FiiO " Flagship " portable amp Mont Blanc/E12 discussing thread, the pre order unit arrives. - Page 26

For better or for worse, I think you'll see that more niche consumer product developers tend to have a closer relationship with users when designing products, than say Apple or Samsung when designing phones. Apple in particular has a history of not particularly caring about current feelings of the people. It takes a certain kind of company to switch from PowerPC to x86 and screw everyone over when it comes to software compatibility. However, when the majority of advertising comes from word of mouth (forum), and most buyers are doing some kind of research, you want other consumers to be happy and feel involved. For example, I don't think this is a particularly strong market or one that really knows what it's doing, but gaming peripherals manufacturers tend to heavily use consumer feedback, use enthusiasts for product testing, etc.

If you look at the original plan for the E12 prior to feedback, it was to use 6x AAA batteries. I think having a single battery with the current charging scheme is an improvement in usability over that... The original plan was to have higher output levels and performance than the E11, and that's generally not happening without a larger size.

Anyway, if you're using IEMs on the go with an amp strapped to a phone, you don't want an E12 anyway. There are other amps out there for that. That said, obviously a shorter length would be better, but at the expense of what? There's also something of a trend towards larger smartphones.



It uses LME49710 + LME49600 design running off +/- 11V rails. Output impedance should be low, unless they decide to add some for whatever reason. However, that seems unlikely considering the stated output power levels below and the rails used.

See a previous post:
1.3W @ 32 ohms is about 6.5V rms (18.5 peak-to-peak, not far from 22V to work with). Around 6.5V or a little more can drive 600 ohms Beyerdynamics and so on very loud, same for planar magnetics like HE-500 / LCD-2/3, etc. To be honest, E9 caps out at just above 7V and is quoted at 1W for 16 ohms. This thing can apparently do E9 levels of power, yet it can run off battery.

Let me break up your post so I can quote accordingly.

Nothing wrong with allowing users to voice opinions. After all, we are talking about a product for personal use. All FiiO has to do is to prune the suggestions and evaluate if it is a sound addition, and if it is feasible in all its ways.
And besides, even a professional would take into consideration the requests of their clients. The poor soul that commissions an architect to design him a house, with specifically the use of skylights, and the architect takes the cash and gives him a pleasing design but zero consideration for skylights because he didn't like the idea. Not because it isn't feasible. Seriously? This sounds like your definition of "professional".

Are you aware of what the two companies you quoted are? Samsung and Apple. One is the company (albeit split into independent groups) that practically controls a whole country's economy, and the other is world famous in design dystopia: "This is how we vision it. This is how it will be. That is all. You take it or leave it, we have enough sheeples to support us."

On a spare note, V-MODA has also taken suggestions for some of their latest products, and needless to say fans are well grateful and ever more supportive to the company. And while it may not be a direct seek of audience, companies like Sennheiser also answered prayers and introduced a model that bridges the gap between the HD650 and HD800. Did they do it because they thought it would be original? Or perhaps because there has been people hoping for something of that description throughout the years?
Woah. 1.24m amp. That is serious business. Let me fix that for you: 12.4cm or 124mm.

There are many phones larger than an iPhone and don't forget that portable amps are not limited to be used with phones. For the bite-mark-fruit worshipers, something the size of a Galaxy Note for example may be blasphemy, but for the rest of the world there is some sense into it. Specially in business. Not all back facing camera of modern phones will be blocked by "12.4cm". Mind you, I did not read the whole thread but is this 12.4cm including the knob? If yes, let me remind you that there is a way to position the knob so that it doesn't block the iPhone's camera.

Let us put that besides the point: what dictates that a portable amp must have clearance for the back facing camera? I'd say look at audiophile portable stacks. Some portable amps aren't even pocketable. I would have to imagine something non-pocketable to not have clearance for the back facing camera on phones. 12.4cm still seems in the portable range given a non-ridiculous thickness. Would you prefer FiiO to reclassify their amp as "transportable" instead of "portable"? I'm not sure too many companies actually use that classification despite the lack of actual mobility. You can go grief the other R&D teams too. I won't tell you if you'll be taken as a proper suggestion, or to be kindly told to leave the room.

