How can the DAC on the FiiO E7 override the iPod's DAC while the FiiO E7 is paired with the FiiO E9?

[sysfail]

I've been reading that the only way I can use both the DAC of the E7 and the amp of the E9 is to use it on a computer. I will mostly use the E7+E9 combo with an iPod Classic, so if the DAC on the E7 won't even override the iPod's DAC, won't the combo be useless for portable devices then? It would be the same as just having the E9 only right? So even if I use the FiiO L1/L3 for the iPod it makes no difference?
 
Thanks for the help!
 
EDIT: Is there a possible workaround? If not, is there another amp (doesn't matter if its portable), that is just as good as the E7 + E9 combo, around the $200 price tag, and will be able to utilize its DAC and amp function on an iPod. Also, I'll be mostly using the Sennheiser HD600 for this. Thanks!

 

[ZARIM]

I don't think any portable AMP/DAC combo(under $200) canbe use with ipod and only i know if some DAPs has Digital out like upcoming cowon D3, Q5 and upcoming Fiio DAPs will have digital out and these DAPs canbe use with external DAC and AMPs for greater sound quality. But iPod has line out function through dock port only. So only external AMPs canbe use for better sound quality not external DAC(function).

 

[sysfail]

Oh I see, it seems like the upcoming FiiO E17 alone might be able to do the job for me as it has both the amp and DAC like the E7 but better. I will probably wait for more info on that, maybe it can match up to the E7 + E9 combo. But it seems like the release date on that is too far away!

 
Quote:

I don't think any portable AMP/DAC combo(under $200) canbe use with ipod and only i know if some DAPs has Digital out like upcoming cowon D3, Q5 and upcoming Fiio DAPs will have digital out and these DAPs canbe use with external DAC and AMPs for greater sound quality. But iPod has line out function through dock port only. So only external AMPs canbe use for better sound quality not external DAC(function).

 

[civilgeek]

Right now there are no portable devices that can use the digital signal from an iPod. The closest (to portable) and least expensive thing available now would be the Pure i20. This could then be used to feed either a higher quality DAC/HP amp or a HP amp directly. There's a thread on here somewhere that talks about the (licensing & technical) hurdles associated with gaining access to the digital output on Apple's devices. One of the hurdles that doesn't bode well for portable devices is the requirement that they be able to charge the iPod when it's connected.
 
Still, if you're looking for a solution that is easily transported (ie. bedside, office, etc.) and don't need the ultimate in quality while you're on the move, it might be a good option.
 
RE your question regarding the E7/E9 combo, I think the reasoning is that you'd use the E7 as a portable HP amp while you're out, then once you get home (or to the office) you'd plug your computer into the E7's DAC and take advantage of the E9's extra power, or connect you iPod straight into the E9 (again for more power).

 

[estreeter]

Quote:

Right now there are no portable devices that can use the digital signal from an iPod.

 
http://www.cypherlabs.com/Products.php
 
Really, really sorry for your wallet.
 
Edit - I think this bears mentioning from the FAQ:
 
[size=medium]The AlgoRhythm Solo is battery powered. Can I replace the battery?[/size]
[size=medium]Yes, the battery connection is designed so that customers with reasonable knowledge of electronics can replace the battery. The battery should last for many charge cycles, but everything wears out over time. Contact your retailer to purchase the new batteries and receive detailed instructions.[/size]

 

[sysfail]

Thanks for the info civilgeek! Is that Pure i20 basically the same as an E7 only that it can override the iPods DAC and E7 can't? If so, could I combine it with the E9 and make it even more powerful (Use E9's amp and Pure i20's DAC)? Also remember portability does not matter to me at all, I don't plan on taking any of these things outside, so whatever will really make my Sennheiser HD600 shine around the $200 price tag will be great!
 
Quote:

Right now there are no portable devices that can use the digital signal from an iPod. The closest (to portable) and least expensive thing available now would be the Pure i20. This could then be used to feed either a higher quality DAC/HP amp or a HP amp directly. There's a thread on here somewhere that talks about the (licensing & technical) hurdles associated with gaining access to the digital output on Apple's devices. One of the hurdles that doesn't bode well for portable devices is the requirement that they be able to charge the iPod when it's connected.
 
Still, if you're looking for a solution that is easily transported (ie. bedside, office, etc.) and don't need the ultimate in quality while you're on the move, it might be a good option.
 
RE your question regarding the E7/E9 combo, I think the reasoning is that you'd use the E7 as a portable HP amp while you're out, then once you get home (or to the office) you'd plug your computer into the E7's DAC and take advantage of the E9's extra power, or connect you iPod straight into the E9 (again for more power).

Wow! That AlgoRhythm Solo is way too expensive for me!! lol.


