[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!

 

[Mikesin]

Anyone?

 

[Digital-Pride]

Hmm, I would venture to guess the Xonar has a better DAC section than the E7, so a Xonar and E9 pairing would probably be best.

 

[Mikesin]

Hope you all aint getting confused between my Xonar and the Essence as these two soundcards are in a completely different league.

 

[Digital-Pride]

Well, does the Xonar DS have the ability to either play or upsample music files to 24bit 96 Khz rate?

 

[Mikesin]

Yep, 24 bit and 192 kHz rate.
 
Quote:

192k/24bit True PC Hi-Fi Enjoyment

Xonar DS’s 192kHz/24bit playback support let you enjoy all music files converted at highest quality without any sample rate downgrade.

 

 

[Digital-Pride]

While the E7 can only play regular 16bit 44 Khz files, so the optimal pairing for you would be the Xonar connected via line out to the E9.

 

[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?
 

 

[Digital-Pride]

No, double amping results in reduce sound quality.  So, the E9 connected to the Xonar is the optimal option.  What do you think of the K701 so far?

 

[Digital-Pride]

Connecting the E9 to your soundcard via the line out, is best option for optimal sound quality, if your soundcard has that option.