[Voyst]

Thank you for the details.

I am not prepared to sacrifice the screen yet, but it is pleasant to discover this new device

The main reason I ask this question is not budget (X5+64Go = $390 ; X1+128Go+E12A = $370, as i already have a 64Go) but is versatility. If X1+E12a is as good as the X5 (or very very close), I could take the X1 in my pocket when i am by foot in the street with no bag, and the combo X1+E12A when I have a bag, am in the train/plane, or when i am in a more quiet environment.

 

[Dreamer2go]

Just got the E12A as well... going to pair it with an old iPod 5.5 generation modded (coming its way)
Using Shure SE846 for it, and just for fun, I paired it up with an iPhone 6...
 
I would say the bass picks up the biggest boost.... a lot more "omfph" with bass boost on, which is great for my trance/progressive/house/techno music.... but I felt like the mids and highs were a bit overpowered by the bass boost. So I generally turn it off, since my SE846 is already bass-heavy for those type of music. For acoustic, I turn it back on.
 
Definitely a more "lively" sound, but it's an amplifier paired up with an iPhone 6 afterall, so no real benefits gained in terms of "resolution"... will test it further!

 

[3ternalDr4gon]

Voyst,
 
I'm not sure I understand how you're defining versatility, because it sounds to me like the X5 is substantially more convenient for your needs.
 
Assuming that X1+E12A = X5 with respect to SQ
 
You are basically choosing to have a less than optimal experience on the go than when you are in a quiet environment with the X1 + E12A. Whereas with the X5, you are sacrificing nothing in both environments. Do you simply want the experience of having a DAC? Because yeah, obviously the E12A can be used with other DACs/PC/Tablet/etc
 
To check with the SQ of the X5 vs X1 (+ E12A), I think you should check out the X1 thread though.

 

[Voyst]

Thanks for the reply ! By versatility I mean that X1 is a more portable device in a pocket with keys or other things. For me X5 is just too big for a true nomade use. But if it would apear that X5 is really superior in SQ i would deal with it..

 

[3ternalDr4gon]

I wouldn't know about the SQ, these people would though:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/691332/fiio-x1-the-new-start-of-the-high-res-dap-with-individual-dac-and-headphone-amp

 

[georgelai57]

Here is Headfonia's review also comparing it to its older brother or sister.
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e12a-great-budget-iem-amp/

 

[40lb]

Here is Headfonia's review also comparing it to its older brother or sister.
http://www.headfonia.com/fiio-e12a-great-budget-iem-amp/

Good review, basically how I feel about the E12A. Not the best in its price range but easily at the top of the list. I would recommend it for people starting out in this hobby as it was for me.

 

[Greyowl]

Good review, basically how I feel about the E12A. Not the best in its price range but easily at the top of the list. I would recommend it for people starting out in this hobby as it was for me.

I was wondering how the E12A complemented your Walkman (NWZ-ZX1)?  Considering the E12A or the E11k for my NWZ-Z1060 and the 150 ohm RE262, an IEM that I really enjoy from a desk top amp. The Walkman has quite a good internal amp, so I am curious whether there is much of a SQ improvement from the LO with the E12A, or is it simply more output.
Thanks.

 

[40lb]

Honestly haven't tried the ZX1 with the E12A much, keep it glued to the X5. Using the amp with the fiio walkman connector plays murder on the battery. I would like to use it more with the ZX1 but the battery drain keeps giving me headaches. Otherwise I would keep the two together more I feel they go together very well. I think it pairs better then with the X5. However that's with my ears tell me, I don't think you'll be disappointed E12A.

 

[alfreduyb]

Just got my E12A yesterday. I share the same impressions as you. More detail, cleaner background and better dynamics than the E12 although the sound signature is about the same. I use ALO green line 3.5 to 3.5 to connect with the X5. Sound great with the M50X and IM-02.

 

[Marat Sar]

So, if I were to pair the e12a with a FiiO x3 would that make my shure iem´s shine more? Is it worth it? Larger soundstage, more dynamics, or not?
 
There´s this thing with FiiO products, where you get hooked on them and want more, but don´t know if the change in SQ is actually worth it.

 

[Greyowl]

Honestly haven't tried the ZX1 with the E12A much, keep it glued to the X5. Using the amp with the fiio walkman connector plays murder on the battery. I would like to use it more with the ZX1 but the battery drain keeps giving me headaches. Otherwise I would keep the two together more I feel they go together very well. I think it pairs better then with the X5. However that's with my ears tell me, I don't think you'll be disappointed E12A.

 
That's hard to understand, considering that with the LOD and the E12A there should be less demand on the Walkman's battery.  Wonder if this is something inherent to the Fiio L5 for Walkman or it's a unique situation with your DAP?  Anyway thanks for your thoughts.

 

[40lb]

Well I don't think it helps when I only play DSD.

 

[cheznous]

Well I don't think it helps when I only play DSD.

It will be the DSD. I get 20 hours with my ZX1 and the E12A. When I use the ZX1 with the PHA 3 as DAC I get 5 hours,less with HD files.

 

[Greyowl]

It will be the DSD. I get 20 hours with my ZX1 and the E12A. When I use the ZX1 with the PHA 3 as DAC I get 5 hours,less with HD files.

Of course, streaming will do that, which is why I keep the online stuff to a minimum.  Since your pairing is close to mine, do you think that the E12A alters the sound signature of the WM to any extent, or simply improves the audio overall. Merci.