New Fiio setup

[d4ve]

I am looking to buy a small headphone set up for my living room. portability is not an issue as it will sit on the table next to the sofa. to begin my journey i am looking at the Fiio x1 high resolution player and Fiio ex1 buds. because i am new to this i cant understand what a Fiio f12a would do to the set up. would i need a headphone amplifier? would it improve the sound? and if so would i need to improve the headphones. any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you
Dave B

 

[serman005]

  I am looking to buy a small headphone set up for my living room. portability is not an issue as it will sit on the table next to the sofa. to begin my journey i am looking at the Fiio x1 high resolution player and Fiio ex1 buds. because i am new to this i cant understand what a Fiio f12a would do to the set up. would i need a headphone amplifier? would it improve the sound? and if so would i need to improve the headphones. any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you
Dave B

You say that portability is a non-factor. Have you considered over-ear headphones either instead of or in addition to the EX1? What is your budget for all this?

 

[d4ve]

Well the player and amp will be around £229. I will consider any headphones depending on quality of sound. I think a further £200-250 would be my maximum depending on if the set up is worth it.

 

[serman005]

Well the player and amp will be around £229. I will consider any headphones depending on quality of sound. I think a further £200-250 would be my maximum depending on if the set up is worth it.

Would you want open or closed headphones? What sort of sound signature would you want--neutral? Bass-emphasized? Mids-forward? Treble emphasized? What type of music do you listen to typically?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I am looking to buy a small headphone set up for my living room. portability is not an issue as it will sit on the table next to the sofa. to begin my journey i am looking at the FiiO x1 high resolution player and FiiO ex1 buds. because i am new to this i cant understand what a FiiO f12a would do to the set up. would i need a headphone amplifier? would it improve the sound? and if so would i need to improve the headphones. any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
Thank you
Dave B

 
Get the FiiO X1 and Audio Technica ATH-ESW9 (or ESW9A) headphones.
The ESW9(A) are very easy to drive, no need to buy an extra amp.

 

[jblue98]

Grado SR80e was the one that showed me what's beyond earbuds, and it's under $100

 

[d4ve]

the types of music I am listening to at the moment are Adele, Palo Nutini, Sam Smith,Paloma Faith, Pink Floyd,Dire straits. Some vocal led some guitar led. I am looking for an uunobtrusive setup that sits nicely on a coffee table and Is waf. The fiio x1 gets good reviews. I'm not a bass freak,rather I enjoy listening to the detail I'm music.

 

[d4ve]

I had a pair of Grado sr60' s that I liked the sound of, would the Fiio x1 match well with the Grado sr125e

 

[jblue98]

Yes, I think SR125e will do well with X1.  X1 output impedance is below 2 ohm, which should do fine with the 32-ohm Grado.