You say there is better amps out there at this price...do you mean the JDSlabs c421?

I didn't say at this price there's better out there (though I believe this to be true)-- I haven't personally auditioned enough amps to make that statement definitively. I have read a lot of reviews claiming that even the cheaper Fiio amps deliver better sound than the E17. With the E17-- you're paying for all of those inputs and the snazzy display and casing. Headfonia.com has one of the best portable amp shootouts I've ever read (though the E17 is too new to make the cut). Check that out. My feeling is if you need a do-it-all portable solution-- this one's pretty darn smart. But if you're looking for best possible portable sound-- this isn't the ticket.