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Looking for desktop amp to replace FiiO E7/E9

post #1 of 15
2/8/11 at 12:38am
Thread Starter 

Hi everyone, I'm still pretty new to audio in general so I would really appreciate some help on finding a desktop amp that suits my needs. At the moment I'm using the FiiO E7/E9 combo to power my AKG K702's. This combo does a great job of providing the K702's with enough power, but I know they're not reaching their full potential.

 

I exclusively listen to the K702's on my computer, so a USB desktop amp is what I'm after I think, or is there a better alternative?

 

My budget is about $200. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance.

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post #2 of 15
2/8/11 at 1:09am

I dont think there is another DAC and desktop amp combo at that price (under 200) that does the job better. However i think a Little Dot MK3 or a say, Hifiman EF2 would provide an alternative tubey sound to that.

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post #3 of 15
2/8/11 at 1:30am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the suggestions yifu, but I'm wanting to stick with solid state. 

 

I came across this http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=20347 after browsing the forums for people in my situation. Would that act the same way as the E7/E9?

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post #4 of 15
2/8/11 at 1:48am

Actually i have never heard of it. At 200, the only other option would be a AMB M3. I think a stripped down M3 kit costs less than 300 so it would be a good deal. There are a few other DIY kits at that price. I forgot the link thou so you have to search it your self :)

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post #5 of 15
2/8/11 at 3:00am

audio gd sparrow?

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post #6 of 15
2/8/11 at 3:39am
Thread Starter 

How would a NuForce Icon HD perform with the K702's?

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post #7 of 15
2/8/11 at 4:35am

$200 is the same price point as the fiio combo, and at that price point i don't think theres anything that outperforms the fiio combo, you might be able to get something used.

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post #8 of 15
2/8/11 at 11:13pm

Take a look at the Audio-GD NFB-12, about 237 dollars.  Has two  wolfson 8741's compared to the 1 in the E7.

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post #9 of 15
2/8/11 at 11:50pm

You might get slightly better refinement with an NFB-12, because of the non-OPAMP design with a proper power supply and better DACS, but really just about the only thing you'll get from something else at $200 is a subtly different flavour of sound.

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post #10 of 15
2/9/11 at 12:10am
Thread Starter 

After doing some research and taking the replies from this thread into consideration, I think I'll be better off saving for a higher end amp so I'll stick with the E7/E9 combo for now. Thank you all for the feedback.

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post #11 of 15
2/9/11 at 7:35am

Or just get rid of the E7, get a better DAC and use the E9 as an amp. The E9 is pretty nice actually and makes any DAC sing if you're on a budget. :) 

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post #12 of 15
2/9/11 at 7:47am

That's what I wanted to say. A a neutral amp, I'm sure the K70x is getting more than ample power from the E9. I'd just get a better DAC to pair up with it, unless you wanna drastically alter the sound with tube amps.

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post #13 of 15
2/9/11 at 8:09am

I think fiio are making a E17 , an improved E7 that docks in the e9.

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post #14 of 15
2/22/11 at 8:19pm
How does a tube amp generally sound in comparison with SS amp?
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post #15 of 15
2/23/11 at 12:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mopiko View Post

How does a tube amp generally sound in comparison with SS amp?


Lower cost tube amps sound warm and smooth and a bit thick or perhaps a bit veiled when compared to low cost solid state.  Although some solid state amps use opamps which can be changed out to give you different flavors of sound.  Most low cost ss designs have a hard treble, cool mids, tight and not so full bass.  Of course that is generalizing for sure.  Lots of exceptions.  When you get into the upper price ranges tubes and solid state get closer in sound but again there are lots of exceptions.  Best advice, try to hear some.  

 

If it were me, I would rather pick a good slightly colored tube amp under $200 than many of the solid state designs I have heard.

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