Luxury & Precision E7: Impressions and Discussions

[Kiats]

I thought that it was appropriate for the E7 to have its own thread.

Separate from the other threads for the W1/W2 [https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lux...n-is-available-related-info-on-post-1.949448/] and W4 [https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lux...heir-popular-w1-w2-usb-dongle-is-here.967875/} dongles, as well as for the more general Luxury & Precision R2R DAPs [https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/] and the LP6 Ti https://www.head-fi.org/threads/lp6...dvanced-portable-player-on-the-planet.903230/].

Firmware Updates and Notes:

[Firmware v1.0.4 dated 28th April 2024, file named E7_V1.0.4_2024.4.28C.rar ]

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8aB8mGJFUM7D93ea1WrjgQ

https://weibo.com/5819639917/502881...channel=4&s_trans=5819639917_5028812394599254

Here is a translation done by WeChat:


**Increased Battery Life, Reduced Bugs — E7 "Extended Range Firmware" Released! Revised EA4 and New Matching Cables Debut**

After the E7 series had been on the market for a while, we received feedback from many users. The vast majority are satisfied with the sound quality for the price, but there are two issues with usage: 1. The battery life is not long enough; 2. There are occasional crashes. In response to these issues, we have been working hard to optimize and have introduced corresponding solutions — the "Extended Range Firmware." Let us report the details.

1. **Battery Life Extended Up to 90 Minutes**
Currently, the battery life is insufficient because the E7, to fully utilize the potential of the dual 4497 DACs, does not compromise on power supply. The original firmware sees the E7 consuming up to 2.5W. With the "Extended Range Firmware," the hidden potential of the E7’s high-voltage battery can be further unleashed, increasing the full charge voltage by about 0.1V, and extending the battery life by 30-90 minutes (depending on the volume and whether using single-ended or balanced output), with total battery life exceeding 6 hours when using balanced output.

2. **Significant Mitigation of Freezing Issues**
Previously, some users reported that the E7 would crash during use. The E7 uses a new interface, the "LeOS" pure audio operating system, which aims to maximize usability without compromising on sound quality. Occasionally, the system fails to recognize files and repeatedly attempts to read them, leading to freezing. After updating to the "Extended Range Firmware," this issue can be mitigated, and "LeOS" will continue to evolve and improve. We welcome more feedback and corrections from everyone.

3. **Improved Sound Quality in LD Mode**
Hidden Benefit: For the refined version of E7, we have enabled more FPGA resources in the "Extended Range Firmware," enhancing the sound quality in LD (Low Distortion) mode. Although this increases power consumption, thanks to the battery's "special move," the battery life during balanced output can still reach 5-6 hours.

We highly recommend E7 users update to this firmware version!

Finally, at the Chengdu Headphone Expo, we also exhibited the further refined second version of the EA4 engineering model, with half the background noise of the units shown at the Shanghai Headphone Expo. We also showcased new matching cables (both 3.5mm and 4.4mm), with golden sandalwood shells combined with the Extreme Domain U58 cable, which not only looks good but also sounds better. We welcome all audiophiles to listen more and provide guidance in the future!"


[Firmware v1.0.4 dated 13th May 2024, file named E7_V1.0.4_2024.5.13.rar]

1. This firmware solves some reported issues with display when operating while the E7 is being charged.
2. It also gives more accurate control of the adjustments of voltage.

[Firmware v1.0.5 released 20th May, file named E7_V1.0.5_2024.5.20.rar]

1. Fixed an issue where the ID3 info character string had a newline character in front of it.
2. Added Split Track Function for SACD DISC Images
3. Optimized decoding library and decoding thread
4. Supports DST decoding.

