Fiio E17k Alpen 2
Feb 15, 2015 at 6:50 AM Post #288 of 516
  In case anyone is interested. I have not being able to get the FIIO E17K working with Galaxy S4 running 4.4.4  ..
The Original E17 works without a problem..
 
I tried multiple cables just that so far no luck getting E17K working.. Last cable purchased was this one (http://hakshop.myshopify.com/products/micro-to-micro-otg?variant=211796287). I have given up :frowning2: I'll stick to my E17 for now when I want to use my Galaxy S4 phone as the source..
 
Anyone has being able to get the Galaxy S4 working with the E17K?
 
 
P.S.
Also installed Android App ( USB Audio Player Pro.apk ) Trial version but it still does not work..

 
Let's suppose the FiiO E17K is compatible with the native USB audio of the Galaxy S4.
music file >> stock music player (or YouTube) running on Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter cable + regular USB cable provided by FiiO >> FiiO E17K USB DAC/amp >> headphones
 
Each component should be separately tested.
Go to next test only if the ongoing test is successful.
 
. Test the FiiO E17K with a PC or a Mac:
PC >> regular USB cable >> FiiO E17K >> headphones
 
 . Test the Android device with a USB OTG adapter cable and a simpler USB peripheral like a USB mouse or a USB keyboard:
Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter cable >> USB mouse
 
. Test the complete setup:
music file >> stock music player (or YouTube) running on Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter + regular USB cable >> FiiO E17K USB DAC/amp >> headphones
 
 
If the last test is not successful, the current native USB audio of the Galaxy S4 is apparently not compatible with the FiiO E17K.
Then test the FiiO E17K with one of the following three music player apps which include its own USB audio user-space driver (i.e. USB DAC driver):
. USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP): "Important: connect your device BEFORE starting the app, otherwise it will not get detected!"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extreamsd.usbaudioplayerpro
. HibyMusic: free
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hiby.music
. Onkyo HF Player
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onkyo.jp.musicplayer
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onkyo.jp.hfplayer_unlocker
 
 


 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/6285#post_11306308
A list of USB OTG cables:
http://goo.gl/4JyOe5

A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samung Galaxy S4:
stock Samsung Galaxy S4 > digital USB audio out >> USB OTG cable (ID pin grounded) >> USB DAC >> amp >>headphones
http://goo.gl/dIwrqp

 
 
Android USB Audio is in the first step of development.
The FiiO E17 USB DAC/amp for example was not compatible with the first version of USB audio of the Samsung Galaxy S3. The E17 can now work with the S3.
 
It is not easy for the latest entrants (Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, ..., 3rd party USB audio developers like UAPP developer or Onkyo, and now Google with Android 5.0 Lollipop) in the existing USB DAC jungle because the USB specification allows some variability.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/4080#post_10270550
 
The latest entrants have to adapt their USB audio implementation to (most) existing USB DACs.
They have to be compatible with different interpretations of the USB specification.
 
Once the native Google USB audio becomes mature, it will very likely become a reference USB audio implementation in the USB DAC industry used  for testing by the developers of new USB DACs, i.e. these USB DAC developers will have to adopt the Google interpretation of the USB specification, because a "professional" USB DAC maker should not ignore Android, the biggest computing device market share.
 
The XMOS Multi-Function Audio Design Reference is used by many USB DAC makers to speed up the development of their USB DAC compatible with PC, Mac and Android; and the XMOS developers test it against PC, Mac and some key Android devices.
 

 

 

 
Feb 15, 2015 at 8:50 AM Post #289 of 516
   
Let's suppose the FiiO E17K is compatible with the native USB audio of the Galaxy S4.
music file >> stock music player (or YouTube) running on Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter cable + regular USB cable provided by FiiO >> FiiO E17K USB DAC/amp >> headphones
 
Each component should be separately tested.
Go to next test only if the ongoing test is successful.
 
