mtliu
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 1, 2014
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OK, so I have two options for DACs with this. I'm setting up my friend with his first good headphone system on the cheap. He also just built a tower computer. So, I have the XS headphones already. Would a FiiO E07K Andes DAC/Amp work better or a FiiO K1 Portable DAC + Headphone Amplifier? The first is $56 on Amazon, the second is $40.
As far as performance, both are probably very similar in terms of sound. The E07K has more features which the K1 lacks: internal battery, ability to use as an amp alone, treble/bass/volume/gain settings, as well as digital display. The E07K also has the ability to dock with the E09K and bring it up a tier in terms of sound. Also to consider would be the slightly more expensive E10K or the even more expensive E17K. The E10K is the best sounding out of the E7K, E10K, E17K crowd. The E17K can dock with the K5, but the K5 is not widely available in the US yet.
If all he is interested in is sound, and the cheapest price, the K1 is best. But if wants even better sound, then the E10K. However, if the additional features and possible future expandability are an issue, then it's either the E07K or E17K. The E07K can be upgraded now with the E09K and the E17K can be upgraded in the future with the K5 - although Fiio keeps pushing that back.
My experience with these things is that I am more than satisfied with any of these - until I listen to something more expensive, then I realize the (subtle) flaws in the less expensive equipment. While waiting for the K5 to dock with my two E17Ks, I went and bought a more expensive DAC and now don't really use my Fiio DACs for critical listening any more.