[Boffy]

Hmmmm.... I can't decide between E12A, PHA-1, or JDS Labs C5. Anyone have a comparison between E12A and PHA-1 or JDS Labs C5?

 

[tjz1984]

Woah, I nearly bought the E12 before the E12A came out. Now I gotta find some time to audition both and get the one that is better, Cheers guys!!!

 

[3ternalDr4gon]

Same here. I'm extremely lucky I went to fiio's website and stumbled across it when deciding between the e12 and e18

 

[lookingforIEMs]

Hmmmm.... I can't decide between E12A, PHA-1, or JDS Labs C5. Anyone have a comparison between E12A and PHA-1 or JDS Labs C5?

Pha-1 has damned good clarity and a clean sound... C5 just sounded more lean and underwhelming. Only prob with pha-1 is that it's limited to 24/96 files iirc. Can't play 24/192 vinyl.


That said why not check out the new denon dac amp? I think it's called DA10. Also, audio tech are releasing a dac amp too apparently.

 

[TripBitShooter]

Pha-1 has damned good clarity and a clean sound... C5 just sounded more lean and underwhelming. Only prob with pha-1 is that it's limited to 24/96 files iirc. Can't play 24/192 vinyl.


That said why not check out the new denon dac amp? I think it's called DA10. Also, audio tech are releasing a dac amp too apparently.

Audio technica releasing a new amp? Cool! And the PHA-1 costs a lot more than the C5 actually..

 

[nmatheis]

My E12A's out for delivery

 

[pearvin]

Has anyone compare E12A with Cayin c5?

 

[nmatheis]

Will be able to soon

 

[twister6]

  Has anyone compare E12A with Cayin c5?

 
Did you read my review?  It's all there, even with pictures.  http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-e12a-mont-blanc-portable-headphone-amplifier-for-iem-special-edition/reviews/11803

 

[nmatheis]

My expectation bias is strong, though. I'm fully expecting to prefer the E12A. Cayin C5 is nice but has too much power for IEM I use at my preferred listening levels. C5's bass boost is also more of a "warmth boost", IMHO. Descriptions of E12A's bass boost being mostly in sub-bass with minimal mid-bass boost sounds much more like what I'm looking for.

 

[pearvin]

  
Did you read my review?  It's all there, even with pictures.  http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-e12a-mont-blanc-portable-headphone-amplifier-for-iem-special-edition/reviews/11803

@twister6
Great input. Very detail.
 

My expectation bias is strong, though. I'm fully expecting to prefer the E12A. Cayin C5 is nice but has too much power for IEM I use at my preferred listening levels. C5's bass boost is also more of a "warmth boost", IMHO. Descriptions of E12A's bass boost being mostly in sub-bass with minimal mid-bass boost sounds much more like what I'm looking for.

@nmatheis
Thanks for the quick impression too. I guess same input with twister on bass boost.
Now I am more curious how it will compare to CL Picollo  since both are speciallize for IEM's
I know it is silly to compare given it is twice the price.

 

[nmatheis]

Bummer. Looks like the wrong Zip Code was used fort E12A, so I wont be receiving it today after all.

 

[raybone0566]

penon audio has this listed for $165.00 on their website. takes about two weeks to ship to the states.

 

[TripBitShooter]

Singapore's store.treoo.com site sells it for SGD 70 more than the original price.

 

[kino lau]

Ordered mine through Amazon and had it in 2...3 days tops.