My research is done. I was going to buy an E11 again, but I decided to get something more durable and also a DAC for my computer. I don't want to downgrade so I'm going to upgrade to an E17. Now I just have to wait until it's in stock. Then I'm done with amps for a while..Next up, M-100 headphones (when it comes out), and the LCD-2.
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To give you the idea of driving power:
1. ZO2 on PURPLE - thus highest LOW GAIN setting
Is the same as:
-E11 on notch 3 - on LOW GAIN
-A10 on 0.75-1 wheel scroll
2. ZO2 on PINT - thus HIGH GAIN setting
Is the same as:
-E11 on LOW GAIN with 7 sound
-A10 is not as loud as the ZO2, around 0.5 wheel away from being as loud, but the A10's is maxed, and isn't as loud as the ZO2 on HIGH GAIN
Now with BASS TESTS:
-A10 BASS XB ON = ZO2 on: Yellow with a hint of green
-E11 on EQ1 = ZO2 on: 2-3clicks from default green colour setting. So a little yellow tint, but still green
-E11 on EQ2 = ZO2 on: Yellow with a hint of green (same/very close to A10)
I also see what you mean about "cleaner" The E11 is "cleaner" sounding than the ZO2, it does take some time to realise the difference.
So far:
For portability + bass = ZO2
For cleaner sounding, but not as much bass controls, with a warmer sound too = A10
For home or bulky portability, with excellent gain and clean sounding SQ = E11
A10 is also cleaner sounding than the ZO2
I shall be testing EMI on the ZO2 tomorrow - stay tuned
As the A10 had huge issues here...
I have a review that I have to write between the E5, E11, ZO2. I wrote down a lot of data that includes bass, distortion, impact, etc. I'll write it when I have time.
So do you like your ZO2 better than your A10?
As I have said, the reason I like the E11 better than the ZO2 even bass wise is that because I have such a great EQ from my Clip+, I can hear and feel much more bass with my E11. With my ZO2, it's all distortion.
I also love the cleaner sounding bass. I'm more of a Pro 900 guy, not XB500. It's also why I chose the HFI-580 over the Pro700MK2 and LP2.
But I'm not just an audiophile. I'm a huge basshead. I use the EQ 2 setting on the E11 and +24dB on my Clip+.
I can def see how you like the ZO2 for it's bass gain as I can't get enough bass from my E11
without my Rockbox Clip+ EQ settings.
With my HFI-580 and my MG7, I can easily hear that the E11's bass is much cleaner. With my Pro 900, it's much more evident that the E11's bass is clearly superior.
Which amp(s) are you returning? Which one(s) are you keeping?
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I lol when people consider E11 to be bulky. Such an obsession with minuscule form factors.
The only time I feel it's bulky is when I use it at the gym since I usually have up to two 125lb dumbbells on my lap. Add to that, the fact that it dents easily. The only time I used the E11+iPhone combo at the gym, I dented it. That's where my the clip of my E5 comes in handy when lifting heavy.
Now since the E17 looks like it's built like a tank, I might be using it at the gym.