[SHP53]

I know e5 is just a headphone amplifier but the e7 is a USB+DAC. What are the differences between just an 'amplifier' and a 'DAC'?

 

[rawrster]

I've never owned the E7 so can't give any details about sound but the E5 and E7 difference in function is quite simple.
 
The E5 serves as just an amp which means you can only connect it to your dap or whatever source  you want to using either a line out dock or a mini to mini cable.
 
The E7 can do what the E5 does but it also also connect to your computer to listen to music instead of using the sound card that is in your computer.

 

[SHP53]

Thanks for the help! You answered exactly what I was looking for.

 

[meyameya]

something i want to know as well.. in terms of amplification alone, is E7 > E5?

 

[meyameya]

bump.. and one more thing... I understand that the DAC capabilities of the e7 can only be used when connected to the pc... but in this case, does it still function as an amp? or does it become purely a DAC? thanks!

 

[ClieOS]

Quote:

something i want to know as well.. in terms of amplification alone, is E7 > E5?

If you are referring to gain, then the current E7 should be slightly louder in max volume compared to E5.
 


Quote:

bump.. and one more thing... I understand that the DAC capabilities of the e7 can only be used when connected to the pc... but in this case, does it still function as an amp? or does it become purely a DAC? thanks!

It can work as AMP+DAC (with PC), AMP alone (with iPod and such), or USB-DAC alone (with PC and the upcoming FiiO L7).
 

 

[meyameya]

I'm not sure if I understood this correctly.. so the E7 can function as a DAC even with portable players with the upcoming L7? cuz that just makes the E7 that much more worth it! please confirm this  
 

 

[ClieOS]

Perhaps I should have been clearer: USB-DAC alone (with PC and the upcoming FiiO L7).

 

[doof-ed]

for sound:
 
I've owned both of these (just gave my E5 to my bro) and i know there is supposedly not much different in the internals of the amplifiers, but i found the E7 to have a better sound. Hard to really convert into words but was definitely worth the money as i use the usb too.
 
The E5 has got a better bass boost to it though, and if you don't really want the bulk of the E7 then E5 is good for the $20 it costs

 

[JamesFiiO]

It is hard to answer this question. you all know that lots of people can find out the different between cables. but there also have so many people can not find out the different between 320k mp3 with APE music.
 
So, it is depend on yourself, but the SQ is different between E5 and E7 because one use 2338+tpa6130, one is use 8692+tpa6130. and even they use the same solution, the SQ
 
still may not the same by the power supply or the PCB layout.