My ears have grown out of onboard sound and Apple earbuds. I'm looking for the optimal... - Page 5

Really pleased to hear that you;re enjoying them.  My advice for now would be to forget an amp (you really don't need it with the MS1i), and if you really want to experiment with sound/comfort - change the pads first (Senn 414 pads quarter modded for cheap option, or try L Cush [aka bowls]).  They may help with comfort (opinions vary) and will also have an impact on sound as well.  Whatever you do - do not get the Jumbo pads (tried it - not good result).

 

When you eventually start thinking about your next head-phone purchase - then see if an amp required - and get advice on which amp would be best suited for your particular needs.  The E17 sounds like a great entryway amp - but you don't want to buy now, and then find that your needs have changed by the time you purchase your next headphones.  All you'll end up with is buyer's regret and a lighter wallet.

 

If you need a hand with modding at any stage - feel free to PM me, and I can show you sone of the resources I used.

 

If you like blues - and really want a treat with the MS1is - see if you can get to listen to:
Joe Bonamassa - "Live From Nowhere In Particular" (my favourite tracks are Mountain Time and Sloe Gin) and/or

Beth Hart - "Live From Paradiso"

 

Have fun.

 

Hope you don't mind me answering - but I also have first hand experience with the MS1i, and can easily respond.

 

You order the MS1i from their website - the price includes delivery - and you're looking at $100 - $110 delivered anywhere in the World, depending on the plug option.  For the money vs performance, I really rate these cans highly.

 

For me personally, once I settled on the pads (I tried original comfies, Senn 414, TTVJ flats, L cush/bowls and G cush/jumbos) - with the bowls I now have (the pads have been softened by washing, and the clamp reduced a little by bending the headband slightly) - I can easily listen for 2-3 hours with no fatigue or major discomfort.  You know they are there though.  It takes a bit of getting used to.

 

At some stage I'd love to try the PS500s with the G cush - as have been advised that they would provide great mix of comfort and sound for the money.  In a few years ... maybe :)

Of course!  I don't mind you answering at all.  As a matter of fact, it is welcome.  But firstly I wanna mention, yeah, you might be right about the amp not being a requirement.  I'd probably say the same for instance about most IEM headphones.  As I told him, I wasn't sure on what the gain would be for him with those headphones but what I said about consistent sound across the board remains true and he'd have some well functioning EQ boosting options as well.  Consider the fact that he's pairing with the iPhone, Macbook, and onboard desktop sound. 

 

In regards to the headphones, for the price, doesn't seem to make sense to me so that's why I was asking.  To be sure, I'd of course have to hear what they sound like but still, in that price range, I would likely want all the benefits of full-sized headphones which I'm sure there's no need to list.  Comfort is important but worth the trade-off for better sound still IMO.  I'd find a way to deal with it although it would probably then just prolong my search for something just as good but more comfortable, lol. The thing is anyway, I find it hard to see the possibility of that being the case (them being of better quality) vs. even something like the Sony MDR-7506's (for mid-sized cans, very comfy), nevermind comparing to the FA-003's/HM5's/Digitechs...

 

And btw, it just clicked the problem with your responses.  It's because you comment over what was previously said as if it had no baring on what YOU are now saying (of course referring not to the quoted text but to the preceding).  If you're essentially commenting directly in response, make it known, and speak to both of the people, the OP and the person in question.  Talk to me, or whoever, the same as you would the OP, if you're disagreeing or adding to what was being said.  Otherwise, it gives that condescending feel as if everyone else doesn't matter and they're way below worth the value of your time.  It's not imaginary...  I understand your approach now but if I didn't, I'd think you were essentially giving me the middle finger tbh.  This isn't the case now, but just bare in mind...  I hope you see it now.  Just put yourself in my or whoever else's position, reading your response following theirs. 

 

 

In any case, about the E17, what I also like about it is that it's one of the first things, especially done correctly to this much of a degree, which incorporates so many uses in this one tiny package.  And the most important thing is that its quality is that above many other things.  I can't imagine a reason, for headphones, to get anything else (probably though because I don't know enough with lack of experience with other more singular design oriented amps).  All I can understand is that there are probably bigger, more expensive "desktop amps" which might sound better.  So, I was also wondering if you could maybe tell me some of those reasons and/or maybe give some direct examples on how whatever other alternatives would be better in specific situations.  Thanks, that would much be appreciated!

Edited by Typhoon859 - 6/14/12 at 8:59pm

 

You totally lost me with that ... if you don't mind, we could take that to PM rather than cluttering this thread any further.  Just FYI - I've never had any issues on here with anyone understanding me before - and actually been complimented privately on my straightforward approach.  So far - the only one who's had any problems with understanding me has been you (which I do find perplexing).

