Introduction
Today, I wanted to analyze and write my thoughts on one of my first non-headphone acquisitions when I entered this niche. The FiiO E10K is a headphone DAC/AMP that the brand has been producing since 2019 and has recently updated to the new E10K-TC version, which maintains a price of $75.99 USD / $50,000 Argentine pesos.
Since this little device has brought me so much joy, I wanted to share my opinion about it with you.
Video Review here
Previous Reviews here
If you wish to read this review in Spanish click here
Disclaimers:
- This product was purchased with my own money
- Review based in 2-4hs listening sessions each day across 6 days
- I’m a low level listener, take it into account for the analysis in the “Power” segment
- All music is lossless (Qobuz > 16bit - 44.1kHz)
Unboxing, Build & Accessories
This is the smallest and cheapest desktop DAC/AMP offered by FiiO, and despite that, it comes in packaging of considerable size with the device excellently protected by a mold made of a material resembling rubber. The mold is firm but soft to the touch when squeezed with the fingers. In a box beside it, we find the Micro-USB to USB-A cable and 6 rubber "feet".
Obviously, I will focus on the main aspect, which is the construction of the E10K. When one buys a budget audio product, it is generally assumed that the brand had to cut costs somewhere, and unfortunately, construction is often an area of interest for making products more affordable. However, with the E10K, it is the opposite. It features a fully aluminum casing. Yes, the volume wheel and switches (bass boost and gain) are made of plastic, but that does not detract from the exceptional craftsmanship for a product considered entry-level.
On the front, we have the knob/dial with markings to indicate if it's turned off ("OFF"), along with an indicator that lights up in blue when it's turned on. It also has numbers from 1 to 8 to indicate the volume level. There is a 3.5mm input for connecting headphones, as well as a "bass" switch that allows for an increase in bass gain, which I'll discuss later.
On the back, there are three ports: the power input for the E10K, which can be used with the provided Micro-USB cable to transmit the signal to the connected computer, a coaxial input that can be used to "convert" signals from other DACs or to connect external amplifiers, and the same applies to the Line Out. Additionally, the back panel features the gain switch with two modes: L (Low) and H (High). It's quite self-explanatory, with L being intended for headphones with higher sensitivity and lower impedance, while H is used for more demanding headphones.
Perhaps the least remarkable are the accessories, with the cable being a generic one but with an adequate length (1 meter), at least in my case. The rubber "feet" may seem irrelevant to many, but they came in handy for surfaces where the aluminum could scratch or easily slide if the headphone cable was pulled.
Specifications
Small but powerful, delivering 200mW at 32 ohms, the FiiO E10K is capable of bringing any type of headphones with a normal impedance/sensitivity ratio to life, and even handling more demanding ones. FiiO recommends headphones with an impedance of 16 to 150 ohms.
Having mentioned its size (specific dimensions: 79mm x 49.1mm x 21mm, weight: 78g), portability is limited as it cannot be powered through smartphones (although some users may find ways to use it with a portable battery). It also features a USB resolution of up to 24-bit/96kHz and can be used both as a DAC/AMP or solely as a DAC thanks to its Line Out input.
Functionality & Performance
Power
As mentioned earlier, I am someone who listens at relatively low volume levels compared to most people. Therefore, with the gain set to L and the volume at maximum 3 (with Windows volume at 100% and my media player at 50% volume), it is already sufficient for me.
The volume and sound output of this FiiO device are impressive to me because, at the price point I acquired it used some time ago, I haven't had headphones that have pushed it to its limits. For this review, I decided to test the E10K with three different headphones, each with different impedance, sensitivity, and drivers:
Firstly, I tested them with the 7HZ Salnotes Zero, which have an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 108dB/V @ 1kHz, along with a 10mm dynamic driver. These specifications make the Zero similar to other IEMs on the market considered "easy to drive," as they can be adequately powered by just a smartphone's headphone jack, producing an acceptable (and even loud) volume level. Due to this, the FiiO DAC/AMP had no trouble providing power to them, and in my personal usage, I find myself using them at volume levels 1-2, depending on the genre and whether the album was recorded in a studio or is a live performance.
