Jump to content

DAC/amp recommendation!

Pedrofranken
By Pedrofranken
in Audio
 Share
Go to solution Solved by Pedrofranken,

Ah, the great land of Sweden. Are you planning on transpoting the same unit to and fro work, or are you buying two?

 

I'd say go ahead with the E10k if transporting one unit, but if you don't mind the extra size I'd recommend this unit over the FiiO (unless you really want to save the $10 or so). It's a rebranded Monoprice Desktop Amplifer if you're gonna look for reviews.

 

 
 

 

That's a fine price for the FiiO in Sweden.

 

The D1 isn't magically better just because it's more expensive. Better build and connectors, sure, but I don't think it'll sound any different.

 

Indeed, the great land of sweden!

I'm going to transport it, but I don't mind the size difference! Really don't mind the $10 either, when I can get it in 1-2 days (I have to wait like 2-3 weeks for the FiiO..). Maybe I even will buy two of them, or I could just buy another AC-adapter to have at work!

 

Well, then I don't even have to think about the D1! :)

 

Thank you guys for all the answers. I'm kinda new when it comes to DAC/amps for headphones, so I'm really glad for all the great feedback for my topic!

Posted

Hey!

I just saw a forum post here about the FiiO E10K, i've been looking at it for a while and can get ahold on it for about 90 USD incl. shipping, but is it worth it?

I want a DAC/amp that i can have sitting on my desk, both at home and work. My daily drivers at home is a pair of Sennheiser HD558 and at work i usually take my Sennheiser HD-25 II. At work i just listen to music (all the way from classic music to metal and hip hop), but when i'm home I also want to rely on the DAC/amp to be precise and have a good detail in sound for playing games (FPS, moba.. you name it).

 

The sound card I'm about to upgrade from is a Creative Sound Blaster Z which I have at home and at work I just plug in to the on-board sound card or listen to my Cowon X9 player.

 

Should I go for the FiiO E10K or save some more money and get the Audioengine D1 (costs about 260+ USD, incl. shipping) or even the Odac combo from mayflower?

 

 

Edit: I live in Sweden, so the I don't want the shipping cost to blow the ass out of my wallet!

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

I've owned a variety of sources, and I think the Syba DAC is perfect as long as your headphones don't need a lot of juice (yours don't).

 

If you're not in the US, it's available on eBay most places.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2611727
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

I've owned a variety of sources, and I think the Syba DAC is perfect as long as your headphones don't need a lot of juice (yours don't).

 

If you're not in the US, it's available on eBay most places.

 

There's only one who's shipping this to sweden and the shipping costs land at 59 USD, kinda sad when the unit just costs 47 USD.. :/

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2611767
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

$90 is getting a bit steep for the fiio. The Syba is plasticky but has slightly more functionality cheaper (mic port, 6.5mm headphone jack)

 

You think? I don't really need the mic port, but the 6.5mm jack is nice with my HD 558s. It's just that the Syba DAC lands at 106 USD incl. shipping to Sweden.. So it's even more expensive than the FiiO

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2611777
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

You think? I don't really need the mic port, but the 6.5mm jack is nice with my HD 558s. It's just that the Syba DAC lands at 106 USD incl. shipping to Sweden.. So it's even more expensive than the FiiO

 

Ah, the great land of Sweden. Are you planning on transpoting the same unit to and fro work, or are you buying two?

 

I'd say go ahead with the E10k if transporting one unit, but if you don't mind the extra size I'd recommend this unit over the FiiO (unless you really want to save the $10 or so). It's a rebranded Monoprice Desktop Amplifer if you're gonna look for reviews.

 

 

But you guys don't think it's worth the money for the FiiO at 90 USD?

 

I found a Audioengine D1 for about 190 USD incl. shipping to sweden! Is it more worth for me to save a litte more money and get one of those?

 

That's a fine price for the FiiO in Sweden.

 

The D1 isn't magically better just because it's more expensive. Better build and connectors, sure, but I don't think it'll sound any different.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2611877
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author
  • Solution

Ah, the great land of Sweden. Are you planning on transpoting the same unit to and fro work, or are you buying two?

 

I'd say go ahead with the E10k if transporting one unit, but if you don't mind the extra size I'd recommend this unit over the FiiO (unless you really want to save the $10 or so). It's a rebranded Monoprice Desktop Amplifer if you're gonna look for reviews.

 

 
 

 

That's a fine price for the FiiO in Sweden.

 

The D1 isn't magically better just because it's more expensive. Better build and connectors, sure, but I don't think it'll sound any different.

 

Indeed, the great land of sweden!

I'm going to transport it, but I don't mind the size difference! Really don't mind the $10 either, when I can get it in 1-2 days (I have to wait like 2-3 weeks for the FiiO..). Maybe I even will buy two of them, or I could just buy another AC-adapter to have at work!

 

Well, then I don't even have to think about the D1! :)

 

Thank you guys for all the answers. I'm kinda new when it comes to DAC/amps for headphones, so I'm really glad for all the great feedback for my topic!

