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XiangSheng DAC-01A vs. Fiio E7+E9 Combo

post #1 of 8
7/2/11 at 9:19pm
Thread Starter 

Hello everybody!

 

I'm looking for a DAC and Amp combo for my Ultrasone Pro 900.

 

Unfortunately, I cannot spend very much, and I'm setting my price limit at around $250.

 

So far, the most recommended has been the Fiio E7+E9 combo.

Nevertheless, I found today this XiangSheng DAC-01A that is a Tube Amp and seems to be nice.

 

Which would be the best option here?
Or would you suggest me another set?

 

Thanks!

Stefano

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post #2 of 8
7/2/11 at 10:18pm

For your price limit the E7/E9 combo seems like a very save bet.

 

However if you do not necessarily need a DAC then I would recommend the Schiit Asgard as amp. 

 

But if you really need a DAC then yes, go for the E7/E9. I used the E7 in the office as DAC/Amp before I got my Valhalla and D3 so am now using the Fiio D3 DAC (needs SPDIF optical or coax) and the Valhalla with my Ultrasone Pro 750 in the office.

 

I never had the E9 but it seems that most people are very happy with this amp.

 

So long,

K

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post #3 of 8
7/3/11 at 8:32pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks very much K!

 

Unfortunately, I do feel I need a DAC, since I've been runing audio through my onboard soundcard.

 

What abou the HifiMan EF2A?

It is a DAC and tubeamp, and Hifiman does seem to be a cool brand.

 

Cheers!
Stefano

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post #4 of 8
7/4/11 at 3:06am

Well, the E7/E9 combo is proven and got good reviews. I did not follow the Hifiman reviews but it certainly looks nice. 

 

Why don't you try it and write a review afterwards ;-)

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post #5 of 8
7/4/11 at 6:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by szanella View Post

Thanks very much K!

 

Unfortunately, I do feel I need a DAC, since I've been runing audio through my onboard soundcard.

 

What abou the HifiMan EF2A?

It is a DAC and tubeamp, and Hifiman does seem to be a cool brand.

 

Cheers!
Stefano



I tried the HiFiMAN EF2 and thought it was a very nice unit. I would suggest you read up on the many posts on this unit, BTW if you get it roll some tubes after the initial burn-in . Good luck.

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post #6 of 8
7/9/11 at 2:37am

I had literally just discovered the  XiangSheng DAC-01A on Ebay minutes before I read this. It seems to me like the XiangSheng is a clone - or at least close relative - of the Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1, which is $199 as well. Read up on it here.

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post #7 of 8
7/10/11 at 6:27pm
Thread Starter 

Thank you all K, Mrarroyo and sepinho!

 

I actually bought the HiFiMan and some NOS 6AK5!

 

Now, I'm really thinking about getting another one to compare and sell the one I like less.


This Maverick really seems to be very nice.

 

Which should I get to compare to the HiFiMan then: Fiio or Maverick?

Cheers!
Stefano

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post #8 of 8
7/11/11 at 6:57am

Decision, decisions! I'll be getting the Fiio E9 in a few weeks, so if you happen to be in Berlin in late July/early August by any chance, you're welcome to visit and check it out.

I've been eyeing the Maverick as well, partly because it's just such a slick-looking device. I might go for the D1/A1 combo some day to replace my aging office desktop setup.

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