Fiio E17 vs Asus Xonar Essence?

[Thommohawk]

I won't be using the amp on either as I'll be outputting to the Fiio E9, though both DACs seem to have similar options. I'm not bothered about Dolby virtual 5.1 stuff - but I do wonder which DAC is best like for like.

 

[Tjj226 Angel]

With the stx you are over buying, and with the fiio you are over paying. Get the shiit modi. It is 100 bucks and sounds pretty darn good. 
 
You could also get the audio engine D1 dac/amp which would allow you to pre amp your e9. 

 

[Mani ATH 87]

Quote:

With the stx you are over buying, and with the fiio you are over paying. Get the shiit modi. It is 100 bucks and sounds pretty darn good. 
 
You could also get the audio engine D1 dac/amp which would allow you to pre amp your e9. 

I agree with this if you won't be using the amp on either one. The STX is a great sound card, and the Fiio E17 is a great device (both worth the cost, the Fiio especially), but if you have no need for the amp, just getting a dac is a better option.

You can't go wrong with the $99 Schiit Modi.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I won't be using the amp on either as I'll be outputting to the Fiio E9, though both DACs seem to have similar options. I'm not bothered about Dolby virtual 5.1 stuff - but I do wonder which DAC is best like for like.

Just get the Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card ($70) and plug the Fiio E9 into it.

 

[maskedbacon]

I got a Schiit Modi and was pretty disappointed coming from a Xonar DX. There was a lot of "crunch" from the Modi, the sound stage was smaller, and there was a lot less detail. There was also what felt like an overpowering, omnipresent bass effect that made everything feel less clear.
 
I'm curious if anyone can provide details on how a DX sounds vs the E17.

 

[SunshineReggae]

Quote:

I got a Schiit Modi and was pretty disappointed coming from a Xonar DX. There was a lot of "crunch" from the Modi, the sound stage was smaller, and there was a lot less detail. There was also what felt like an overpowering, omnipresent bass effect that made everything feel less clear.
 
I'm curious if anyone can provide details on how a DX sounds vs the E17.

You are saying that you felt going from the dx to the modi was actually a downgrade?

 

[maskedbacon]

Quote:

You are saying that you felt going from the dx to the modi was actually a downgrade?

Yep. I have the feeling that saying that around here is taboo