a difference whether it's hp or lod. Now as amps progress in features and price then I certainly can see your point, but lod doesn't make the difference in sound all the time even at that level.
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post #12 of 20
11/23/09 at 1:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingsabr View Post
Of course different iPods sound different. There are threads in the portable source section outlying differences between the various models with some sounding great and others not so much. Considering that the E5 is a good value for the money, it's still a very basic amp that's not going to make much of a difference whether it's hp or lod. Now as amps progress in features and price then I certainly can see your point, but lod doesn't make the difference in sound all the time even at that level.
I agree with you, my point is that the less you have in the path, the better potential for clarity.
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post #13 of 20
11/23/09 at 1:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4sound View Post
I agree with you, my point is that the less you have in the path, the better potential for clarity.
Ah good point.
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post #14 of 20
11/23/09 at 4:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wingsabr View Post
Of course different iPods sound different. There are threads in the portable source section outlying differences between the various models with some sounding great and others not so much. Considering that the E5 is a good value for the money, it's still a very basic amp that's not going to make much of a difference whether it's hp or lod. Now as amps progress in features and price then I certainly can see your point, but lod doesn't make the difference in sound all the time even at that level.
Thanks for pointing out the threads in the portable source section. I don't typically go there. I haven't used my headphone out ever since I started amping the iPod. I did an A/B test of the headphone out between my new 5th Gen Nano and my older Classic and it was definitely different. Much more headroom on the new Nano and the SQ is more crisp in the mids/highs.

All in all I think the E1 is a great option for i/POD/Phone/Touch users especially since its only $20. Some headphones really respond nicely to the E1.
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post #15 of 20
11/23/09 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4sound View Post
Thanks for pointing out the threads in the portable source section. I don't typically go there. I haven't used my headphone out ever since I started amping the iPod. I did an A/B test of the headphone out between my new 5th Gen Nano and my older Classic and it was definitely different. Much more headroom on the new Nano and the SQ is more crisp in the mids/highs.

All in all I think the E1 is a great option for i/POD/Phone/Touch users especially since its only $20. Some headphones really respond nicely to the E1.
Yeah I find my new classic (160gb Sept 09) is on par with the 3GS hp out which is one of the best apple hp's I've heard. Clear sound and separation and I agree on the E1 and would buy one if I didn't have me E5 and iBasso already. Wondering what the E7 will sound like, shouldn't be too much longer.
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