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icoX
1
May 22, 2016
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anyone can recommend an dac/amp combo for the k7xx, also need to come with a lineout port under 150usd?
Tripcrow
0
May 22, 2016
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EinTheVarianceHave you tested this? and do you know anything about how much more performance you would get from a desktop dac/amp such as the o2/odac or schiit stack?
EinTheVariance
342
May 22, 2016
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Tripcrowthe O2 and the schiit stack are much more powerful...it's not really a fair comparison. You're talking the difference of a portable dac/amp combo vs a desktop stack. Geared for two different things and at different price brackets too. You definitely pay for the portability aspect, although I think it's great for what it is and how much it is. I use it daily on the go and enjoy the bass/treble boost on some pairs which is rare on amps these days (especially the treble EQ). It does up to 12db gain too which helps drive higher impedance cans although I prefer to keep it on 0 whenever possible. Overall, a great portable option with great battery life.
You may find a better option if you only plan to use it stationary (at home/office), but at the same time, I don't know many decent options for a dac/amp combo at less than $150.
You may find a better option if you only plan to use it stationary (at home/office), but at the same time, I don't know many decent options for a dac/amp combo at less than $150.
EinTheVariance
342
May 23, 2016
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icoXI'm in the drop that just ended, so no, I have not used it with the K7XX yet. However, I have used it with the Q701 and these are supposed to be based off of that (or rather, based off of the K702 Annie which is based on the Q701). The K/Q 7 series are all supposed to be similar enough anyways that I doubt my Fiio will have trouble with it when it didn't with the Q701. I can definitely comment back once I have the K7XX in my hands and have had some time with it though.
icoX
1
May 23, 2016
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EinTheVarianceThanks for the recommendation, do you know if the e10k have the same performance as the e17k?? As i'm using mainly at home i'm looking at e10k too which looks like it's designed more for desktop use.
EinTheVariance
342
May 23, 2016
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icoXhey, I have only listened to the E10K briefly so take it with a grain of salt, but I believe they use much of the same internals (both use the same DAC chip with E17K having the better opamp chip and architecture). I feel that the E17K is a bit cleaner although the difference isn't night and day. I found a review that I feel perfectly describes this comparison:
"if you know how an E10K sounds, then E17K is like an E10K but on steroids. I assume it is due to a higher quality filter, due to better op-amps and battery operated power supply – that is more stable and virtually eliminates line noise." http://soundnews.ro/2015/01/19/fiio-e17k-alpen-ii-review-english-version/
Specs wise, both are very similar. On the amp/EQ side of things, the E17K can go up to 12db whereas the E10K can only go up to 8.8db on the high gain setting which means it is more capable of driving higher impedance cans although you shouldn't need it for the K7XX (always stick with the lowest gain and higher volume over lower volume and high gain whenever possible). I guess part of the reason why I think the E17K is cleaner is that I run it with 0db gain whereas I believe you only have a choice of low or high gain on the E10K (I could be wrong on this one though, I didn't touch the gain toggle when I auditioned it, only left it at low). The same story with the EQ side of things...the E10K has a bass boost toggle either on or off, which gives ~3db boost on the low end when on. In comparison, the E17K can go from -10db to +10db on the bass and treble boost so that's a 20db adjustment on both ends when compared to the E10K only having a 3db adjustment on the low end. Take that as you will as people have different opinions on EQing.
So, the TL;DR is like I've quoted, the E17K is like the E10K but on steroids. If you don't care about everything I've stated above (or think that it's not worth the price difference), then the E10K will probably do the job just fine.
"if you know how an E10K sounds, then E17K is like an E10K but on steroids. I assume it is due to a higher quality filter, due to better op-amps and battery operated power supply – that is more stable and virtually eliminates line noise." http://soundnews.ro/2015/01/19/fiio-e17k-alpen-ii-review-english-version/
Specs wise, both are very similar. On the amp/EQ side of things, the E17K can go up to 12db whereas the E10K can only go up to 8.8db on the high gain setting which means it is more capable of driving higher impedance cans although you shouldn't need it for the K7XX (always stick with the lowest gain and higher volume over lower volume and high gain whenever possible). I guess part of the reason why I think the E17K is cleaner is that I run it with 0db gain whereas I believe you only have a choice of low or high gain on the E10K (I could be wrong on this one though, I didn't touch the gain toggle when I auditioned it, only left it at low). The same story with the EQ side of things...the E10K has a bass boost toggle either on or off, which gives ~3db boost on the low end when on. In comparison, the E17K can go from -10db to +10db on the bass and treble boost so that's a 20db adjustment on both ends when compared to the E10K only having a 3db adjustment on the low end. Take that as you will as people have different opinions on EQing.
So, the TL;DR is like I've quoted, the E17K is like the E10K but on steroids. If you don't care about everything I've stated above (or think that it's not worth the price difference), then the E10K will probably do the job just fine.
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