Nov 2 2010, 02:15 PM, updated 16y ago
1st impression? Solid built. Nice metallic surface with no sharp edges on the side, something u don't expect from the Mainland manufacturer. But hack, who cares about the cosmetic, we are after all, an audiophile, not art collector.
Ok, let's start with the bad. The bass boost function is practically gone once you mount E7 on E9. Yes, you can still use the bass boost, but not when you mount it on E9 (ie: use E7 as DAC and connect to E9 via 3.5mm cable). But why must I go through the additional step?? E7 as pre-amp and E9 and power amp is, in my own opinion, the best concept Fiio has ever came up with. The lack of bass boost has spoil the otherwise perfect combination. On a side note, I've tried the 3.5mm connection method and notice no loss of SQ comparing to the docked E7, but it is eating too much of my desktop space.
Bass: Sigh. To be honest, bass is the least noticeable enhancement that E9 has to offer. Maybe it's due to the lack of E7's bass boost function. Anyway E9's bass is on par with E7's at SQ0 level, most likely because of DAC work is handled by E7 anyway.
Mid/High: Here's where E9 shines. E7 alone is already a great DAC that's capable of bring out the musicality from the tunes. Hence, by docking it to E9, the signal will then skips the rather puny amp in E7 and get power up in E9. By the way of description, one can easily imagine E9 (with E7 docking) is like E7 after steroid, metaphor. The additional hint of added warmth is what I like most about the E7 + E9 combo. All in all, the mids are very clean and pleasant and the highs are detailed and not over analyzed.
Ok, above is my 1st 30 mins of review on E9. It's a shame that I only have a pair of MS1i to test with, I heard this baby has enough juice to power up HD650. Any proud owner of HD650 is willing to loan me their baby for testing?
Lastly, some FAQ for you audiophiles.
1. Q: Where did you buy it (E9 stand alone) and how much it cost?
A: MP4 Nation, USD115.07 (after USD6.06 discount for early birds)
2. Q: Warranty?
A: refer here --> Warranty
3. Q: How long was the shipping time?
A: Oh man, I waited 1 damn month for this!! After payment, I had to wait for MP4 nation to process the order (1 day), send it to HK post office (2 days), wait for HK post office to process the mailing (another 1 week), finally send it for shipping (1 week) and reach my doorstep (2 weeks). But credits must be given to Mp4 nation in replying my queries, mostly pertaining to the delivery status. That's the thing, once the item is sent for post, it's basically out of their control and you're left with "good luck to yourself". But they do provide mail tracking service, making their delivery safer than normal post.
4. Q: Is it worth buying if you don't have a E7?
A: That really depends. I can certainly say it's worth if you have a E7, because it'll just power up the E7 and make it a beasty desktop amp. The beauty of this deal is E7 for DAC-ing and E9 for amping. Unless you have a good sound card or some kind of pre-amp devices, otherwise E9 is just another power amp.
5. Q: Any comparisons with other similar setup?
A: Nope. This audiophile thingy is my most recent developed dark hobby (Damn you lowyat.net and Jaben!). Other than E7, I have a PA2v2 portable amp which is not from the same league. Of cos my E9 is always available for audiophile gathering, provided I have time to attend. My job has cost me my social life.
Oh ya, I think this setup is most suitable for desktop/laptop user.
Some pictures taken from my mediocre handphone.
This post has been edited by xiang49: Dec 9 2010, 10:19 PM
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