[tamngoman]

Hey im thinking about buying my first set of dac/amp and was wondering which would be a better choice for my 200 bucks. The fiio e9k/e7k? Or schiit magni/midi. My headphones are the q701.
Or would you recommend something else.

 

[NA Blur]

I would go with the Schiit stack because of two reasons.
 
1.)  I keep reading issue people have with Fiio products.  They sound fine, but there are build / design issues.
 
2.)  Schiit amps are getting a ton of positive praise and many people really respect their designs.

 

[tdockweiler]

I'd go with the E9/Magni and Modi.
 
Not a major difference between the Magni and E9. Magni is more transparent though. Fiio E9 is a little warmer or more "musical". Both are flat, but with some minor differences.
 
E9 can be had for under $75, so it's a steal. Don't let anyone tell you the Q701 will be magically ruined with the 10ohm output impedance. The Q701 doesn't care.
 
I had the E9 a few weeks ago but sold it when I got the Magni. Wish I didn't.

 

[tamngoman]

thanks for the heads up. just got my schiit stack already. looks awesome!