Fiio E7 vs Nuforce Icon Mobile
Apr 4, 2011 at 4:34 AM Post #31 of 54
I thought K701 is a hard to power headphone...nothing portable can run it well
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 4:49 AM Post #32 of 54
I honestly think it could. The E7 is a great little amp. Can't say for sure though. It's a great pair with the J3. I use that combo atm.
 


 


Looking at your signature, I was curious...

How does the E7+E9 combo compare with the arrow 3G? I'm guessing the E7+E9 must have something that attracts you, otherwise it looks redundant. I thought (from the impressions I'm getting on here) that the arrow 3G was a whole class about the E7+E9. At least that's what arrow owners have suggested.
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:31 AM Post #33 of 54
 I own both units, and to sum them both up as simply as I can: 
 
E7: warm, dynamic, fairly balanced, nice timbres, soundstage is pretty wide, wonderfully controlled bass...just don't go past the '1' setting, or it gets ugly, good amplification
Icon: little coloration, slightly narrow soundstage, more neutral, low frequencies are a no-show at this party, nothing exciting is going on here..., decent amplification
 
I found the icon to be a bit more neutral and somewhat bland and the soundstage was narrow and dynamically uninspiring. To my ears, all it did was amplify with no real added depth, besides just being a amplifier. Wow, that sounded pretty negative..hehe
blink.gif
. You would think it would be more analytical considering all of this, but I don't hear it...
 
Hope this helps.
 
-davy
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:43 AM Post #34 of 54


Quote:
Quote:
I honestly think it could. The E7 is a great little amp. Can't say for sure though. It's a great pair with the J3. I use that combo atm.
 


 




Looking at your signature, I was curious...

How does the E7+E9 combo compare with the arrow 3G? I'm guessing the E7+E9 must have something that attracts you, otherwise it looks redundant. I thought (from the impressions I'm getting on here) that the arrow 3G was a whole class about the E7+E9. At least that's what arrow owners have suggested.

 
I own both setups and both have their pros and cons. I would say that if I were to pick one or the other, it would be the Arrow, based on portability. What the 3g lacks when compared to the e7/e9 is the energy and authority that is immediately present...it made my jaw drop the first time I heard the e7/e9. I didn't think it was possible to get that type of sound quality from this $200 combo. But, the Arrow has crossfeed and bass boost in addition to its wonderful sound signature...wow, just buy them both! :)
 

 
 
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 12:02 PM Post #35 of 54


Quote:
Quote:
I honestly think it could. The E7 is a great little amp. Can't say for sure though. It's a great pair with the J3. I use that combo atm.
 


 




Looking at your signature, I was curious...

How does the E7+E9 combo compare with the arrow 3G? I'm guessing the E7+E9 must have something that attracts you, otherwise it looks redundant. I thought (from the impressions I'm getting on here) that the arrow 3G was a whole class about the E7+E9. At least that's what arrow owners have suggested.



 

Well the Arrow won't really compare with the E9 as it is a desk amp (I mean I guess I could compare sound, but it's still kind of an off base comparison). My E7 is mainly for use as the DAC at home now (docked in the E9), replaced by the Arrow. The Arrow is an amazing amp, and I love it. I would definitely class it above the E7, but it's also $200 MORE than the E7. I talk up the E7 so much because it is such a good amp for the price, and it's a gateway into much bigger things (ie. the E9). It always gets my recommendation for someone that's just starting off with this hobby.
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:12 PM Post #36 of 54
ok, so I have researched the K701 a bit and have read some posts saying that the E7 + E9 combo is more than enough to power the K701s...Do you think there is a high chance that if the E7 alone wouldn't do it, the combo would? Sorry for asking even though you don't have a K701 >_<   Also,
beerchug.gif
to J3 owners xD
 
Sorry if it seems like I'm jacking this thread, just want an idea if this combo would work with the K701. If it does, I'm most likely going to get it xD
 
Quote:
I honestly think it could. The E7 is a great little amp. Can't say for sure though. It's a great pair with the J3. I use that combo atm.
 


