[minwyn]

don't they do the same thing? except that the E9 has line out and more power?

 

[GreatDane]

From what I understand, the E7 is a portable DAC/amp to be used by itself and the E9 is basically a desktop amp with line in connection but can dock the E7 so that you could utilize the DAC in the E7 while using the more powerful amp in the E9.

 

[minwyn]

so the E9 itself is not a DAC?

 

[yifu]

No. It functions just as an amp.
 
Quote:

so the E9 itself is not a DAC?

 

[minwyn]

i would only need the E9 if i want to power headphones that are >200ohms, is that correct?
 
i guess what i'm trying to figure out is to get just the E7 or E7+E9, i'll be using it mostly with my Mac desktop, Windows laptop, and iPhone, and all my headphones are under 200ohms

 

[kingpage]

It's not just the impedance, some headphones that have only 50 ohms as impendance are extremely power-hungry. If you tell people what headphones you have, perhaps someone with the same headphone(s) can contribute and let you know whehter they need a desktop amp to sound good.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

The E9 is amp only. Unless you have a line out on your devices, hooking up the E9 to a headphone jack is doing your sound quality more harm than good. The E7 (or another DAC) is essential if you don't have a decent soundcard with a line out. The E7 just happens to pair well with the E9 for obvious reasons.

 

[Very Legal]

There is also an optional dock for ipod that can replace the E7 dock. 

 

[minwyn]

thanks guys, i have a grado sr80i, audio technica ath-m50, sony mdr-v6, and ue triple fi 10

 

[dscythe]

Not sure on the triple fi, but to my (very limited) knowledge none of the headphones you have NEED an amp to sound good, but they will benefit from one.

 

[DaveLinx]

Not sure about the others, but the Sony's work if you just put the cord in your hand and hum loudly. They're easy.

 

[holidayanimal]

@ minwyn:
 
i'd go with the fiio e7 or nubert icon udac2 (slightly better i suppose), or wait for the e17 later this year..
 
as dscythe mentioned, none of these phones/iem need a powerful amp. so a dac/mini-amp like e7 would fit best for a computer/iphone-setup imo...and there are the ibasso's, too...
 
btw, if you buy new n better n bigger headphones you still could upgrade your amp section (e.g. w/ e9  (only with e7) or else)
 
good luck!

 

[Keyboarder]

I also have TripleFi 10's which are 32ohms but have tested up to 64.5 ohms
Tomorrow I should receive a pair of Denon AH-D2000 headphones which are 25ohms
 
Been looking at the E7 and E9 combo but wish there was something just as good or better that has:
More inputs
Pre-out (this is optional)
One unit
Very good DAC
OP amp rollable (though not sure if I would utilize it)
Good battery life like the E7
Enough power if I decide to get some high ohm headphones
As portable as the E7
Not too crazy of a price

 

[Tatakai All]

I've recently picked up a HD 595, E7 and L3. Would getting the E9 be a viable buy for me?