[Firmware v 1.0.7 released 28 June 2024, file named E7_V1.0.7_2024.6.27B.rar]

1. LO voltage to 4-speed fixed output, 3.5 single-ended LO minimum 0.5V, maximum 2V; 4.4 balanced LO minimum 1V, maximum 4V. Note: After turning on LO, the "PA gain" (high and low two gears) adjustment is invalid, and the gain adjustment is only associated with PO; while the three tuning modes of the E7 refined version (LD low distortion, HD high dynamic, HT harmonic tuning) are still valid. (see the photo below)
2. Improve the accuracy of the charging power display; Note: E7 will enter the trickle charging after 80% power. At this time, the charging speed is slow, and there may be a problem that the 100% power display is not accurate. If it is actually fully charged, it will show that the power is fully charged normally after 10 minutes of shutdown.
3. Fix the incomplete display of the WAV format ID3 cover.

 

[Kiats]

This feature of PA voltage adjustment is something which really excites me. According to Wan, the FW 1.0.4 actually refines this function. If I understand correctly, this will allow manual adjustment of voltage/current and works best with dynamic drivers. But not with BA drivers. Of course, I have not had an opportunity to try with other drivers, when I was testing with the demo E7 which was sent to @Uncle Wilson at Jaben SG for Can Jam Singapore.

 

[Steranko]

I thought that it was appropriate for the E7 to have its own thread. Separate from the other threads for the W2 and W4 dongles, as well as for the more general Luxury & Precision R2R DAPs and the LP6 Ti. [links to be inserted]



Firmware Updates and Notes:

[Firmware v1.0.4 dated 28th April 2024]

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8aB8mGJFUM7D93ea1WrjgQ

https://weibo.com/5819639917/502881...channel=4&s_trans=5819639917_5028812394599254

Here is a translation done by WeChat:


**Increased Battery Life, Reduced Bugs — E7 "Extended Range Firmware" Released! Revised EA4 and New Matching Cables Debut**

After the E7 series had been on the market for a while, we received feedback from many users. The vast majority are satisfied with the sound quality for the price, but there are two issues with usage: 1. The battery life is not long enough; 2. There are occasional crashes. In response to these issues, we have been working hard to optimize and have introduced corresponding solutions — the "Extended Range Firmware." Let us report the details.

1. **Battery Life Extended Up to 90 Minutes**
Currently, the battery life is insufficient because the E7, to fully utilize the potential of the dual 4497 DACs, does not compromise on power supply. The original firmware sees the E7 consuming up to 2.5W. With the "Extended Range Firmware," the hidden potential of the E7’s high-voltage battery can be further unleashed, increasing the full charge voltage by about 0.1V, and extending the battery life by 30-90 minutes (depending on the volume and whether using single-ended or balanced output), with total battery life exceeding 6 hours when using balanced output.

2. **Significant Mitigation of Freezing Issues**
Previously, some users reported that the E7 would crash during use. The E7 uses a new interface, the "LeOS" pure audio operating system, which aims to maximize usability without compromising on sound quality. Occasionally, the system fails to recognize files and repeatedly attempts to read them, leading to freezing. After updating to the "Extended Range Firmware," this issue can be mitigated, and "LeOS" will continue to evolve and improve. We welcome more feedback and corrections from everyone.

3. **Improved Sound Quality in LD Mode**
Hidden Benefit: For the refined version of E7, we have enabled more FPGA resources in the "Extended Range Firmware," enhancing the sound quality in LD (Low Distortion) mode. Although this increases power consumption, thanks to the battery's "special move," the battery life during balanced output can still reach 5-6 hours.

We highly recommend E7 users update to this firmware version!

Finally, at the Chengdu Headphone Expo, we also exhibited the further refined second version of the EA4 engineering model, with half the background noise of the units shown at the Shanghai Headphone Expo. We also showcased new matching cables (both 3.5mm and 4.4mm), with golden sandalwood shells combined with the Extreme Domain U58 cable, which not only looks good but also sounds better. We welcome all audiophiles to listen more and provide guidance in the future!"

