[Roller]

Just like the title asks, I'm wondering what are the pros and cons of both FiiO E17 and iBasso D7.
 
For instance, E17 has more sound customization through balance, bass and treble, while D7 has async USB with support for up to 24/192 while E17 only supports 24/96 through USB.

 

[J.Pocalypse]

Does your source have SPDIF out? If you have the 24/192 files to utilize the D7, I'd say it's a no-brainer. Async is a nice bonus too. However, if I'm reading the product pages right, the FiiO can be used as a portable amp where the iBasso can not.

 

[oneway23]

The D7 also has a both a 3.5mm Line Out and a set of RCA outputs if you've got, say, a pair of powered desktop speakers, whereas the E17 does not.

 

[Roller]

S/PDIF is irrelevant to me, as well as having a battery. SQ is what matters most to me. Both can do 24/192, just that E17 has to use S/PDIF to achieve it while D7 does it through USB.

 

[J.Pocalypse]

I didn't know you could go over 24/96 via USB.. ? This is good news.

 

[Roller]

It has always been possible, just that specialized drivers were required. D7 has drivers available to allow such format, otherwise it would be limited to 24/96.

 

[Shoulon]

This sounds more like a preference quiz then. i'd say the D7 if its only for home.

 

[Roller]

No. I'm asking which is more powerful, as well as having the best SQ output. Connectivity isn't an issue since both fulfill my needs.

 

[Roller]

After lack of replies and further consideration, D7 sounds like a better option for me. I can easily sacrifice the battery of E17 in exchange for D7's async USB and 192/24 output through USB. Another thing that steers me towards D7 is the fact that is has drivers of its own, instead of using generic OS drivers, which have been known to cause issues with different driverless DACs.

 

[J.Pocalypse]

I think you made a good choice. If I had the money laying around, I'm pretty sure I'd do the same. Let us know what you think when you've had time to use it a bit, will ya'?

 

[Roller]

Sure. But I'm still researching, as I like to take these steps carefully, it's not exactly spare change

 

[trunolimit]

So what was your final choice and how has it turned out?

 

[Apo0th3karY]

Quote:

The D7 also has a both a 3.5mm Line Out and a set of RCA outputs if you've got, say, a pair of powered desktop speakers, whereas the E17 does not.

 
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but this is helping me decide, and this thread has almost answered everything I need to know....

I plan on getting a hp amp as an after amp for my DJ mixer/studio. Would the E9/E17 sound better than iBasso D7 as an after amp? As far as I know, the E9 has RCA out, but would the E17 make that much of a difference, or would I be better off getting the D7, and an entirely different portable amp (Looking at the ZO2.3)?

All of my headphone listening is done on the go, but I need better sound for my DJ rig, at the same time could use the hp amp for better referencing than monitors in my non sound treated room.