Need some help with a Amplifier

Seb5009 · 22 Mar 2012 at 08:23

Hello all.

I am looking at getting a FiiO E7 Portable Headphone DAC Amplifier for my mp3 player. And the next step will be getting a Amplifier or sound card for my pc.
I am new to the world of sound cards/amplifier's so here is what I want to know.

I am looking at getting the FiiO E9 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and Dock, to go with the Fiio E7 and use them on my pc. Or get a sound card for my pc and just keep the FiiO E7 for my mp3 player. My headset is Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO Headset - 250 OHM.

Thanks for any help.

Rhyswh · 22 Mar 2012 at 08:41

Why would you use both E9 and E7 on your PC? They both do the same?

For the money you would be better off getting a sound card for your PC.

Seb5009 · 22 Mar 2012 at 09:50

The E7 dock's in the E9 and work together. Here is a link which I have been looking at.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/521680/fiio-e9-review

Razor-BladE · 22 Mar 2012 at 10:28

Rhyswh said:
Why would you use both E9 and E7 on your PC? They both do the same?

For the money you would be better off getting a sound card for your PC.

When paired together only the DAC is used from the E7, and then the E9 is used for the amping.

OP: I've heard that they pair very well together so I think that would be a pretty good option.

Marsman · 22 Mar 2012 at 11:19

It's a good combination. If you won't miss the features you get with a sound card, then there is no reason not to go with the E7 and E9.

Shamrock · 22 Mar 2012 at 11:22

It may not be an issue for you, but the E7/E9 combo won't give you any surround virtualisation for gaming.

Rhyswh · 22 Mar 2012 at 13:13

I see! I still think you would be better off with a soundcard though.

Seb5009 · 22 Mar 2012 at 14:28

Shamrock said:
It may not be an issue for you, but the E7/E9 combo won't give you any surround virtualisation for gaming.

I see. Which sound card would be good for this, I have been looking at the Asus Xonar Essence ST Sound Card which does look good. Just a lot of money.

Shamrock · 22 Mar 2012 at 15:05

The Essence ST/STX is a great value all-in-one solution for speakers and headphones. It supports Dolby Headphone and can more than adequately drive the DT990. If you do upgrade to a better amp/DAC solution in the future it also allows you to use DH over SPDIF. You can also roll the op-amps with better ones to improve its built in amp.