Help on deciding for an Amp? (Fiio A3 and Fiio E10k [Or any you reccomend])

[TheClue1107]

(I do plan on getting the AKG Q701, or a set of cans similar to them.) 
 
So I need some help on deciding an amp to get as a long term budget option. This is also my first time buying an amp, and I have no idea how differentiate between amp specs, and charts. With that being said, the Fiio E10k and the Fiio A3 are the 2 amps that I've narrowed down in my list... the Schiit Magni 2 is also another option I am considering, and the Matrix M Stage OPA2134. I prefer warm and analytical sound signatures, and I want one that would best work with those preferences. If there is any advice or recommendations that you provide, I would absolutely love to hear it. 
 
Thank you so much for your help!
 
-Zack

 

[Me x3]

  (I do plan on getting the AKG Q701, or a set of cans similar to them.) 
 
So I need some help on deciding an amp to get as a long term budget option. This is also my first time buying an amp, and I have no idea how differentiate between amp specs, and charts. With that being said, the Fiio E10k and the Fiio A3 are the 2 amps that I've narrowed down in my list... the Schiit Magni 2 is also another option I am considering, and the Matrix M Stage OPA2134. I prefer warm and analytical sound signatures, and I want one that would best work with those preferences. If there is any advice or recommendations that you provide, I would absolutely love to hear it. 
 
Thank you so much for your help!
 
-Zack

A3, Magni 2 and the classic M-Stage are amplifiers
E10K is a DAC/Amplifier
 
Do you need a DAC?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  (I do plan on getting the AKG Q701, or a set of cans similar to them.) 
So I need some help on deciding an amp to get as a long term budget option. This is also my first time buying an amp, and I have no idea how differentiate between amp specs, and charts. With that being said, the Fiio E10k and the Fiio A3 are the 2 amps that I've narrowed down in my list... the Schiit Magni 2 is also another option I am considering, and the Matrix M Stage OPA2134. I prefer warm and analytical sound signatures, and I want one that would best work with those preferences. If there is any advice or recommendations that you provide, I would absolutely love to hear it. 

 
So we can assume your source is a computer?
Do you have an over all budget for this audio investment?
Is this setup just for music? or also movies and gaming?

 

[Frozenhaze]

  (I do plan on getting the AKG Q701, or a set of cans similar to them.) 
 
So I need some help on deciding an amp to get as a long term budget option. This is also my first time buying an amp, and I have no idea how differentiate between amp specs, and charts. With that being said, the Fiio E10k and the Fiio A3 are the 2 amps that I've narrowed down in my list... the Schiit Magni 2 is also another option I am considering, and the Matrix M Stage OPA2134. I prefer warm and analytical sound signatures, and I want one that would best work with those preferences. If there is any advice or recommendations that you provide, I would absolutely love to hear it. 
 
Thank you so much for your help!
 
-Zack

 
Assuming that you don't have any gear yet and you're looking for a reasonable priced entry level DAC/amp combo with a decent sound, I'd say that the FiiO E10K would be a good choice for you to begin with. It offers you both a decent DAC and an amp to start with, and if you decide to upgrade to a better amp later on, you can still use the FiiO as a DAC only for your external amp because of its versatile connections. Compact sized device with a big sound I'd say, drives great even a little bigger load like for example my 250 Ohm DT990 Pro's.

 

[TheClue1107]

 
A3, Magni 2 and the classic M-Stage are amplifiers
E10K is a DAC/Amplifier
 
Do you need a DAC?

I'm really not sure if I do, though my friends highly recommend it. I know that it is a digital to analog converter, which sends an analog signal to my headphones and amp. I can tell the difference between the 2, however, I wouldn't know how to use it properly. Idk, sounds necessary, but idk if it's a good first amp. Sorry if I don't sound clear...

 

[TheClue1107]

   
Assuming that you don't have any gear yet and you're looking for a reasonable priced entry level DAC/amp combo with a decent sound, I'd say that the FiiO E10K would be a good choice for you to begin with. It offers you both a decent DAC and an amp to start with, and if you decide to upgrade to a better amp later on, you can still use the FiiO as a DAC only for your external amp because of its versatile connections. Compact sized device with a big sound I'd say, drives great even a little bigger load like for example my 250 Ohm DT990 Pro's.

Ah, this is helpful to know! I do plan on getting the AKG Q701, but for right now I use the ATH-M50x. My library of cans will grow over time.

 

[TheClue1107]

   
So we can assume your source is a computer?
Do you have an over all budget for this audio investment?
Is this setup just for music? or also movies and gaming?

This setup is mostly meant for my music, but I do gaming on it as well. I don't really consider gaming a factor since I want this just for music. My source is my computer and phone. And budget, I'd say $100 dollars with acceptions on going over budget.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  This setup is mostly meant for my music, but I do gaming on it as well. I don't really consider gaming a factor since I want this just for music. My source is my computer and phone. And budget, I'd say $100 dollars with acceptations on going over budget.

 
AKG 600 series and 700 series headphones like a lot of juice to work their best.
While the E10K should be able to decently drive the Q701,
suggest you get the FiiO A3 (E11K), $60, as it's more powerful then the E10K.
the A3 can easily be daisy chained off the phone's headphone jack or connected to the computer.

 

[TheClue1107]

  This setup is mostly meant for my music, but I do gaming on it as well. I don't really consider gaming a factor since I want this just for music. My source is my computer and phone. And budget, I'd say $100 dollars with acceptions on going over budget.

Yes, but the E10k also offers a DAC, would you consider this necessary for an entry level amp?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Yes, but the E10k also offers a DAC, would you consider this necessary for an entry level amp?

 
The E07K DAC function would be nice, but it's not a requirement.
 
This Xonar D1 (PCI) sound card (used $37 or less) would provide a better DAC function, the the E10K.
so Xonar D1 > A3 > headphones
The Xonar D1 comes with the CS4398 DAC chip, which is what FiiO uses in their $200 X3 Gen II DAP.

 

[StarsNhearts]

Hey, I have an ok sound card and I was thinking of picking up an amp for my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless, from what I read I should just go with the A3 correct? Or is there something better I can get for around that price or $100 range. Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hey, I have an ok sound card and I was thinking of picking up an amp for my V-Moda Crossfade Wireless, from what I read I should just go with the A3 correct? Or is there something better I can get for around that price or $100 range. Thanks!

 
FiiO A3 is what I would pick.
You might find a used O2 or Magni headphone amplifier for under $100.

 

[StarsNhearts]

I ordered the A3 for now but I'm not sure if my soundcard is good enough I have this one: Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I ordered the A3 for now but I'm not sure if my soundcard is good enough I have this one: Creative Labs SB0570 PCI Sound Blaster Audigy SE Sound Card

 
Replacing that old Audigy with a newer sound card or DAC should help audio quality.
Maybe find a used Asus Xonar DX sound card (used, off eBay).