 



 
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:14 PM Post #37 of 54

 
Quote:
ok, so I have researched the K701 a bit and have read some posts saying that the E7 + E9 combo is more than enough to power the K701s...Do you think there is a high chance that if the E7 alone wouldn't do it, the combo would? Sorry for asking even though you don't have a K701 >_<   Also,
beerchug.gif
to J3 owners xD
 
Sorry if it seems like I'm jacking this thread, just want an idea if this combo would work with the K701. If it does, I'm most likely going to get it xD
 


 



 

The COMBO will definately power them. The E7 by itself might have a little trouble with it. I have no experience with the 701s, but I hear they are kinda power hungry.
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:23 PM Post #38 of 54
Exactly what I wanted to hear^^
So, I've heard people can get the combo at a lower price, but where exactly could I get it, and how low would the price go down to? I think the normal price together would be $100 + $130 = $230?
I just saw a banner on the right side about the combo lol
Is this a good place to buy, or do you recommend somewhere else? http://www.miccastore.com/fiio-desktop-headphone-amplifier-black-p-42.html?gclid=CJXcxq21iagCFUvd4Aod6Fq8DA
 
Quote:
 


 

The COMBO will definately power them. The E7 by itself might have a little trouble with it. I have no experience with the 701s, but I hear they are kinda power hungry.



 
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:24 PM Post #39 of 54
I am planning to get the E7 for my Cowon J3, but would it be able to power the AKG K701? I understand that the K701 requires quite a bit of juice, but would the E7 be sufficient? Thank you~


No, it can't. Unless you max out the E7 and use EQ 3 (which completely changes the sound of the K701), you will find the K701 to sound dull, lifeless, and thin. Personal experience. Add the E9 to power the K701 and bring it to life.
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:38 PM Post #40 of 54

 
Quote:
Exactly what I wanted to hear^^
So, I've heard people can get the combo at a lower price, but where exactly could I get it, and how low would the price go down to? I think the normal price together would be $100 + $130 = $230?
I just saw a banner on the right side about the combo lol
Is this a good place to buy, or do you recommend somewhere else? http://www.miccastore.com/fiio-desktop-headphone-amplifier-black-p-42.html?gclid=CJXcxq21iagCFUvd4Aod6Fq8DA
 


 



 

Micca is where I've bought a few FiiO products. They're reputable and reliable. Buy it there.
 
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:46 PM Post #41 of 54
I see. I am extremely leaning towards the E7+E9+K701 combo right now, thank you for the advice.
 
Quote:
Quote:
I am planning to get the E7 for my Cowon J3, but would it be able to power the AKG K701? I understand that the K701 requires quite a bit of juice, but would the E7 be sufficient? Thank you~




No, it can't. Unless you max out the E7 and use EQ 3 (which completely changes the sound of the K701), you will find the K701 to sound dull, lifeless, and thin. Personal experience. Add the E9 to power the K701 and bring it to life.



 
ok, thank you for the confirmation. I will buy it from that site once I decide to get them.
 
Quote:
 


 

Micca is where I've bought a few FiiO products. They're reputable and reliable. Buy it there.



Thank you guys for all the help! I will most likely create another thread specifically for the K701 once I get enough money to buy the 701 and amps! Thanks again^^
 
Apr 7, 2011 at 5:23 AM Post #42 of 54
 

Well the Arrow won't really compare with the E9 as it is a desk amp (I mean I guess I could compare sound, but it's still kind of an off base comparison). My E7 is mainly for use as the DAC at home now (docked in the E9), replaced by the Arrow. The Arrow is an amazing amp, and I love it. I would definitely class it above the E7, but it's also $200 MORE than the E7. I talk up the E7 so much because it is such a good amp for the price, and it's a gateway into much bigger things (ie. the E9). It always gets my recommendation for someone that's just starting off with this hobby.


i was saving up for the arrow but now it's flat out $300 with no DAC capabilities. It came out to be around $300 with the usb-dac cable before ... so now.... the arrow is more like twice the price of the E7+E9. i wouldn't compare the arrow to the E7 alone (in my case). it's mainly a home rig but i do like the option for portability once in a while.

