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I am also curious like the OP, I currently have the HD25-1s. I read such positive reviews regarding the Fiio E7, I normally play music off my Laptop(Asus UL30VT) and my Sansa Clip. I am curious would it be in my best interest to using it as a DAC or as a Amp ? Since the HD25's are easy to drive would that mean I could get away with using a E5 for an Amp ? Or the new E11 rather ? I am a budget headfi'er lol, like I'd be willing to spend the money on a E7 if its the best option but I'm just wondering what I am lacking to bring out more of my headphones potential! Enlighten me Please ! Thanks in advance.
Disclaimer - my opinion only - I have heard the HD25s (demoed only), and not spent extensive time with them. I own the E7 as well as the E11. This opinion is mainly regarding the E7 paired with my SRH840's (also very easy to drive cans which don't 'need' additional amplification).
If you use the E7 via USB from your laptop/computer, you are using both the DAC and amp. If you use it paired with an E9, you'd be using the E7 DAC and the E9 amp.
IMO, the E7 has greatest benefit as a DAC - especially if you are simply using onboard. There wasn't as much difference between my onboard sound on the PC and the E7 (but it is noticeably better on the E7). There is a lot more difference with my Asus netbook - the sound is considerably better through the E7.
The bonus with the E7 - if you're looking for an entry point - is that you also get an amp with it. It's not overly large. It can make a small difference with low impedance cans (it's noticeable to me on both my AD700 and SRH840). Now I'm not sure how much of the difference (as amp only) is attributable to me bypassing the h/p out on the Touch (I use a LOD), and how much is the amplified signal. All I know is that (to me) it improved the sound. Portably (amp only) it was still larger than I really liked - and because the amp is not overly powerful, it will likely struggle with more power hungry cans.
For it's price however - as a DAC with amp as a 'bonus' - I personally think it is great value - and it's all I need with my current set-up.
I now own the E11 - amp only - and so far I really like it for my portable set up. Small, transparent (to me), sounds great. The reason I've bought the E11 is solely for my portable. At home, I intend to keep the E7 solely as a DAC and pair it with an E9. This way, when I eventually go higher up with my cans, I am set.
Eventually I'd like to go higher (in terms of quality) for both DAC and amp. But at the moment - this set-up sounds great, is very cost effective, and ticks all the boxes for my current requirements.
If you end up only choosing one E7 / E11 - remember they are totally different primary purposes. You then need to weigh up what is more important to you. I chose both - each one suited to the purpose it was intended.
Hope this helps.