[JayOTheFirst]

ive been searching for the answer but i can't seem to find it, so the question is obviously: E7 OR E17, or a better portable dac/amp. Anything under 150$ in my case, round 100 pounds (it will be used with the Audio Technica ATH-M50).

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

ive been searching for the answer but i can't seem to find it, so the question is obviously: E7 OR E17, or a better portable dac/amp. Anything under 150$ in my case, round 100 pounds (it will be used with the Audio Technica ATH-M50).

I vote E10 (USB connection).

 

[JayOTheFirst]

I always like to know why?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I always like to know why?

Good DAC chip (WM8740), nice low impedance headphone amplifier and only costs $70.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

The E10 ONLY functions via with USB, whereas the E7/E17 can be used as portable amps.

In any case, the E17 is noticeably better than the E7. Ironically, the cheap Fiio D3 DAC (spdif only) is a better DAC than the E7, and comparable to the E17 and NFB5's DAC SQ from what I've personally heard.

I don't suffer from expectation bias.

 

[fauxpas]

I was very unimpressed with the e7... Not much power, sound is flat and strained, the dac component sounds ok, but no star...

 

[tme110]

this is brought up a lot in the e17 and e7 threads (and other new ones).  But the e17 is better than the e7 in every possible way plus has more power and multiple input options that the other devices listed here don't have.  The only reason to go with the older design (the e7) is money.

 

[JayOTheFirst]

thanks for all of the help, i might be considering buying the E17.