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2611959
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Btw, do you know if there's any flaws with the modified verison in comparison of the real deal?

The biggest one is that dumb micro usb connector they used. Other than that I really don't see a problem with it. 

My personal rig - 4790k 4.8Ghz, Asus Z97 Pro (wi-fi ac), Corsair Dominator Plat 4x8GB, SLI GTX 1080 TI FE, Samsung 850 Evo 1TB, Crucial MX100 512GB, EVGA G3 1000W, and cooled by a hardline liquid cooling loop. 

 

Safe Practices and Complete Guide to Buying/Selling on the Classifieds and other forums

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2612178
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

The biggest one is that dumb micro usb connector they used. Other than that I really don't see a problem with it. 

 

He means the rebranded monoprice.

 

 

Btw, do you know if there's any flaws with the modified verison in comparison of the real deal?

 

There should be no difference.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2612301
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

He means the rebranded monoprice.

 

Oh...lol totally missed that. 

My personal rig - 4790k 4.8Ghz, Asus Z97 Pro (wi-fi ac), Corsair Dominator Plat 4x8GB, SLI GTX 1080 TI FE, Samsung 850 Evo 1TB, Crucial MX100 512GB, EVGA G3 1000W, and cooled by a hardline liquid cooling loop. 

 

Safe Practices and Complete Guide to Buying/Selling on the Classifieds and other forums

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2612352
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted
  • Author

He means the rebranded monoprice.

 

 

 

There should be no difference.

 

So I got the rebranded Monoprice and it sounds real nice! Much cleaner than my Creative SB Z internal card. BUT the unit that I got is damaged.. The connector for the right headphone channel doesn't work.. I've tried the thing with my HD558s och my HD 25-II, but none of them gets sound in the right speaker :/ I've contacted the company that I bought the unit from, I really hope their customer support is good!

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2623206
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
  • Author

So I finally got a replacement for the broken one and I just gotta say, it sounds real good!

 

The base is tight, mids are good and overall: Sounds better then my Creative SB Z internal card! :)

 

I can recommend this DAC for all my swedish lads here at LTT forums!

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2684370
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

So I finally got a replacement for the broken one and I just gotta say, it sounds real good!

 

The base is tight, mids are good and overall: Sounds better then my Creative SB Z internal card! :)

 

I can recommend this DAC for all my swedish lads here at LTT forums!

 

Awesome! I'll bookmark that link for future swedes

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-2697612
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
  • 1 month later...
Posted
  • Author

Awesome! I'll bookmark that link for future swedes

 

Hey @ShearMe!

 

Just wanted to give you an update and a little more information, when you are cool enough to use my preferences to help other swedes!

 

I've been using the rebranded Monoprice for over a month now and I gotta say I'm really happy (as I told you before). I've also bought a FiiO E10K for portable use. So I'm using the E10K at work, with my laptop and so on. And I gotta say, it's not as clean as the Monoprice (compared the two with my Sennheiser HD558s and HD25-II).

The rebranded Monoprice is producing a much cleaner sound than the FiiO and the FiiO gives a little bit to sharp highs, but the mids are good, turning bass boost on is like changing a bit in the trebles (which doesn't really get the real punch, like the Monoprice) but the sound is overall really nice (better than any internal soundcard!).

 

Conclusion time: The FiiO is a really good on-the-go AMP/DAC, but If ur gonna get one that's just sitting on the table, go for the rebranded Monoprice if ur a swede, like me. Or maybe buy the real one! :)

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-3011387
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites
Posted

Hey @ShearMe!

 

Just wanted to give you an update and a little more information, when you are cool enough to use my preferences to help other swedes!

 

I've been using the rebranded Monoprice for over a month now and I gotta say I'm really happy (as I told you before). I've also bought a FiiO E10K for portable use. So I'm using the E10K at work, with my laptop and so on. And I gotta say, it's not as clean as the Monoprice (compared the two with my Sennheiser HD558s and HD25-II).

The rebranded Monoprice is producing a much cleaner sound than the FiiO and the FiiO gives a little bit to sharp highs, but the mids are good, turning bass boost on is like changing a bit in the trebles (which doesn't really get the real punch, like the Monoprice) but the sound is overall really nice (better than any internal soundcard!).

 

Conclusion time: The FiiO is a really good on-the-go AMP/DAC, but If ur gonna get one that's just sitting on the table, go for the rebranded Monoprice if ur a swede, like me. Or maybe buy the real one! :)

 

Some people say that the E10 (older ver) sounds better than the E10k. I had the E10, but never tried the E10k, so I don't know if it's true. The E10 is still sought by many. Put mine in a classified, and sold within a few hours, even turned down a few buyer that contacted me after it's sold. 

 

What is the brand of that rebranded monoprice? I looked on ebay, but couldn't find any. 

HE-400 personal review , ATH-AD700 personal review, Aune T1 MK2 personal review, Lepai A2020+ personal review, Field report of Jakarta USF

Link to comment
https://linustechtips.com/topic/192713-dacamp-recommendation/#findComment-3016448
Share on other sites
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing Audio

×