The following are perhaps the most comprehensive threads on gaming and sound: PC Gaming http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide...

Great review.   I have this same combo and it's awesome. I have M-Audio AV40s going out of the pre-out. But they really shine with headphones.

Were these sold?

I know these already sold, but what differences did you find between the Q701s and the K712s?

I connected my E09k to my AV40s via Line outs and the sound is terribly low. I have to crank the speaker volume all the way up and set gain to +12 on the E17 to get good volume. Sent from my HAM radio up in low orbit.

Thanks!   So if the speakers rock speaker wire outs then they can deliver enough power for passive speakers, but if they rock RCA outs that is low signal non-amplified.   PurpleAngel you are your namesake, indeed.   You clarified tons.    Thanks, again.   Last question. So what is the...

Great. Thanks.   Question: Why is a speaker amp necessary? Isn't the E09K enough of an amp, or not?   Or is it that the E09K only has enough outputs for one speaker?

Interesting. I am checking those out.   My main concern is, can I run my AV-40s wiith my Fiio E09K? I mean will they be damaged.   And secondly, can I run a pair of passive speakers with my E09k?