[antonm07]

Hi. Was just wondering if it would be worth it to drive my headphones
 
I have a Superlux 668B and recently I've acquired a Sennheiser 518. When I got the 518's I wasn't blown away with the sound
I was a tad disappointed in fact. I think it's probably because I got used to the coloration of the 668Bs (not sure). I know that
the 518s probably sound more accurate than the 668Bs but I'm not really an audiophile I guess, just trying to enjoy my music.

After a while I felt like the 518s do sound quite better in a lot of aspects than the 668Bs  and do in fact sound better
than the 668Bs in some of the songs with really high highs (just my observation) but I'm still looking for that coloration so I'm
planning on getting the Grado SR125i's.

My question is will it be worth it to buy the FiiO E12 along with the SR125i's or am I just wasting money. Especially if I play music
on youtube, 8tracks or spotify (although I do have some FLAC files I don't have the time and resources to be constantly looking
for music in this format, I listen to a lot of remixes and I don't think they just make them in FLAC or you'll find them that way. I have mp3 files but I try to look for the highest bit rates possible, 320 if I remember) Also would it be worth it to get a DAC (ODAC?) in the near future or is that overkill already? I know the E17's have built in DAC's though.

Lastly, in your opinion how much would you spend on headphones if you don't really listen to FLAC all the time, just MP3s.

Thanks Head Fi !

Update: So yeah I use a macbook pro. Just found out that the 3.5mm jack's impedance is around 24 ohms (Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm still new to all of this. The output impedance should be higher than or at least equal to the headphone's impedance right?)

I remember when I bought my 518's. The sales guy saw that I was testing it out on my iPad (you can test EVERY unit they have in store, and they have a lot). He offered that I try them out on his ipod touch. They were connected to an E11 amp. They sounded amazing (might have been placebo but could have sworn they sounded heavenly) although he did say that he was playing FLAC files.

Quick side question. Would there be a difference in sound if you played FLAC without a dedicated DAC?

 

[cel4145]

The ODAC is a very good DAC that I would consider a step above the DAC in the E17.

As for amps, an E11 is a very good portable amp if you feel like you need a headphone amp. Certainly wouldn't hurt to have an amp if you want better dynamics (if you are listening near high volume on your computer). And for lower impedance headphones like Grados, or if you end up investing in higher impedance headphones.

Then save your money toward better headphones. For example, a lot of Grado fans suggest either going SR80i or SR225i, but skipping the SR125i. If you are interested in the SR225i, you might PM me in a day or two. I just ordered some other headphones that I think will probably end up replacing the SR225i in my collection (better suited for my listening tastes).

Yes. A flac or high bit rate mp3 would sound a better with more resolving headphones and a good DAC. But headphones give you the biggest jump in SQ, not DACs and headphone amps if you have a half way decent source device to use. Best to go for better headphones first, then worry about DACs. Mac notebooks are generally known from what I hear for having pretty good sound quality (I'm not an Apple fan, so no first hand experience).

 

[antonm07]

The ODAC is a very good DAC that I would consider a step above the DAC in the E17.

As for amps, an E11 is a very good portable amp if you feel like you need a headphone amp. Certainly wouldn't hurt to have an amp if you want better dynamics (if you are listening near high volume on your computer). And for lower impedance headphones like Grados, or if you end up investing in higher impedance headphones.

Then save your money toward better headphones. For example, a lot of Grado fans suggest either going SR80i or SR225i, but skipping the SR125i. If you are interested in the SR225i, you might PM me in a day or two. I just ordered some other headphones that I think will probably end up replacing the SR225i in my collection (better suited for my listening tastes).

Yes. A flac or high bit rate mp3 would sound a better with more resolving headphones and a good DAC. But headphones give you the biggest jump in SQ, not DACs and headphone amps if you have a half way decent source device to use. Best to go for better headphones first, then worry about DACs. Mac notebooks are generally known from what I hear for having pretty good sound quality (I'm not an Apple fan, so no first hand experience).

Should I get the E11 or spend the $20 difference and get the E12? I do seem to have noticed that a lot of people out there are recommending that you go straight for the 225i's but money is just that tight for me I guess (Still in college, everything is from my allowance) hahaha. Oh and thanks for the offer but I'm actually from the Philippines

 

[cel4145]

The E12 has some advantages. Better SQ, and you can't use the E11 while charging (I think you can the E12, not sure). For $20, I would go with the E12.