Next, the testing continued with two considerably more demanding headphones. To start, I tried the new KZ PR2, IEMs that have garnered a lot of attention because they require a source that can provide them with ample power to shine. Their specifications are as follows: impedance of 15 ohms and sensitivity of 94dB/mW @ 1kHz, featuring a 13.2mm planar magnetic driver. The impedance/sensitivity ratio in this case can be deceptive, as it may seem that they are not much more difficult to drive compared to the Zero, but that's not the case. With studio-recorded albums like Megadeth's "The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!" and Calvin Harris' "Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2," I found myself hovering around the 2 mark, occasionally surpassing it. However, with live albums like Iron Maiden's "Live After Death" or orchestral performances like Schubert's "Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"" performed by the Gewandhaus Leipzig Orchestra, I found it necessary to increase the volume to 3 or higher to precisely discern instruments that were positioned further back in the ensemble, such as double basses and cellos.
Then, as the "final boss", I evaluated how well the Hifiman HE400SE (Stealth Magnet version) performed. These headphones have an impedance of 25 ohms and a sensitivity of 91dB, featuring a 10cm diameter planar magnetic driver. This pair is the only one that might warrant using the E10K's High gain setting, as they require a significant amount of power to unleash their full potential. In my experience, using them with the Low gain setting, I consistently find myself surpassing the volume level 3 mark in practically any situation (watching videos/listening to music), and during live performances, I often need to go beyond 4. However, with the High gain setting, I don't need to venture far from the volume level 2 mark.
Sound Profile
The FiiO DAC/AMP offers a sterile sound transmission, in the best sense of the term, allowing you to hear the particular sound signature of your connected headphones without coloring or altering it, remaining true to headphone’s tuning.
Soundstage and Details
Clearly, the E10K is an upgrade in terms of soundstage and detail reproduction compared to cheaper dongles. This device provides a wide soundstage to the listener's ears, along with improved localization and separation of vocals and instruments, thanks to its LMH6643 op-amp.
A simple comparison with the TempoTec Sonata HD PRO showed me during Adele's "Miss You" that the E10K generates a wider soundstage (both in width and slightly in depth), making this song less intimate compared to the dongle. Additionally, small details during the chorus, such as tambourines and faint bell-like sounds in the background, are better perceived by the FiiO device.
When compared to more powerful amplifiers like the iFi ZEN CAN, the E10K falls slightly behind in terms of details and dynamics. However, it's important to consider that the E10K serves a dual function, while the iFi device is solely dedicated to amplification.
Noise floor & Latency
One word: nonexistent. The implemented DAC (PCM-5102) in the E10K helps keep annoying noise to a minimum. When connected to my PC, I have experienced no noticeable background noise with any headphones, and this holds true for both music and gaming.
Speaking of gaming, several users have asked me about sound transmission and whether there is any additional latency when using a device like this. The answer is absolutely not. When playing competitive games like Apex Legends, I have not encountered any audio delay compared to headphones connected directly to the PC. In fact, thanks to the E10K's negligible latency, you will also benefit from its ability to eliminate any unwanted signal interference in the audio, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sounds of the game.
Bass Boost
Credits:
https://www.fiio.com/e10k_parameters
As the name suggests, the Bass Boost switch allows you to elevate the level of bass in the connected headphones. It works surprisingly well and can be useful for "enhancing" headphones that may be lacking in that frequency range. For example, the HZSound Heart Mirror IEMs greatly benefited from this function, as it enhanced their bass, which I found to be lacking impact by default.
Conclusion
The FiiO E10K DAC/AMP is a legendary product that continues to generate sales for the company, as it satisfies most basic needs for individuals looking to enter the audio world. However, a strong competitor has recently entered the scene: the iFi Uno. Due to the presence of the iFi Uno, which is approximately $10 USD cheaper in my country at the moment (E10K-TC $100 USD vs iFi Uno $90 USD, approximate prices in Argentina), my recommendation for an affordable DAC/AMP would lean towards the iFi option, which even offers slightly more power according to the specifications on their website.
On the other hand, the previous version of the E10K can be found at a very affordable price if you choose to purchase used equipment. In my case, I paid around $45 USD (15,000 Argentine pesos at that time), and at that price, it’s a no-brainer.
Its more portable but it has an issue where the computer will never go to sleep when it is connected.
Does yours (E10k) have the same problem?
Now I have gotten a Schiit Fulla2 and it has async USB problems with popping noises fairly regularly.