Quote:

Quote:

Right now there are no portable devices that can use the digital signal from an iPod.

 
http://www.cypherlabs.com/Products.php
 
Really, really sorry for your wallet.
 
Edit - I think this bears mentioning from the FAQ:
 
[size=medium]The AlgoRhythm Solo is battery powered. Can I replace the battery?[/size]
[size=medium]Yes, the battery connection is designed so that customers with reasonable knowledge of electronics can replace the battery. The battery should last for many charge cycles, but everything wears out over time. Contact your retailer to purchase the new batteries and receive detailed instructions.[/size]

 

[tme110]

The HRT iStreamer can actually bypass the ipod DAC and it's only $150; however, I thought it made much more sense to move several levels of DAC capability and simply connect my DAC to the computer vice the ipod  - so I bought the HRT II+ instead - but even the much much cheaper HRT + is much more capable then the iStreamer because all iDevices limit limit digital to...um...16/48 no matter what device is hooked up to it and this is much lower then what most any DAC can do.  So if you connect directly to your computer where the music is anyway then you skip this limitation.
 
Note though that the E7 and E17 etc does not bypass the DAC at all - you basically only get full e7 capability on your computer.  If you plug something into a DAC-capable device with an analog connection then you can't be using the DAC.

 

[tme110]

but another work around esp since we are talking FIIO anyway is that FIIO will be releasing a DAP - the X3 at some point and it will have a analog and digital outs and pairs with the e7/e9/e11/e17 etc.  It wont be pure audiophile but it sounds much better then what an ipod can do and it will have a form factor similar to the e7. you'll probably still have to pair it with the e11 to power hd600's though...???

 

[sysfail]

Or maybe the E9?? I'm really confused now lol. I basically need something in between my iPod and my HD600 that will make the HD600 "shine" and it has to be something around the $100-$200 price range. I know I'd have to spend way more money if I want to use the HD600 to its full capacity, but I'm looking for the best "bang for the buck" around the $100-$200 price range. Any more suggestions appreciated!
 
Quote:

but another work around esp since we are talking FIIO anyway is that FIIO will be releasing a DAP - the X3 at some point and it will have a analog and digital outs and pairs with the e7/e9/e11/e17 etc.  It wont be pure audiophile but it sounds much better then what an ipod can do and it will have a form factor similar to the e7. you'll probably still have to pair it with the e11 to power hd600's though...???

 

[tme110]

Im sorry, I thought your whole point was to use another DAC and oh btw use these headphones.
 
The e9 can easily power those headphones and if you're not looking for something portable then they would be the best bang for the buck.  In fact, you looking at just over $100 because if your iPod is the source then there is no need at all for the e7 since it wont be doing anything anyway (you'll be using the e9 amp and the ipod dac).
 
The e7 (or 17) will make a difference if you connect it to your computer. 
 
You'll still need the L1/L3 though since it's the only way to get a line out from the ipod and you dont want to use the headphone out.
 
The e11 (portable amp) will supposedly be out in about a month and it should only cost $60 but 1) you have to wait until it actually comes out and 2) I'd wait until someone else says it can work with your phones.

 

[sysfail]

Thanks! Well the reason I wanted the E7 was because I wanted to have a better DAC source which I thought the E7 would do for my iPod but I guess it only works on a computer. Hopefully the iPod DAC will be good enough to produce a crisp sound quality. Maybe I'll still get the E7 if I ever want to hook it up to my computer.

 
Edit: I just looked at the iSteamer and it's expensive!! (On amazon for $200) But it's really what I want. I could buy a E7/E9 combo for $200!
Quote:

Im sorry, I thought your whole point was to use another DAC and oh btw use these headphones.
 
The e9 can easily power those headphones and if you're not looking for something portable then they would be the best bang for the buck.  In fact, you looking at just over $100 because if your iPod is the source then there is no need at all for the e7 since it wont be doing anything anyway (you'll be using the e9 amp and the ipod dac).
 
The e7 (or 17) will make a difference if you connect it to your computer. 
 
You'll still need the L1/L3 though since it's the only way to get a line out from the ipod and you dont want to use the headphone out.
 
The e11 (portable amp) will supposedly be out in about a month and it should only cost $60 but 1) you have to wait until it actually comes out and 2) I'd wait until someone else says it can work with your phones.

 

[codeninja]

How e7 can function only as DAC not as amp? Is there specific output option for that?

 

[tme110]

no, it only has a headphone out, no line out.

 

[codeninja]

Quote:

no, it only has a headphone out, no line out.

Then, I don't understand how you can use E7 as DAC only..

 

[ClieOS]

A line-out dock for E7 is current in development and should be ready in a month or so. You can use it as DAC only once you get the LOD.