Great write up. I am auditioning this today. I will update on my impressions

 

[Kiats]

Great write up. I am auditioning this today. I will update on my impressions

Thanks Paul! I will also move over some of my initial impressions and photos of the CJ SG demo unit, that was sent to Jaben SG, that I had posted on the other LP thread over here for ease of reference.

 

[Kiats]

[cross post from https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/post-18055199 in respect of the demo E7 that Jaben SG received for CJ SG]

I have been a bit tied up but I thought I would share some unboxing photos of the LP E7 demo unit that was received by @Uncle Wilson of Jaben SG.

 

[Kiats]

[cross post from https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/post-18055229]

Will give my sound impressions (I had it for a day or so only) later.

For size comparison, I had taken these photos.

 

[Kiats]

[cross post from https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/post-18055346]

Did you try the 3 different tuning settings?

As for myself, yes, I really do like what LP has done with the E7. Whilst it was never going to be an R2R DAP, but nonetheless LP has shown that they can tune their DAC chips to sound as organic as DS DAC chips will ever sound.

So, for the E7, what I heard was the typical LP house sound of pithy bass, textured mids and extended trebles. I would characterize the sound signature as being neutral on the side of sweetness/warmth. Would love to hear what you all think in due course but I think that the E7 probably, absent the P6Pro Ti, has a slightly bigger soundstage than the P6Pro. Black background. I had used the FitEar DD based customs as well as the more sensitive MH335ht.

What I really do like is the 3 tuning options: low distortion (LD), high dynamic (HD) and harmonic tuning (HT). The LD mode, I will confirm, is pretty much plain vanilla though of course, the sound signature of the E7 is already on the sweeter side of neutral. HD is interesting because the sound stage seems to be pushed out and there is a focus on increased dynamics. The HT, if you listen to the videos on the LP Weibo blog, is designed to make you swoon at vocals as well as ACG. Wan described it, during a discussion, as the feeling of the fragrance of spring blossom in the wind as you see and listen to the sparkling of a spring or fountain.

So, do I think the E7 is excellent? Heheh! Yes! Plus it has 3 tuning options. What more can one ask for?

Will post some photos of the UI later.

 

[Kiats]

[cross post from https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/post-18055362}

Just to give everyone a glimpse into the new UI for the E7 (and this will be used in all future LP DAPs)

The album listing view:

The settings view which is a tab on the landing page.

You also have a convenient pull down quick menu

 

[Kiats]

[cross post from https://www.head-fi.org/threads/interesting-machine-from-luxury-n-precision.918288/post-18055394}

Oh yes! Before I forget: the BT streaming is excellent as ever. It is supposed to be improved in terms of SQ but I did not enough time to do a detailed analysis.

 

[Damz87]

Can’t wait to try it

 

[Kiats]

There is a new video, with brief use instructions, on the LP official Weibo blog:

New Tuning - E7 Instructions
0-0: 40 E7 Full Interface Introduction
0: 41-2: 37 - "Le OS" System Details
2: 38-3: 29 Select E7 Sound Strategy
3: 30-4: 32 E7 Firmware Upgrade Strategy
4: 33-5: 52 E7 Charging Precautions

https://video.weibo.com/show?fid=1034:5031327553224754

 

[Kiats]

For those of you who are looking for an unboxing video, here is one from the official LP Weibo account:

https://video.weibo.com/show?fid=1034:5016136949891081

 

[Puroplatino]

Great write up. I am auditioning this today. I will update on my impressions

I await your impressions. How does it compare to the P6 Pro and Ti99 as well as the Cayin N30LE

 

[Skeith]

Only 5 hours battery life on 4.4 ? Is this acceptable in 2024 ?

 

[Kiats]

Only 5 hours battery life on 4.4 ? Is this acceptable in 2024 ?

If you read the FW notes for the latest FW, it is now more than 6 hours. And besides, as someone who owns the LP6 Ti AE quipped: people own LP DAPs for their sound quality, not battery life.