[ziflingus]

Hi,
I started another thread a few days back (http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/536307/budget-headphone-amp-for-k702-for-studio-use), but couldn't come to a conclusion, so I decided to raise a new question.
 
In the other thread I was purposed a few analog solid state amps for under 300 bucks (not including a used GLITE), which should all be natural sounding. The list consisted:
- Fiio E9
- Lovely cube (fully assembled)
- Matrix M-Stage
- Dynalo HA6+
- KICAS
 
Now, the E9 costs significantly lower than the others, which leads me to wonder: 
- What makes all the others better the the fiio, if they are better at all?
- Can you quantify (let's say in percents) how much better is any one of these amps against the fiio?
 
I'll remind you i'm looking for the most accurate amp, with as much detail and sound stage as possible.
 
 
Thanks!

 

[Gorgatron]

I can't really contribute much but I just ordered the e7/e9 combo and I'm waiting for it to come in. How do you like your AKG's?

 

[VALIENTE]

Sacrifice, Save more and Get the Burson HA-160. K702 needs nuclear amps to sound to its fullest! You will be contented.

Then buy LCD-2, you're now future-ready.

 

[JRG1990]

Quote:

Now, the E9 costs significantly lower than the others, which leads me to wonder: 
- What makes all the others better the the fiio, if they are better at all?

Probley nothing to not much, the other companies just likely have larger price mark-up/ profit margins, you always get alot for little money with fiio.

 

[Mad Max]

 
Quote:

Quote:

Now, the E9 costs significantly lower than the others, which leads me to wonder: 
- What makes all the others better the the fiio, if they are better at all?

Probley nothing to not much, the other companies just likely have larger price mark-up/ profit margins, you always get alot for little money with fiio.

Or so people wish.
 
"It can't be helped."
 
 
Quote:

I'll remind you i'm looking for the most accurate amp, with as much detail and sound stage as possible.
 
 
Thanks!

 
Dynalo most likely from what I've been told as far as those amps you listed.

 

[ziflingus]

I'm really wondering how much more do I get for so much more money.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to listen & compare these amps anywhere.
 
Isn't there a true hero, brave enough to claim and explain why E9 is good enough?

 

[perplex1]

it looks like you are favoring the e9.  You should just get the E9, since it is able to be purchased from a US dealer. 
 
If it suits your needs, then keep it.  If not, return it.
 
can't say the same with the overseas products though

 

[Ishcabible]

Quote:

I'm really wondering how much more do I get for so much more money.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to listen & compare these amps anywhere.
 
Isn't there a true hero, brave enough to claim and explain why E9 is good enough?

Is or isn't? If isn't, then, while I haven't heard the E9 in particular, it's the fact that it uses op amps, which by default, degrade sound, whereas something like the Dynalo uses transistors, which is better in audio. The other factors are power supply and the circuit itself, not to say that the E9 is an amazing product for the price of an entry level portable amp.
 
About the OPA2134, both the E9 and M-Stage use it, but it's the execution of the op amp and the rest of the circuit that makes the difference in sound.

 

[Croozer]

LOL, buy the E9 and if you don't like it sell it and buy something else.