[z28dreams]

Hi all,
 
Here's my current situation.  Would love some advice.
 
Currently own:
Grado SR60
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
 
The problem I'm trying to solve:
 
I am trying to decide on a DAC/AMP because my laptop's audio is quite bad.  I almost exclusively play my music right from my laptop, so portability isn't too big of an issue.  Now, I'd also like to purchase something that is a bit future-proof.
 
My guess is that in the near future I would also want to:
 
- Run my laptop into a receiver for a larger stereo.  Would it make more sense to buy a DAC/AMP that also has an SPDIF or other digital ouput so that I could run directly into a receiver?  Or is the line-out from the E7 sufficient?   Or do most receivers these days also take a USB input?
 
- Would eventually end up with another higher-end pair of headphones, so I'd also want to make sure that the E7 can handle higher impedance/lower sensitivity headphones.  AKG K701's look like a very good option to me, but I'm not sure what else could be coming.
 
What do you think of the E7 for my uses?  At $71 currently, it seems like a real steal, but I also don't want to end up upgrading again later.  I'd like to keep total purchase price below $150.  Used gear is also fine.
 
What other options might I have?

 

[dxanex]

The Fiio E7 is a nice little device. It powers the K702 fairly well, but I ultimately ended up getting something with more juice for my 702's. Also, the Fiio E7 doesn't have a dedicated line out...only 2 headphone outs.
 
If you want to stick with Fiio consider saving a bit more and look into the Fiio E7/E9 combo. People seem to really love it, especially 702 owners. And then you would have a dedicated line out with a portable DAC connected.
 
With ear buds and other low impedance cans the E7 out of a laptop, dollar for dollar, is a fantastic value that's really hard to beat IMO.
 
 

 

[z28dreams]

Could you recommend any alternatives that would also have a line-out (or digital out)?

 

[chrisbrock]

It is pushing your budget a little bit but how about and iBasso D2 +Boa?
 
http://www.ibasso.com/en/products/show.asp?ID=42
 
It is an amp with built in DAC and the ability to have a dedicated line out.  
 
-Chris

 

[MarkyMark87]

Where are you getting this for $71?

 

[JamesFiiO]

Quote:

The Fiio E7 is a nice little device. It powers the K702 fairly well, but I ultimately ended up getting something with more juice for my 702's. Also, the Fiio E7 doesn't have a dedicated line out...only 2 headphone outs.
 
If you want to stick with Fiio consider saving a bit more and look into the Fiio E7/E9 combo. People seem to really love it, especially 702 owners. And then you would have a dedicated line out with a portable DAC connected.
 
With ear buds and other low impedance cans the E7 out of a laptop, dollar for dollar, is a fantastic value that's really hard to beat IMO.
 
 

soon we will release the line out kits for E7! please have a look at http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/530660/the-initial-photo-of-the-engineer-sample-of-our-lod-kits-for-e7-and-x3 

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Seriously, the Fiio E7 is gonna have an LOD for line out... adding  to it's already great versatility.

 

[mark2410]

is there competition?  yes
 
however i can think of nothing as versatile and as crazy good value

 

[z28dreams]

Great info on the line-out.
 
One last question:  Is the Fiio E7 enough to power an AKG K701?  I'd really prefer not to add the E9 if possible.  (The whole E7+E9 combination just looks kind of screwy to me with the way it docks)

 

[dxanex]

As I said up above in my earlier post it powers the AKG 702/701 (same headphones different color) fairly well, the soundstaging was there and instruments were separated but the E7 struggled a bit on some tracks and I would often hear some distortion in the low end. And turned all the way up to 60 (the highest the E7 will go) the volume was decent but not that loud for my tastes.

I would definitely get something with more juice like the E9 otherwise you will not be hearing the 701 at it's finest. And trust me properly amped they sound very damn fine  

 

[JRG1990]

Yes the E7/E9 combo is what you will need or a nuforce udac-2 , the fiio is unbeatable at it's price point, my sennheiser pxc450 sound underpowered with the E7, thats why you will need the E7/E9 combo to drive fullsize cans 100ohm+ the E9 can power any headphones properly, another option is maybe to see what you can get used, i got a used m-audio audiophile usb for less than what i paid for my E7 it sounds better clearer and more open and alot better bass sound and powers my pxc450 miles better, it also has digital coax and rca and midi out's, it stands up well to the E7/E9 combo, the E9 has a fuller and more balanced sound, the audiophile has a brighter more open sound.