[Mikesin]

Hi


At the moment im using a Astro Mixamp to power my AKG K701's and use my Xonar DS as the DAC because im using TOSLINK optical to connect it up, however im waiting to receive my FiiO E9 to replace the Astro Mixamp. However ive seen all the rave about the FiiO E7 + E9 combo and im wondering if purchasing the E7 will be an upgrade to the DS when connected to the E9?
Also note that i have changed the Xonar's DS Opamp to the LM4562NA.

So is it the :

ASUS Xonar DS + FiiO E9
or
FiiO E7 + E9?

Thanks!

 

[DaBomb77766]

Well, the nice thing about the E7 is that it's a great portable amp.  It also has a great DAC, among the best there are (at least, in its general price range).  However, if you already have the Xonar, I don't see much point in getting the E7 unless you want a portable amp too.

 

[Mikesin]

 
I've finally received the FiiO E9, should i connect it by :
AKG K701 > FiiO E9 > Astro Mixamp > Asus Xonar DS 
or
AKG K701 > FiiO E9 > Asus Xonar DS
Would there be any benefit adding the mixamp because that means i would have two amps powering my 701's?
 
I use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm Jack into the back of the E9's Line In to my soundcard headphone 3.5mm jack.
Is this the correct way to set it up?

 

[DaBomb77766]

It'd be best to take as few components here as possible.  Multiple amps in the line should be avoided if at all possible.  Does your soundcard have a line-out port or at least a line-out function in the settings?  Or does it have RCA line-out ports that you can connect to the E9?