Omark12
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
- Posts
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- 13
Best Amp/DAC under or around $100 for FostexT50 RP (modded) and Denon D2000? Audio gd NFB-12 and FiiO E10 come to mind. Also interested in new FiiO E17. Thoughts?
I don't know where you can get the Audio gd NFB-12 for under $100, but I'd jump on that. Otherwise the E10 is a pretty good DAC/Amp
What about just a desktop DAC/amp
Could the E17 drive T50 RPs?
Yes, from whtat i have heard. the Planar Magnetic headphones are very efficent. the Omark12 included. the E11 is the best amp to drive these.(in terms of price to performance and sub $100) the E6 could also drive it but not as well as the E11.
The E17 drives 250mW @ 32 Ohms
The E11 drives 300mW @ 32 Ohms
The E6 drives 115mW @ 32 Ohms
The E17 sounds the best out of all the ones from reviews. the E11 has more bass but the E17 is reviewed to be more punchy and better overal. so yes the E17 can drive it.
However the E17 is a amp for multi use. If you just need the amp function. the E11 would be the best buy. if you need what the E17 offers. it is great. reviews have put this to have a very very good price to performance ratio
I've never understood why amps color music. I've heard the exact opposite planar magnetics are inefficient and difficult to drive. Also what does the E17 offer besides a DAC and amp?
I have an E10 with T50RP and D2000. The E10 has plenty of power for the T50, I'm now listening to Rachael Yamagata with it on low gain, volume almost 3 (of 8). (The Fostex are reportedly much easier to drive than the LCD-2 or Hifiman orthos.) It is very good with either headphone, and can't be beat at the price.
If you want to stretch the budget, here are some things for consideration.
Ibasso D-Zero, $122 after shipping. 16 bit DAC/Amp, has battery.
Fiio E17, MSRP $150, probably a little more. My impression from the early reviews is that it sounds very close to the E10, if that's correct, only get it if you want the battery and extra features.
E11 has been mentioned, but that's an amp only.
I have my eye on the Ibasso D7, but that's double the OP's budget.