 
I own both setups and both have their pros and cons. I would say that if I were to pick one or the other, it would be the Arrow, based on portability. What the 3g lacks when compared to the e7/e9 is the energy and authority that is immediately present...it made my jaw drop the first time I heard the e7/e9. I didn't think it was possible to get that type of sound quality from this $200 combo. But, the Arrow has crossfeed and bass boost in addition to its wonderful sound signature...wow, just buy them both! :)
 

 
 


thnx for your input. i just realized i've been watching your youtube channel and your videos are great!
 
Apr 7, 2011 at 9:18 AM Post #43 of 54


Quote:
Quote:
 

Well the Arrow won't really compare with the E9 as it is a desk amp (I mean I guess I could compare sound, but it's still kind of an off base comparison). My E7 is mainly for use as the DAC at home now (docked in the E9), replaced by the Arrow. The Arrow is an amazing amp, and I love it. I would definitely class it above the E7, but it's also $200 MORE than the E7. I talk up the E7 so much because it is such a good amp for the price, and it's a gateway into much bigger things (ie. the E9). It always gets my recommendation for someone that's just starting off with this hobby.




i was saving up for the arrow but now it's flat out $300 with no DAC capabilities. It came out to be around $300 with the usb-dac cable before ... so now.... the arrow is more like twice the price of the E7+E9. i wouldn't compare the arrow to the E7 alone (in my case). it's mainly a home rig but i do like the option for portability once in a while.


Quote:
 
I own both setups and both have their pros and cons. I would say that if I were to pick one or the other, it would be the Arrow, based on portability. What the 3g lacks when compared to the e7/e9 is the energy and authority that is immediately present...it made my jaw drop the first time I heard the e7/e9. I didn't think it was possible to get that type of sound quality from this $200 combo. But, the Arrow has crossfeed and bass boost in addition to its wonderful sound signature...wow, just buy them both! :)
 

 
 




thnx for your input. i just realized i've been watching your youtube channel and your videos are great!

 
Ha! I'm glad to hear that and thanks again for watching!!
beerchug.gif

 
 
 
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:11 AM Post #44 of 54
The Arrow is definitely a portable amp. No DAC, just sound. I got mine mainly for the form factor (although, of course it was an upgrade from my E7). It's nice and thin, and tall. I'm actually going to find a belt case for the Arrow + J3 soon.
 
It's a nice, thin setup with a ton of power, but it's not really practical for home use. Being out and about quite a bit, I needed to split up my home and portable set ups to get the best listening experience.
 
Quote:
Quote:
 

Well the Arrow won't really compare with the E9 as it is a desk amp (I mean I guess I could compare sound, but it's still kind of an off base comparison). My E7 is mainly for use as the DAC at home now (docked in the E9), replaced by the Arrow. The Arrow is an amazing amp, and I love it. I would definitely class it above the E7, but it's also $200 MORE than the E7. I talk up the E7 so much because it is such a good amp for the price, and it's a gateway into much bigger things (ie. the E9). It always gets my recommendation for someone that's just starting off with this hobby.




i was saving up for the arrow but now it's flat out $300 with no DAC capabilities. It came out to be around $300 with the usb-dac cable before ... so now.... the arrow is more like twice the price of the E7+E9. i wouldn't compare the arrow to the E7 alone (in my case). it's mainly a home rig but i do like the option for portability once in a while.



 
 
 
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:20 AM Post #45 of 54

 
Quote:
 
Ha! I'm glad to hear that and thanks again for watching!!
beerchug.gif

 
 



 

I am also a huge fan of your reviews. Some of my favorite one out there. Excellent quality (sound & video), and your music choices are the best. Love it. EDIT: Watching your BitHead review now (which has an amazing song in the background, by the way, your best choice yet, the first one. lol)
 

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