[hi-fifan]

Hey everybody,
 
I have a mid 2010 macbook pro that I most often listen to my music with. I'm looking to pair either an AMP or a DAC/AMP with my ATH-M50's.
 
My question is.... is it worth it to get something like the FIIO E7 because am I really going to hear a significant sound quality upgrade from the soundcard on my macbook vs the E7??
 
Or should I just go with a regular bass boosting amp like the E6 or maybe something a little more expensive because I want to be able to use it with my iPod classic also???
 
Thanks for y'alls help!!

 

[ExpatinJapan]

M-50s arent going to benefit that much from an amp.
 
But..... if you have seen all the kewl rigs and feel you jus hav to hav one, then maybe and fiio E17 would do the trick, and get a Fiio L9 lod for the ipod.

 

[tzjin]

I remember reading somewhere that the E6 amp section is actually better than just the amp portion of the E7.

 

[hi-fifan]

Quote:

I remember reading somewhere that the E6 amp section is actually better than just the amp portion of the E7.

That's interesting. Can anyone validate this? I might want to just pick up an E6 because I am on college kid budget.

 

[DFXLuna]

I have really good experiences with my e10 paired with an AD700. It's in the same price range so I recommend it!

 

[tzjin]

Quote:

That's interesting. Can anyone validate this? I might want to just pick up an E6 because I am on college kid budget.

 
Found it! http://www.head-fi.org/t/566351/fiio-e6-story-of-the-tiny-amp-continues-w-review-on-1st-page

 

 

[hi-fifan]

Awesome! thanks for linking to that review of E6.
 
One more question for anyone,
 
If I plan on stepping up to a pair of slick expensive headphones in the future (haven't really looked at any yet), is it worth it to get E11 instead of E6?

 

[tzjin]

Yes and no. The E11 has relatively high gain, so using it with sensitive IEM's will not be fun. It also cannot properly power many of the more demanding headphones, and you would want to pair those with a better amplifier anyways. However, it will be fine for the vast majority of headphones under $400 and a few above.

 

 

[hi-fifan]

Alright. Thanks y'all for your help. I'll probably pick up either an E6 or E11.