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Purpleknight
22
Aug 13, 2016
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As I've mentioned before, I have a early 2015 13 inch Macbook pro. I dont have any other pereferals, other then my Apple disk drive.
I don't usually use the Mac for listening to music, apart from YouTube. I usually use my Android phone, which I have just started pairing with my new smsl-idol Dac/amp combo. I plan on ripping cd's (or just listening to them directly) using an external drive that I hook up to my Macbook. As I understand, cd's are uncompressed, and are of better quality then mp3. That way I can access some interesting music, with good quality files, for free, from my local library.
Other then that, I basically just understand that I should be aiming to get my hands on, and listen to Flac files. I plan on hooking up my amp or Dac amp combo to other devices (if it's possible) like game consoles, or a future gaming pc I would like to build one day. So I would like to be able to use the amp with my laptop, phone, and console if possible, and I would like the device to durable enough to be moved around. If the device would be better suited to powering, my cans, with my devices (primarily my Macbook), and a none portable amp would be better for it, then that would be acceptable.
Better sound with my headphones, on a stationary pc, or laptop, is what is most important to me.
EdgeJay
7
Aug 13, 2016
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PurpleknightI really don't wanna come off sounding like a Fiio promoter, but I think I know exactly what to recommend you.
Fiio Alpen E17k http://fiio.net/en/products/38 Fiio K5 Docking System http://fiio.net/en/products/46
This is a less-known product of Fiio's. Well technically it is 2 products, but they were literally made to complement each other, so it's kinda one product as well.
The E17k is a portable DAC/Amp combo which has all the feature you need (adjustable volume, gain settings) at a pretty neat price.
Here's the interesting part.
The K5 Docking System is a desktop amplifier that also comes provides you the novelty of docking the E17k on top of it, so you can use the E17k's DAC section together with the more powerful amplifier on the K5 while you're listening at home. The K5 also comes with several inputs (although they are all different- USB, 3.5mm, RCA) and you can select which input you wish to use via a switch at the front. This way, you can connect your game console, PC, and phone to it all at once, so you won't have to re-cable every single time. Whenever you need to leave the comfort of your main setup, you can just un-dock the E17k and take it along with you, where it will serve as your on-the-go DAC/Amp.
Sound wise, unless you're intentionally trying to look for weaknesses, you won't hear anything "bad" for something this price.
Personally, I'd recommend you get the E17k first, see how it works for you, then decide if you need the K5, or if you'd rather jump to the next tier of audiophile equipment, or if you're happy with just the E17k.
Here are some links that you may find helpful: http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-k5-desktop-headphone-amplifier/reviews/15203 http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-e17k-alpen-2-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/15014
Fiio Alpen E17k http://fiio.net/en/products/38 Fiio K5 Docking System http://fiio.net/en/products/46
This is a less-known product of Fiio's. Well technically it is 2 products, but they were literally made to complement each other, so it's kinda one product as well.
The E17k is a portable DAC/Amp combo which has all the feature you need (adjustable volume, gain settings) at a pretty neat price.
Here's the interesting part.
The K5 Docking System is a desktop amplifier that also comes provides you the novelty of docking the E17k on top of it, so you can use the E17k's DAC section together with the more powerful amplifier on the K5 while you're listening at home. The K5 also comes with several inputs (although they are all different- USB, 3.5mm, RCA) and you can select which input you wish to use via a switch at the front. This way, you can connect your game console, PC, and phone to it all at once, so you won't have to re-cable every single time. Whenever you need to leave the comfort of your main setup, you can just un-dock the E17k and take it along with you, where it will serve as your on-the-go DAC/Amp.
Sound wise, unless you're intentionally trying to look for weaknesses, you won't hear anything "bad" for something this price.
Personally, I'd recommend you get the E17k first, see how it works for you, then decide if you need the K5, or if you'd rather jump to the next tier of audiophile equipment, or if you're happy with just the E17k.
Here are some links that you may find helpful: http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-k5-desktop-headphone-amplifier/reviews/15203 http://www.head-fi.org/products/fiio-e17k-alpen-2-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier/reviews/15014
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