FiiO E7/E9 Combo vs NuForce Icon uDAC-2...what is the best sub $200 amp/DAC???

Hello peeps

I have 2 high-end headphones, the Sennheiser HD 598s which I've had for about a month and the Shure SRH 940s which I just got a couple of days ago. My music collection is mostly mp3s encoded in 192 - 320 kbps and 256kbps purchased AACs from the iTunes store, but I think I'm going to go lossless and start buying some of my music as physical CDs and ripping them as FLACs, just to make sure I'm getting the best quality sound possible. Of course, even if you do this, if you have a crappy internal DAC in your laptop, it might not make a difference. Which is why I need a external DAC. And an amp, to drive my headphones to their fullest potential.

Looking through the forums, and other reviews on other websites, it seems the FiiO E7/E9 is a great choice for a dac/amp combo, which run for about $180. I've decided to get these, but before I do, I want to make sure I'm getting the best possible dac/amp for the price range. I've seen the NuForce Icon uDac-2, which runs for about $130 and also seems to be very good too. And the uDac-2 also seems to have certain features that the E7/E9 doesnt, and vice versa. So I want to know, does the uDac-2 trump the E7/E9 sound quality wise, or does the E7/E9 have the upper hand? Are their any other dac/amps in the $100 - $200 range that I should consider?

I plan on mainly using the dac/amp for desktop purposes alongside my laptop, but may use it with an iPod and iPhone occasionally if possible. But sound quality is my main concern. I want something that will really make my cans sing.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. :-)

so if anyone is still wondering which one I got, it was the E7/E9. its okay, but I get the feeling that I can still get better performance. I think I might get the HRT Streamer II+ and pair with the E9. :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cifani090 

Schiit!

well that may be my next DAC. I think the E9 is okay but I'll need to upgrade the E7 at some point. I'm also looking at the HRT Streamer II+ and DACport. This time I'll be willing to spend well more than $200....like maybe $400 tops.

the Schiit Bifrost comes out today and the specs are looking pretty good.....24/192 capability, SPDIF coaxial, optical inputs, USB 2.0 input, 32 bit D/A conversion, bit perfect clock conversion....and its all upgradeable. Schiit may very well have a hit on their hands. :-)