[PTom]

So is it fair to say that the general consensus is that the E17 works well with the X1 and the difference in SQ compared to slightly higher priced systems like the HRT MicroStreamer or EHP 02D is minimal?

 

[acme15]

I haven't used tried them together yet, but how do you think my E7 would fare?

 

[ethan7000]

So is it fair to say that the general consensus is that the E17 works well with the X1 and the difference in SQ compared to slightly higher priced systems like the HRT MicroStreamer or EHP 02D is minimal?

I haven't heard the others but don't recommend the E17. I noticed a big difference between my sound blaster Z + starlight and the e17. I'll have the Aune T1 to test soon and can report back if you want. Of course those options are more $, but worth it IMO

 

[widdyjudas]

I use The Aune X1 mk2 with my X1.
Imo, the makes x1 more balanced. The bass becomes more controlled and eliminates muddy sound, slightly more soundstage and separation. Not much different from E17, but I think Aune control bass more and gives a bit more space.
I also changed the cable from copper to silver cable. No improvement, just slight change on sound sig. With copper, you got more forward and fuller mids, but makes less space. Silver gives you more soundstage and separation, but more laid back and balanced sound.

 

[PTom]

I haven't heard the others but don't recommend the E17. I noticed a big difference between my sound blaster Z + starlight and the e17. I'll have the Aune T1 to test soon and can report back if you want. Of course those options are more $, but worth it IMO

I have a laptop so would need a external DAC/amp. Do you know which budget external DAC/amp most people recommend with the X1?

 

[ethan7000]

  I have a laptop so would need a external DAC/amp. Do you know which budget external DAC/amp most people recommend with the X1?

What is your budget? A used T1 DAC/amp goes for around $140. I like the sound and flexibility that comes with tubes personally. Like I said, I can report back on it sometime soon.

 

[PTom]

Yeah $140 is probably the absolute maximum I'd want to spend. Ideally my budget would be around $100 (similar to the FiiO E07K or E10). But I would rather not buy it if the increase in SQ is minimal (btw I live in England so not everything will be cheaply available here).
 
Maybe people could tell me how good it sounds on a scale of 1 to 10.
 
Where for example a 1 would be listening to a 128 kbps mp3 on an ipod using the default earphones and a 10 would be the sound in an IMAX theatre (maybe a regular cinema would be like 6/10). 
 
On this scale where would you place say listening to a Fidelio X1 on:
 
1) A laptop using default integrated sound card like the Intel HD.
2) Using the FiiO E17
3) Sound blaster Z + starlight
4) Other DAC/amps within my budget
 
Thanks,
Tom

 

[ethan7000]

  Yeah $140 is probably the absolute maximum I'd want to spend. Ideally my budget would be around $100 (similar to the FiiO E07K or E10). But I would rather not buy it if the increase in SQ is minimal (btw I live in England so not everything will be cheaply available here).
 
Maybe people could tell me how good it sounds on a scale of 1 to 10.
 
Where for example a 1 would be listening to a 128 kbps mp3 on an ipod using the default earphones and a 10 would be the sound in an IMAX theatre (maybe a regular cinema would be like 6/10). 
 
On this scale where would you place say listening to a Fidelio X1 on:
 
1) A laptop using default integrated sound card like the Intel HD.
2) Using the FiiO E17
3) Sound blaster Z + starlight
4) Other DAC/amps within my budget
 
Thanks,
Tom

See the first post in this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/633006/aune-t1-usb-tube-dac-amp-discussion-thread-see-first-post-for-faq
Author has tested:

1. Sansa Clip+, IPhone 4, Sony S639f, S: Flo 2, Ibasso D1, and HRT Headstreamer, Channel Islands Audio VHP-2, AMB Mini3, Digizoid ZO v1 (not really an amp but acts as one), and Audioquest Dragonfly

 
To your question, I will just use 1 = ipod with earbuds and 10 = the ultimate headphone experience, and just my opinion of course:
 
1) laptop + X1 = 4 (depends on laptop, bass is boomy and a bit wild)
2) E17 + X1 = 4.5 (sound is a little improved, overall sound seems compressed a bit)
3) Z + Starlight + X1 = 6 (bass is well controlled, vocals/strings really start to "sing")
4) T1 = will have to get back to you

 

[PTom]

  See the first post in this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/633006/aune-t1-usb-tube-dac-amp-discussion-thread-see-first-post-for-faq
Author has tested:

1. Sansa Clip+, IPhone 4, Sony S639f, S: Flo 2, Ibasso D1, and HRT Headstreamer, Channel Islands Audio VHP-2, AMB Mini3, Digizoid ZO v1 (not really an amp but acts as one), and Audioquest Dragonfly

 
To your question, I will just use 1 = ipod with earbuds and 10 = the ultimate headphone experience, and just my opinion of course:
 
1) laptop + X1 = 3.5 (depends on laptop, bass is boomy and a bit wild)
2) E17 + X1 = 4.5 (sound is a little improved, overall sound seems compressed a bit)
3) Z + Starlight + X1 = 6 (bass is well controlled, vocals/strings really start to "sing")
4) T1 = will have to get back to you

So basically there's a bigger jump in SQ from X1+laptop to X1+Z + Starlight than from earbuds+ipod to X1+laptop? In that case I'd say the investment is well worth it.
 
I look forward to reading your thoughts on the T1. Looks intersting...

 

[ethan7000]

So basically there's a bigger jump in SQ from X1+laptop to X1+Z + Starlight than from earbuds+ipod to X1+laptop? In that case I'd say the investment is well worth it.

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the T1. Looks intersting...

Hmm, I'm going to change X1+laptop to a 4.

 

[PTom]

  I use The Aune X1 mk2 with my X1.
Imo, the makes x1 more balanced. The bass becomes more controlled and eliminates muddy sound, slightly more soundstage and separation. Not much different from E17, but I think Aune control bass more and gives a bit more space.
I also changed the cable from copper to silver cable. No improvement, just slight change on sound sig. With copper, you got more forward and fuller mids, but makes less space. Silver gives you more soundstage and separation, but more laid back and balanced sound.

Could you also rate the SQ differences on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the SQ of a 128 kbps mp3 listened to on an ipod with default earphones that come with it and 10 being the ultimate headphone experience.
 
Could you rate the following:
 
1) ipod +earbuds
2) X1 + laptop
3) X1 +Aune X1 mk2
4) X1 +E17 FiiO
5) Whatever other systems you've used to listen to the X1
 
Thanks,
Tom

 

[PTom]

Hmm, I'm going to change X1+laptop to a 4.

lol, still a big improvement though.

 

[widdyjudas]

  Could you also rate the SQ differences on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being the SQ of a 128 kbps mp3 listened to on an ipod with default earphones that come with it and 10 being the ultimate headphone experience.
 
Could you rate the following:
 
1) ipod +earbuds
2) X1 + laptop
3) X1 +Aune X1 mk2
4) X1 +E17 FiiO
5) Whatever other systems you've used to listen to the X1
 
Thanks,
Tom

ipod+earbuds (1)
X1+laptop (5)
x1+E17+copper cable (8) balanced, controlled bass.
X1+aune X1mk2+copper cable (8.5) If you prefer more forward mids, but less airy and separation.
x1+aune X1mk2+silver cable (9) I like this combination better because the sound becomes more balanced (but slight laid back), more airy and separation details. Kinda like E17, but with more air and separation details.
X1+Gtab 7plus (4)
 
Note that cable will not improve sound much, but it gives you slight different sound signature. If compared to stock cable, aftermarket cable is less muddy sound. Advice, just get cheap one...

 

[PTom]

Thanks a lot. These relative ratings are really useful. Anyone else got some suggestions of budget amps/DAC that go well with the X1? It would be useful if you could provide relative ratings of the SQ similar to the posts above.

 

[SaLX]

 
Custom Headset GEAR / Connection Cable with Gooseneck Microphone: http://europe.beyerdynamic.com/shop/hah/accessories/custom-headset-gear.html
 
 
Got an email back from Beyerdynamic about this detachable microphone re it's impedance (a bit anal of me but there you go

):
 
The guys from our R&D department told me today that the impedance of the cable must be much below 1 Ohm. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
Best Regards,
 
Joscha Kretschmann, B.A.
Product and Marketing Manager Headphones
 
OK, I know it's expensive at $70 and I wouldn't be using it all the time, but do you guys think it would fit the X1 with such a wide collar at the jack? The other option is a V=Moda Boom Pro or a Reloop RHM-10 (Modmics are still waiting for their new version).
 
***EDIT*** Now that I've got the X1 I really doubt if that fat looking jack shroud will fit into the X1 > look to the V-Moda, Mod-Mic or Reloop.