 

 

No problem.  I haven't heard the E17, but I have owned theE7 and E11 as well as a few more expensive and more powerful amps.  Happy to give you my opinions.  Again will do this via PM though - rather than going O.T. again

In regards to everything but the problem I thought I finally figured out how to express (apparently not), it was on topic though. I thought it would be generally helpful input to anyone reading and I'm not sure if you noticed but I genuinely expressed interest in your opinion. From how definite you made your comments, I thought you must have had a ton of experience with so many other amps as to say there's something more worth the E17 in situations (especially in this case though). You went as far as to say that the E17 might be a regrettable buy IN GENERAL. That's incredibly polarizing to pretty much what anybody else has said about it, the E17 being one of those rare cases like that. It's like you are the yin to my philosophy - which is very well developed and applied at that...

In terms of quality, the E17 is leagues ahead of all else FiiO right now, besides maybe the amp portion compared to the E11. I was willing to listen is my point, but nevermind now... Not sure what it is in PM you think you were going to tell me but whatever sincere optimism I had in your words is now gone. Nothing you say in response sits right with me and I simply don't want to hear it, and the fact that you see no signs of anything like this is disencouraging for me to even want to care at this point.

From everything I've seen now, I think we will just always disagree. Oh well, I gave it a chance. Hopefully our paths don't often cross, or maybe I just won't give any more input... Why do I need this? Based on this experience, because other people interfere, it really just makes it not worth it. I start feeling like a salesperson instead of somebody providing any insight. If we do cross each other, I suggest we both just pretend the other isn't there, or be PASSIVELY direct, as it is something very easy to trick people with into mistaking it for being a good thing, as apparently you INDIRECTLY seem to know this very well. Sorry if that's a bit too philosophical for you. Maybe giving you a taste of your own medicine would allow you to see it but I have no hope in that nor do I care. Let us part...

---

Sorry Eschi223 for this, as usual, and sorry if at any point you were fooled into thinking that you're receiving any insight. This whole thing here was just ridiculous. In any case, I said pretty much all there is about the topic and nothing more solid than that I have to offer. So, good luck, sincerely, and I hope you enjoy your headphones!... I will now be transmitting radio silence.

PS- Eschi223, I'm not sure what has really resonated with you regarding specifics, so I don't know how my words have really reflected onto you, but if you think at any point it may be worth it, I would be very happy to help you any ways down the road with anything further via PM.
Edited by Typhoon859 - 6/15/12 at 1:15am

 

I'll put it plainly and simply for you.  His current headphone does not need amping - at all - period.  Now if his next headphone (maybe in another year) ends up being a DT880 or DT990 or K701 (or similar) then an E17 won't drive it properly.  And there may be something better out there for his budget by then.  So why - please tell me - would he go out and buy an E17 now, - when he has no use for it - and he has no idea yet what his next headphones will be, and what will synergise best with them?  Oh that's right - because you own it - and it's the best Fiio ever ..... .

 

And what if he wants something for a desktop rig?  Something with good inputs and outputs to run from a variety of sources, and maybe hook up to a tube amp to give him options as well.  Oh dear - I have blown $140 now on something I don't need at this stage, and may not have a use for later.  Pity - I could have put this toward a better system when I actually need it ...... 

 

If the E17 does work out to be great synergy with his next headphone - then buy it when he actually needs it.  It is purely common sense.  By then there will probably be second hand ones available OR someone will have something out that is better.

 

 

 

So what if it is the best Fiio?  How many amps have you owned oh wise one?  How many Fiios?  I notice you list nothing in your sig or anywhere else.  I don't have loads of experience like a lot of the long-timers on here.  But I've owned quite a few and auditioned more.  I personally owned the Fiio E7 and E11.  Both were good for the money - but really - the E7 was underpowered and thin sounding (didn't know this until I tried other amps) and the E11 has a problem with interference, and the jacks got sloppy after 12 months.  In the end I gave mine away.

 

Oh and I can't recommend any amp as an alternative at the moment - because the OP doesn't need one for his current set-up, and I have no idea what headphone he will have in the future - so how can I tell what he'll need at this stage.  But you go carry on recommending stuff he doesn't need - simply because you own it.  I'd rather listen to his needs and make suggestions on what I think may suit him best.  This is not a competition.  

 

Edited by Brooko - 6/15/12 at 2:27am

i have the e17 and i think its good but its the only amp i own, so i cant do any comparison. and brooko, my e17 drives my dt990 fine... typhoon859, im not going to say much as a third party, but i honestly dont really see brooko as being disrespectful, rude, or arrogant. well hes mad on his last post but before that, he was totally calm. maybe dont take things too personal and be friends?

OK - 250 ohms - yep probably fine.  Sorry - I should have explained myself a little better when talking about the amps.  If it was a 600ohm version - you'd probably get volume OK - but not sure about how well driven.  When I had the E11, it could drive my DT880 600ohm to sufficiently loud levels (heck - even my iPhone @ 95% drives them a little above normal listening levels) - but it wasn't driving them well.

 

It wasn't something I realised until I had the chance to compare different amps.

 

Even with my HD600s (and they don't need a lot of input @ 300 ohm) - the difference in dynamics between the E11, and my NFB-12 or LD MKIV was considerable (not 'night and day' - but enough to appreciate the desktop amps).

 

BTW - thanks for the other comments - it is appreciated.

 

 

 

i see, mines the 250ohms version and i dont have any other amp to compare, maybe ill appreciate those desktop amps once i get one