Just got one of these units. I'm waiting for an iphone cable to arrive, but meantime am listening to HQ audio over youtube and some free downloaded tracks from HD Tracks. The problem is, I don't hear any real difference on my iMac using Gradio SR80i. I'm comparing the Fiio over USB from the iMac to the straight iMac headphone jack. I do A-B comparisons, and they sound virtually the same, except of course for the volume level.
I have to keep iMac volume at 30% in order to have adequate gain out of the USB output.
Am I missing some crucial adjustment on the E07k, or is the internal DAC on the iMac just as good?
Just got one of these units. I'm waiting for an iphone cable to arrive, but meantime am listening to HQ audio over youtube and some free downloaded tracks from HD Tracks. The problem is, I don't hear any real difference on my iMac using Gradio SR80i. I'm comparing the Fiio over USB from the iMac to the straight iMac headphone jack. I do A-B comparisons, and they sound virtually the same, except of course for the volume level.
I have to keep iMac volume at 30% in order to have adequate gain out of the USB output.
Am I missing some crucial adjustment on the E07k, or is the internal DAC on the iMac just as good?
Apple loves music. The quality of the DACs in Apple products is in general very good indeed. Also, you iMac has digital/optical out inside the same connector, just FYI.
The E07K is an entry level DAC/Amp who can make a huge different on "noisy" systems with lots of interference. It also can drive higher impedance headphones quite well, where your iMac would give up. For your Grado's the difference might not be audible, that's totally possible.I have an E07K as well and on my MacBook Pro I have headphones that definitively sound better with the E07K and some where the difference is not audible.
Again, the E07K is entry level, don't expect miracles. Especially with well engineered and designed devices like the iMac (in regards to sound).
Apple loves music. The quality of the DACs in Apple products is in general very good indeed. Also, you iMac has digital/optical out inside the same connector, just FYI.
The E07K is an entry level DAC/Amp who can make a huge different on "noisy" systems with lots of interference. It also can drive higher impedance headphones quite well, where your iMac would give up. For your Grado's the difference might not be audible, that's totally possible.I have an E07K as well and on my MacBook Pro I have headphones that definitively sound better with the E07K and some where the difference is not audible.
Again, the E07K is entry level, don't expect miracles. Especially with well engineered and designed devices like the iMac (in regards to sound).
[size=10pt]This is good information every potential buyer should keep in mind! [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]I have an older copy of Audio Purist System Enhancer. I burned in the E07k with this for about 25 hours. [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]With high res audio, there is now a noticeable, but subtle improvement with the E07k vs the iMac headphone jack. There is greater separation in sounds and more delicacy with acoustic instruments. The difference is a little stronger yet when playing mp3 over my iPhone 4. In the latter case, there is more dynamic range, tighter bass, and I think the noise floor has dropped. [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]I will probably burn in longer the e07k and then do some more critical listening tests. [/size]
Apple loves music. The quality of the DACs in Apple products is in general very good indeed. Also, you iMac has digital/optical out inside the same connector, just FYI.
The E07K is an entry level DAC/Amp who can make a huge different on "noisy" systems with lots of interference. It also can drive higher impedance headphones quite well, where your iMac would give up. For your Grado's the difference might not be audible, that's totally possible.I have an E07K as well and on my MacBook Pro I have headphones that definitively sound better with the E07K and some where the difference is not audible.
Again, the E07K is entry level, don't expect miracles. Especially with well engineered and designed devices like the iMac (in regards to sound).
[size=10pt]This is good information every potential buyer should keep in mind! [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]I have an older copy of Audio Purist System Enhancer. I burned in the E07k with this for about 25 hours. [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]With high res audio, there is now a noticeable, but subtle improvement with the E07k vs the iMac headphone jack. There is greater separation in sounds and more delicacy with acoustic instruments. The difference is a little stronger yet when playing mp3 over my iPhone 4. In the latter case, there is more dynamic range, tighter bass, and I think the noise floor has dropped. [/size]
[size=10pt][/size]
[size=10pt]I will probably burn in longer the e07k and then do some more critical listening tests. [/size]
When you said you "burn-in" your dac, I had to chime in.
This is not a thing. Firstly, what you're referring to is not actually burn-in, it's a mechanical process called break-in that makes headphones change sound characteristics over a long period of time.
A dac or amp, especially solid state, will not change at one hour of usage, or 100,000 hours of usage.
When you said you "burn-in" your dac, I had to chime in.
This is not a thing. Firstly, what you're referring to is not actually burn-in, it's a mechanical process called break-in that makes headphones change sound characteristics over a long period of time.
A dac or amp, especially solid state, will not change at one hour of usage, or 100,000 hours of usage.
Ok, I will be careful with my terms. Whatever the nature of the change, the E07k sounds better now. Can solid state electronics like the E07k undergo a break-in period?
The only other reason I think it could sound different to me now is I'm listening in the morning. My hearing is better earlier in the day for some reason.
Solid state has no moving parts, and as thus, does not go through a break-in period. It likely sounds different either because your hearing is better, or you're more attuned to it now. One thing people don't account for is that you get used to way a certain thing sounds. Also focus levels, knowledge, etc. Its amazing how much more in music I can hear, just by being made aware of it. If I'm working, or otherwise distracted, there's tons of nuances I completely miss. Also listening environment, etc. Plus there's also cognitive things like expectation bias.
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