Let me also remind you that by counting the added length from a iPhone (!!!!) compatible LOD adds a bit more length below the camera. FiiO's own L11 would give you almost the extra 2.4cm you are so adamant about.
If you have suggestions and recommendations, leave them as such.
You can self congratulate, self praise however much, but your opinion is still very biased and takes little to no consideration of other electronic devices that can be used with it. I do agree that using a portable amp that blocks the camera can be a little inconvenient at times but I am reminded that the amp is not fused to the back of my phone. If I have to use the camera I unplug the amp. Simple as that. Why would I want extra weight in my hands when trying to point and shoot anyway. There are give and takes to each implementation (e.g. larger battery capacity --> more weight or more expensive), and would like to remind you that a portable amp is not defined by +/- 10cm length, or a profile like that of a Go-Dap or VAMP.

P.S. last time I checked, a portable computer (laptop/netbook) covers my phone's back facing camera when I try to strap it on. I want my money back.

 

can't you just unattach the amp, take your pic and reattach when you need it amping again. The length is not a design flaw, its the user's end for not using common sense.

Yeah, let him be, if he wants to have a portable rig that can take pics and drive some 600 ohm headphones he can dream about it, or wait 'till apple or samsung releases their own amps. Because it's obvious that fiio doesn't know a bit about portable amps but he does.

 

P.S. if you can win them all, why settle with the less capable amp (fiio e11)?

Edited by sinquito - 12/9/12 at 8:14pm

 

Let me get this straight: you offered your opinion that they should change the design of their product (likely sacrificing quality in the process) to work around your little camera phone, and when no one was receptive to this idea, you criticize them for changing their design too much to conform to forumites' dumb ideas? Sounds like a perfect example of a Catch-22 to me....

^lol! fiio just said shut up, accept the E12, and ur gonna like it!

Awesome post

Nice one Fiio, not all of us use iPhone's as a source like someone above, so this is not made for the iPhone, but for all mp3's and other music players, stop worrying about the camera... thats why i have my ipod rig and a phone for camera and usability. Lets get back on topic and wait for this amazing amp to come out, cant wait to see how it stacks up against my JDS C421 :)

 

If i get a E12 i will compare the 2 :)

Edit:
It's too bad one person's ill-tempered post sent ripples through the thread. For edification, it's clear that the person made some assumptions and errors, including assuming that bowei works at FiiO? I don't either, btw.

In any case, for other people who have similar questions,
two devices rubber-banded together and put in a pocket, they are bound to slide against eachother at least a little. The casing on both ought to be tough enough to slide occasionally. Another consideration is that the picture'd phone is an iPhone 4S I believe, the iPhone 5 is taller already, and for "quick snaps" many phones have a front-facing camera anyway. Personally, I have an iPod for music and a regular phone, so this isn't even an issue for me and users like me.
The other question was, why a portable amp this powerful? Well, that's kind of a personal choice, but there definitely is a consumer demand for it. For example in my case, I like the idea of an amp suited for my AKG Q701 that is no hassle to reconnect between my computer, my Xbox and home theater, my iPod when I want to listen in bed, or with my iPod when I take some headphones with me to work or on a plane. Space is also an issue in my bedroom, finding a place to set a desktop amp down and plug into the wall could be annoying - It's easier to set up an E12 next to me to fiddle with volume while i'm laying down or sitting at my desk. One amp, do all, not likely to need another.
Another consideration is that power isn't merely resultant in volume gain (and voltage?), even lower impedance and higher sensitivity headphones benefit from increased current.
Am I going to listen to my AKGs while walking down the street? No. Is it a benefit to take a powerful amp anywhere? Yes. Is it for me and you? YMMV.
Edited by Evshrug - 12/10/12 at 5:35am

PS I have the lightsaber and Jared apps in the iPhone 10 picture!
PPS, I already use my iPod and Phone as flashlights, maybe the iPhone 10 would be the perfect replacement for those massive flashlights used by security guards? LOL! Joking of course.

I dont. For example,
Clieos doesnt work for all the company he reviews for and joker doesnt as well. I got review units and thus i know a loy about that unit. I am also a very active head fier. The majority of questions are on Fiio products and thus I know a lot about their stuff.

And thus due to the popularity of FiiO. I prioritize putting up videos and impression threads on it becuase i know people want to see

Same here, I don't work for any of the companies, I may work with them for reviews, but not for them.
Reviewers unite

Thanks for the reply. Ceos on general do listen just not directly. They generally from wht I see take feedback from their departements.
If you have any problem with Sennheiser, i can talk to them lol. I live 5min from their U.S headquarters

Are there any plans for good fiio speakers and iems?