headphone DAC combi, info needed

[Deleted member 45006]

I m planning to get a DAC, for multipurpose use. I have posted about it in DAC page, and didnt get any response so far. I have cornered FiiO E7 Andes for the time being. But I feel like asking the opinion with headphone guys, as I m planning to use it with my AKG K450. If someone has tried this combi before? If yes, can somebody let me know if this is an upgrade over the stock card of the Mac? Alternatively I m planning to use it as a headphone amplifier, for my iPhone 5. How good it will be over the default DAC of iPhone? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[ranjeetrain]

FiiO E7 will improve upon stock cards of both the Mac and iPhone. FiiO E7 has an amazing headphone amp at an unbelievable price. Especially, it's amp section is amazing for the money.

 

[vkalia]

Color me unimpressed with FiiO. They make decent stuff for the price, but in term of absolute performance, they arent anything special.

Going up to the $400-450 range gets you something that is noticeably better (and I, for one, am the type who is very skeptical when it comes to claims about the sonic differences between amps and DACs).

And iPhone DAC is actually very good - the only problem is that it is difficult to get a pure LO out of one. I've been using an Apex Glacier DAC/amp with mine until now - I was very happy with it except for the clunky cabling while carrying it in my pocket (which is why i'm thinking of selling it). If your headphone is easy to drive, an AK10 is very nice as well - i have one of those i carry in my laptop case for tethered listening.

 

[reignofchaos]

In 400 dollar range you may look at iFi - heard the DAC recently in my setup and it was very very good for the price. It is a available in india at very decent prices and has a very nice distributor who will offer a home audition for a retainer.

PS: I have no connection to them other than being a happy customer. Recently purchased an iFi Gemini cable from them.

 

[Deleted member 45006]

Sorry I didnt mention the budget, was looking for something around 7k. And I couldn't find anything better than this at the budget. But wasn't sure if this was an upgrade. Also, I wasn't sure if it would match with my headphones. Anyways will look upon opinions and if convinced will get it this week.

 

[Deleted member 45006]

NEW FiiO E7 USB Rechargeable Portable Headphone Amplifier and DAC (Original Amp) | eBay

 

[ranjeetrain]

If you were in NCR, I could let you try it and see if it will be a match with your headphones.