. Test the FiiO E17K with a PC or a Mac:
PC >> regular USB cable >> FiiO E17K >> headphones
 
 . Test the Android device with a USB OTG adapter cable and a simpler USB peripheral like a USB mouse or a USB keyboard:
Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter cable >> USB mouse
 
. Test the complete setup:
music file >> stock music player (or YouTube) running on Galaxy S4 >> USB OTG adapter + regular USB cable >> FiiO E17K USB DAC/amp >> headphones
 
 
If the last test is not successful, the current native USB audio of the Galaxy S4 is apparently not compatible with the FiiO E17K.
Then test the FiiO E17K with one of the following three music player apps which include its own USB audio user-space driver (i.e. USB DAC driver):
. USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP): "Important: connect your device BEFORE starting the app, otherwise it will not get detected!"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.extreamsd.usbaudioplayerpro
. HibyMusic: free
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hiby.music
. Onkyo HF Player
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onkyo.jp.musicplayer
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onkyo.jp.hfplayer_unlocker
 
 


 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/6285#post_11306308
A list of USB OTG cables:
http://goo.gl/4JyOe5

A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samung Galaxy S4:
stock Samsung Galaxy S4 > digital USB audio out >> USB OTG cable (ID pin grounded) >> USB DAC >> amp >>headphones
http://goo.gl/dIwrqp

 
 
Android USB Audio is in the first step of development.
The FiiO E17 USB DAC/amp for example was not compatible with the first version of USB audio of the Samsung Galaxy S3. The E17 can now work with the S3.
 
It is not easy for the latest entrants (Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, ..., 3rd party USB audio developers like UAPP developer or Onkyo, and now Google with Android 5.0 Lollipop) in the existing USB DAC jungle because the USB specification allows some variability.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/4080#post_10270550
 
The latest entrants have to adapt their USB audio implementation to (most) existing USB DACs.
They have to be compatible with different interpretations of the USB specification.
 
Once the native Google USB audio becomes mature, it will very likely become a reference USB audio implementation in the USB DAC industry used  for testing by the developers of new USB DACs, i.e. these USB DAC developers will have to adopt the Google interpretation of the USB specification, because a "professional" USB DAC maker should not ignore Android, the biggest computing device market share.
 
The XMOS Multi-Function Audio Design Reference is used by many USB DAC makers to speed up the development of their USB DAC compatible with PC, Mac and Android; and the XMOS developers test it against PC, Mac and some key Android devices.
 

 

 

Thank you for the detail reply, I will test all the parts one by one.. I ordered another OTG adapter so that I can use the original usb cable that came with the E17K.
I did purchase 2 cables from HakShop but both cables do not work. The E17K does work with some android phones but so far no confirmation about it working on the Galaxy S4.
 
Feb 17, 2015 at 9:50 PM Post #290 of 516
I came across this site and forum while looking for info about the E17K. I am wondering if it will be a suitable option for me. I have a pair of Sennheiser G4ME Zero headphones (150ohm) that don't perform too well with my on-board motherboard sound, and I have read how much an amp can help. The E17K seems to tick all the boxes, and the fact it's portable is a bonus. It's at the upper end of my budget, but if something less can offer the same performance then great, or if spending a little more will get me something THAT much better, then I will consider it. I am very new to the 'amp' world. I have been looking at getting a decent pair of headphones for music listening also, so it seems this would be useful for that also, as running anything off my motherboard clearly isn't going to give me very good results! I did look at getting a new sound card, but it seems I'd need to spend quite a bit more than the cost of the E17K to get something really good. I would appreciate any advice, thank you. :)
 
Feb 18, 2015 at 4:54 AM Post #291 of 516
Im super new to the community so please dont crap on me if i say anything stupid. I currently have an iPod classic 5th gen 30gb, Fiio X1, AKG K7XX and Shure se425 and Monster TCP. I was looking to get a Fiio e17k to pair with the X1. Would this be a redundant thing to do? Should i be pairing it with the iPod instead? or should even get a portable dac and just get an Amplifier instead? I guess which set up is best for me to go with or which set up shouldnt i go with? I have about $200 to spend for the portable dac/amp or amp. Thanks, if im in the wrong section please point me to the right one, i really made an effort to search here and google for a definitive answer, but seems like everyone is already "pro" so the subject doesnt really come up. Also if its more meant to be with an android i have a Galaxy note 3. Pretty much which option will give me most optimized sound performance and quality?
 
Feb 18, 2015 at 5:25 AM Post #292 of 516
  Also if its more meant to be with an android i have a Galaxy note 3. Pretty much which option will give me most optimized sound performance and quality?

