[ztreb185]

Im not sure if I should get the Fiio E7/E9 combo now or get the E10 amp/dac now.  E10 is really cheap only $80 and I've heard its better audio quality compared to the E7/E9 which is around $180, but obviously the amp has more juice.  Or i could just get the E9 and wait for the E17 later on but not sure when that will be.  Any thoughts?

 

[ClieOS]

In the long run, I think E17+E9 will be a better investment. However, the combo is likely to be around $300 or so.

 

[Aaron1006]

It also depends on what you'll be using them with.

 

[ztreb185]

I plan to get the HD 598s or the HD 650s.  I know you dont really need an amp for the 598s but i want to drive them to their full potential.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Get the HD-598 (50-Ohm) for now, it is cheaper then the HD-650 (300-Ohm) and will work with more sources.
I've heard some good reviews on the Fiio E11.
 
What are these headphones going to be plugged into (besides the amp itself)?

 

[ztreb185]

Well this is mostly going to be used for my desktop pc.  So its gona look something like pc -> e7/e9 or e10 or e9/e17 (in the future) -> headphones

 

[chef8489]

As of right now Fiio still has not completely settled on the e17 specs. No one knows how the finished product will sound like nor preform. It is scheduled to be released in Jan.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Well this is mostly going to be used for my desktop pc.  So its gona look something like pc -> e7/e9 or e10 or e9/e17 (in the future) -> headphones

I believe (guess) the E9 has a better headphone amplifier chip then the E10
The E9 was talked about as having one of the best headphone amplifier chips, rated 600-Ohms.
As the E10 is only rated to 300-Ohms, one could guess the it's not as good a headphone amplifier chip as the E9.
 
 

 

[holden4th]

Quote:

As of right now Fiio still has not completely settled on the e17 specs. No one knows how the finished product will sound like nor preform. It is scheduled to be released in Jan.

I thought the E15 was going to come out before the E17 and the DAC from that would be the DAC for the E17? If that is the case then surely the E15 would be the better choice if you are not worried about it being portable. Could anyone enlighten me on this (Feiao?).
 

 

[LimeANite]

You could also do E10 + E9.

 

[lumpas]

I do have the exactly same question as Ztreb185, but I wonder wich one is the best for Sennheiser IE8? 
 
It's mostly between E7 and E10. Since I will not be able to get a socket ( I will use them in school). So I will only use the E7/E9 combo at home, and I don't use headphones at home really. 

 

[LimeANite]

Quote:

I do have the exactly same question as Ztreb185, but I wonder wich one is the best for Sennheiser IE8? 
 
It's mostly between E7 and E10. Since I will not be able to get a socket ( I will use them in school). So I will only use the E7/E9 combo at home, and I don't use headphones at home really. 

E7.  The E10 can only be run out of a computer USB port.

 

[lumpas]

Quote:

E7.  The E10 can only be run out of a computer USB port.

Okey. But if I should be able to use a USB port the E10 is better? 

 

[LimeANite]

Quote:

Okey. But if I should be able to use a USB port the E10 is better? 

Yes.  You can't plug in a portable player to it though since it has no audio-in jack.  The audio can only be fed via usb from a computer.

 

[milosolo]

Three weeks ago Fiio quoted Feb2012 release in another thread. What is your source for the earlier release date? I hope it's true.
 
That's super impressive LEAN JIT design and manufacturing if they haven't finalized specs <60 days from release.
 
Quote:

As of right now Fiio still has not completely settled on the e17 specs. No one knows how the finished product will sound like nor preform. It is scheduled to be released in Jan.