E11K upgrade?

Spec-Chum

Spec-Chum

Spec-Chum

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21 Oct 2009
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I've got a bit of money to burn so thinking about upgrading my setup.

I currently run a Fiio e11k from the line out of a xonar dx.

Will a schiiit stack be a decent improvement? Just the magni perhaps?

Worth going ultra on both or either?

Headphones are: soundmagic hp200, Beyerdynamic dt990 pro and ue6000.
 
Too bright? I am a bit of a treble head to be fair.

Subjective I know, but how much, if any, improvement will it be over the E11K?
 
Treble head is probably a bit much, I'd say I prefer a more V shape as I do like a nice full bass too.

I really like the sound of the DT990's, especially for trance.
 
the 990 will be bright on its own but adding the Magni will be pretty harsh. If you can handle the pairing then the Magni is a great amp. The UE6000 is on the lush, warm side so the Magni would be good for those and the HP200 is a somewhere between the two so you will prob end up making them a little on the aggressive side.
 
Yeah, I tried to get a nice variety of sound signatures, I think I did well considering I'm a noob at this lol

Since we're talking tubes, I'm now intrigued.

Little Dot I+ is only £92, any good?
 
Yeah I liked it. Had to change the stock tubes though as they lacked a little mid presence. Some Mullard M8161's go nicely for fleshing out mids while staying natural. It's a really good amp for the price and a fun hobby getting into tube rolling.
 
If I do decide to go solid state, any recommendations for a warmer amp than the Magni?

Also, before I get too annoying lol The DAC on the Xonar DX is pretty decent I recall, I guess there's not much point in upgrading that?
 
I decided against the i+ as I thought if I'm going tube I'm going tube, not hybrid.

Just need some warmer sounding tubes now.
 
Mullard M8161 - Warm, thick mids, smooth treble, good separation and quiet background
Mullard M8100 - Bassy! excellent vocals - prob best in class and also has a silent background, prob the quietest.
 
It's arrived! But I can't use it lol

It came with RCA to RCA when I assumed it would come with 3.5mm to RCA.

Gotta wait till Saturday now...

EDIT: Well, I can kinda use it as my HDMI matrix has a DAC with RCA out but I've no idea how good the quality is, not good I would assume...
 
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Sounds good even with no burn in and default tubes :)

I've only got an E11k to compare it to tho, not exactly high end...
 
Completely different sound. I find the Little Dot to be more spacious, better separation and more tubey with stock tubes. Both are about on par but the LD has more tube rolling options. I personally like the LD a little more.
 
Cool, I got the little dot from warehouse deals so I've got 30 days For a no questions asked refund. Just looking at options.
 
Only issue I've got is that even on minimal gain it's still a bit loud; I can't turn the volume on the amp down too far as it results in channel imbalance, I've got to reduce the source.

Sounds good tho.
 
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