I've got a Clip+  and a Beyer DT-770 pro 250 ohm. I mainly listen classical, opera, jazz and occasionally some classic rock.
 
The current combination works well enough for my needs. I don't mind the weird interface on the rockboxed clip and find the sound quality mostly acceptable but sometimes I feel a yearning for a bit more detail in classical, especially the quieter passages and a slightly wider sound stage. I do a lot of listening near my laptop. Source material is mostly flac but only a few in 24bit. I despise exaggerated bass with a passion.
 
Money is of course tight so I am pondering 2 options
 
1. Get the Fiio X1. From all accounts this should be a step up from my clip but possibly not a huge step. Personally my main worry there is if it's enough improvement or will it leave me wanting an X3?
2. Get an E07K  and use it as a DAC with the laptop.
 
Both cost about the same in this country and I can't really go much more expensive than this.
 
Any opinions? Suggestions? Alternatives?

wijnands said:

  I've got a Clip+  and a Beyer DT-770 pro 250 ohm. I mainly listen classical, opera, jazz and occasionally some classic rock.
The current combination works well enough for my needs. I don't mind the weird interface on the rockboxed clip and find the sound quality mostly acceptable but sometimes I feel a yearning for a bit more detail in classical, especially the quieter passages and a slightly wider sound stage. I do a lot of listening near my laptop. Source material is mostly flac but only a few in 24bit. I despise exaggerated bass with a passion.
Money is of course tight so I am pondering 2 options
1. Get the Fiio X1. From all accounts this should be a step up from my clip but possibly not a huge step. Personally my main worry there is if it's enough improvement or will it leave me wanting an X3?
2. Get an E07K  and use it as a DAC with the laptop.
Both cost about the same in this country and I can't really go much more expensive than this.
Any opinions? Suggestions? Alternatives?

Click to expand...

 
What if you sold off the DT770s, how much would you have for new headphones?

That would be tricky to sell. I'd say maybe 75 euros if I do manage to sell them. Why? I am quite fond of them, took me quite a bit of searching to find closed cans that fit my head.

wijnands said:

  That would be tricky to sell. I'd say maybe 75 Euros if I do manage to sell them. Why? I am quite fond of them, took me quite a bit of searching to find closed cans that fit my head.

Click to expand...

 
My thoughts are that you would see more improvement with headphones that are better then the DT770, then you might from replacing the Clip+ with the FiiO X1.
A few months back I was able to use a FiiO X1 for 10 days and I do like the X1 sound
Also I use to use a Clip Zip with stock firmware, and I've never listened to a Rockbox device, so I'm in a "gray area" about how much improvement their going from Clip+ to X1.
I do prefer the sound of my Audio Technica ATH-A900Xs, over my DT770s.
Then again the X1 might provide more amp power then the Clip+ and drive the DT770s better and you do say they fit your head.
So I'm just throwing out possible options.

There aren't many closed headphones out there that are really better than the DT770, at least not for me. UNless you'd spend a lot more money.