 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/6285#post_11306308
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/6195#post_11264146
http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs/6300
Android USB audio
FAQ:
http://goo.gl/A4dCnP
A list of USB OTG cables:
http://goo.gl/4JyOe5

A list of standard USB DAC reportedly interworking with the Android-powered smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note3:
stock Samsung Galaxy Note3 > digital USB audio out >> USB OTG cable (ID pin grounded) >> USB DAC >> amp >> headphones
http://goo.gl/7Bvkhz

 
Feb 18, 2015 at 7:26 AM Post #293 of 516
  Im super new to the community so please dont crap on me if i say anything stupid. I currently have an iPod classic 5th gen 30gb, Fiio X1, AKG K7XX and Shure se425 and Monster TCP. I was looking to get a Fiio e17k to pair with the X1. Would this be a redundant thing to do? Should i be pairing it with the iPod instead? or should even get a portable dac and just get an Amplifier instead? I guess which set up is best for me to go with or which set up shouldnt i go with? I have about $200 to spend for the portable dac/amp or amp. Thanks, if im in the wrong section please point me to the right one, i really made an effort to search here and google for a definitive answer, but seems like everyone is already "pro" so the subject doesnt really come up. Also if its more meant to be with an android i have a Galaxy note 3. Pretty much which option will give me most optimized sound performance and quality?

Well if you're using a  iPod classic,FiiO X1 or any dap.They already have an internal dac.You really don't need a E17k unless you want to use it with your pc as a dac.The fiio E17k does work as a dac for android phones with otg cable.However i'm not sure about compatibility with which phones.But it should work with the Galaxy note 3 imo....If you mainly are going to use your daps or even your phone to play music.I recommend you get a separate amp.It will perform much better than FiiO 17k amp/dac combo......My recommendation is either the FiiO e12a or Cayin C5.Both are fantastic amps and are in the price range of $160-170.You can't go wrong with either of them.
 
One more thing,if you insist to use a external dac for your android phone.I say you should get the Hifimediy sabre android dac.It costs $30.Hook that up with your android phone along with the separate amp.It will surely give you a much better performance than E17k.Also this combo falls right under your mentioned budget.
 
You can check more about the amps on their specific threads: 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/737615/new-fiio-e12a-for-iems   
http://www.head-fi.org/t/729545/the-new-cayin-c5-portable-power-house
 
Review of Hifimediy sabre android dac: 
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758213
 
Hope this helps,Cheers ! 
beerchug.gif
 
 
Feb 18, 2015 at 7:58 AM Post #294 of 516
Im super new to the community so please dont crap on me if i say anything stupid. I currently have an iPod classic 5th gen 30gb, Fiio X1, AKG K7XX and Shure se425 and Monster TCP. I was looking to get a Fiio e17k to pair with the X1. Would this be a redundant thing to do? Should i be pairing it with the iPod instead? or should even get a portable dac and just get an Amplifier instead? I guess which set up is best for me to go with or which set up shouldnt i go with? I have about $200 to spend for the portable dac/amp or amp. Thanks, if im in the wrong section please point me to the right one, i really made an effort to search here and google for a definitive answer, but seems like everyone is already "pro" so the subject doesnt really come up. Also if its more meant to be with an android i have a Galaxy note 3. Pretty much which option will give me most optimized sound performance and quality?

 



The E17K does not help the X1 because the X1 already performs mightily so there's nothing the E17K can do for it. However, the E17K does perform great as a DAC/Amp in its own right and sounds slightly better than the X1 overall. Also, the treble area in the X1 is a bit too mushy and the stereo imaging lacks a bit, otherwise the X1 is very good for its price range, but really the mushy treble essentially makes it a disaster.

The DAC in the iPod Nano performs better than the X1, however, the iPod Nano has pathetic battery time and it doesn't have much power to really drive the headphone for maximum performance. Yes the iPod Nano can give adequate volume when turned up to full but that's it, nothing more to give; though it has a great neutral DAC, there's not enough torque to really get the headphone humming and get the most out of the headphone in an audiophile sense if you know what i mean.
 
Feb 28, 2015 at 1:15 AM Post #296 of 516
Hi,
 
So I own the E17/E9 combo and have been on the fence about buying the E17K for some time now. I want it. No doubt. But i wonder if it's worth buying when I already have the E17. Could anyone here compare the two?
 
In my opinion the E17 is:
 
Warm/Dark, but lush sounding
Wide and expansive soundstage
Good detail and clarity
Bit bassy
 
The kind of sound I am looking for is:
Liquid mids and sparkling highs
tight and controlled bass and low end, accurate bass not emphasized. 
Wide soundstage with excellent imaging and resolution
detail and clarity
 
think the E17K fits the bill?
 
Mar 4, 2015 at 1:04 AM Post #298 of 516
e17k review is up on headfonia
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e17k-alpen-2-a-good-all-round-starter/
basically saying, same dac as e10k, but e10k has better sounding amp section for him, quote "The E10K has more body and delivers a warmer, more bodied sound with great musicality."
 

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