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FiiO E7/E9 combo, worth buying now?

post #1 of 6
9/2/11 at 10:10pm
Thread Starter 

I have recently upgraded from the AT AD700 to the Denon D2000, and so far I am very satisfied. After reading around, it seems that the D2000 benefits from an AMP, and I thought I should get a DAC at the same time since I am currently using my laptop's built-in sound card. Micca has both the FiiO E7 and E9 for $180, which I think is a great deal. I am wondering if I should order this combo now or wait for the more expensive E15, which should be coming later this year. Also, are there any better choices around this price? Thanks.

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post #2 of 6
9/2/11 at 10:23pm

For the D2000s you could use something like the Asus Xonar soundcard, on sale for $21 right now. If you're okay with used look for a Zero DAC/amp or something along the hybrid lines for around $100+ ~ while the Denons may benefit from amping they don't need much at all.

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post #3 of 6
9/3/11 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 

Sadly I am using a laptop so a soundcard is not an option for me. I prefer to get something new but I will look into the Zero DAC/amp. Is it better than the FiiO E7/E9 combo? Thanks.

 

EDIT: It seems from this review that the Zero DAC/amp only accepts digital audio input, which is not viable in my case since my laptop only has headphone out. I guess the unit needs to have USB for it to work for me. It seems that it also has issues with low impedance headphones, is that true?

 

Any other suggestions?


Edited by inter4ever - 9/3/11 at 1:43pm
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post #4 of 6
9/3/11 at 2:00pm

I use the Zero with USB, if it doesn't have USB built in then it should come with a converter. I specifically use the Zero for low impedance cans to accompany my high impedance tube amp, so I'm not sure what you've read but I would say that's incorrect. As far as being better than the Fiio combo I would say so but others will likely disagree. I always go for full size over portable but differences are minor, either way you'll be happy.

 

I'll let others make suggestions, you could always check out the For Sale threads on the board.

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post #5 of 6
9/4/11 at 1:57am
The E9 is a quite good cheap amp but I think that the E7 with it's very low resolution is not a good choice especially if we are speaking of a desktop system. I bought the E9i so that I can dock my future iPhone on it and I use different dacs than E7!!
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post #6 of 6
9/4/11 at 6:45pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the replies. So it seems the general opinion is that the E7 is not worth it. I have been looking around but only found international sellers for the Zero DAC/Amp, which means expensive shipping and returns. I also read about the NFB-12, which seems to be a great option, though I am not sure how it compares to the E7/E9 combo and the Zero DAC/Amp. Sadly, I couldn't find local sellers for it. I am also worried about the synergy between these devices and the D2000. Further comments and suggestions are highly appreciated. Thanks!

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