[imackler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowei006 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
 It wouldn't be fair to give these an impression with only a few minutes.
 
Usability issues are showing up though.

 
Yes it would! Impress away! Well, I guess moderation is more fitting. 

What do you mean by "Usability"? 

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

 
Yes it would! Impress away! Well, I guess moderation is more fitting. 

What do you mean by "Usability"? 

The E12 is legit a flagship amp.
 
-Waiting for further info-

 

[imackler]

Quote:

 
With the E12, the volume pot isn't a "Fast" one. It is in a slightly awkward position(like the E11) and the angle the LOD protrudes at make it so that it may get tangled up if you pull it out too quick. 
 

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I never liked that about the E11. On the other hand, I would rather cautiously turn the volume than hurt my ears longterm. But the line-in positioning always made the volume pot feel cramped. That seems like a disappointing design flaw on the E12. 

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

I never liked that about the E11. On the other hand, I would rather cautiously turn the volume than hurt my ears longterm. But the line-in positioning always made the volume pot feel cramped. That seems like a disappointing design flaw on the E12. 

-waiting for further info-
 

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I've only heard it for 10 minutes. I am finishing up other work now and am leaving it to play some music. I don't particularily deal with SS burn in but some do and why not. I have to burn in a pair of earbuds anyway.
 
However with those 10 minutes I have had it. This must be the most radically different FiiO I have ever heard. With all the other FiiO's I have heard. They had the same qualities. Sweet warm, and bassy. With different variations of each. With the E12. I feel like it's still trying to keep it's warm, sweet and universal sound signature but trying to break into a larger "audiophile" world. Basically, it's more "colorless". I wouldn't say flat but it is a lot more colorless.
 
Take that with a grain of salt. I only had a 10 minute non serious listen with one headphone. It can change at any time and that is not my official opinion. My official opinion will be in my review which will be out in February along with all my other ones.

 

[Mani ATH 87]

It sounds pretty cumbersome to need a pin just to change gain settings, in fact that sounds downright stupid.

 

[Greed]

Wait... wah... you need a pin to change the gain setting?

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

Wait... wah... you need a pin to change the gain setting?

And crossfeed. It is recessed. 

 
 
A ball point pen fits in. 

 

[Mani ATH 87]

I don't understand why they wouldn't have just made it a switch, that seems so silly to me.

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

I don't understand why they wouldn't have just made it a switch, that seems so silly to me.

Their bass boost has the switch. 
 
It's not really a problem, its just a quirk. 

 
I don't really mind. Like I said before. I see it as more of a slow down and enjoy type of unit.

 

[Apo0th3karY]

I see the logic in having the gain switch recessed, accidentally switching that in your pocket would be baaaad. And I think Wed know once were out if we have high impedance or sensitive phones, so that wouldn't need to be changed 'fast' for most. But the crossfeed I would have expected to be easier to access, but there has to be some logic to why they made it recessed in comparison.

As for the volume pot, yeah that does look inconvenient but it also looks well guarded from accidental pocket turns by the LOD and hp out cable. I can't see it being a big functionality issue more than a small inconvenience for most.

 

[Mani ATH 87]

It's more of an inconvenience and a silly design decision, especially for something considered portable. I actually don't think that it looks nearly as nice as the E17 or the E07K so it will be interesting to see what it brings sound quality wise.

What is the price point on the E12?

 

[JamesFiiO]

Quote:

What country are you in? Mine finally made it to Seattle. I'm hoping tomorrow! 

 

《Sleepless in Seattle》, What a beautiful city and city must to go in my life.​

 
 

 ​

 

[bowei006]

Quote:

I see the logic in having the gain switch recessed, accidentally switching that in your pocket would be baaaad. And I think Wed know once were out if we have high impedance or sensitive phones, so that wouldn't need to be changed 'fast' for most. But the crossfeed I would have expected to be easier to access, but there has to be some logic to why they made it recessed in comparison.

As for the volume pot, yeah that does look inconvenient but it also looks well guarded from accidental pocket turns by the LOD and hp out cable. I can't see it being a big functionality issue more than a small inconvenience for most.

Yep, there is that. the bands, could move and ...yeah, it would be very bad. Considering the output of this device.
 
It lies flat. The volume pot does not protrude from the sides. IT is also a bit stiff. I have barely used it yet so it may need to be used before it gets a bit looser. I don't want it loose but I don't need it this hard eitherl
Quote:

It's more of an inconvenience and a silly design decision, especially for something considered portable. I actually don't think that it looks nearly as nice as the E17 or the E07K so it will be interesting to see what it brings sound quality wise.

What is the price point on the E12?

I personally prefer the look of the E12. The E07K doesn't look as majestic in real life in my opinion. 
 
$120. Most places in the U.S offer free shipping (micca store)
 
MP4nation has international free worldwide shipping but you should buy local in case something happens
 
 
 
This is a pre production unit. There may be changes. If there was, I would prefer a non recessed cross feed switch. That's it. I would actually prefer and like it that the gain was recessed. If there was a way to change it without a pen while still not being a problem of sliding the band. I would go for it, but as of this moment, there is no other way.
 

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FiiO E12 pictures have been posted and updated on Reddit /r/headphones
http://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/16sbsn/new_fiio_e12_mont_blanc_flagship_amplifier/
 
http://imgur.com/a/9DE79
 
Some prefer Imgur. I prefer to use dropbox as Imgur non pro down converts pics to 1MB.

 

[JamesFiiO]

We will add two short silicon bands ( same as the band in our E17/E07K/E11) from mass production.
 
Very sorry the reason that we provide long silicon band is to prepare for the future products so the E12 can banded with our E19/X5 in the future. but we forget the iPhone4 and other slim DAP 

 

[Digital-Pride]

Personally, I don't view the recessed gain and cross feed switch as a negative or a deal breaker.