Headphone Amps

[stevee1966]

I've got a Fiio X5ii DAP which i use with Klipsch X10i in-ear phones in work, and Vmoda XS on-ear at home.

I've never used a headphone amp before so wondering what i would achieve soundwise if i used one with the gear i have.

Considering something like the Fiio E12a as an option.

Most of my music is ripped from cd with Apple Lossless (as i used to have an ipod before Fiio) with some ripped to FLAC and a few Hi-Res also.

Grateful for any opinions.

 

[dalethorn]

I've got a Fiio X5ii DAP which i use with Klipsch X10i in-ear phones in work, and Vmoda XS on-ear at home.

I've never used a headphone amp before so wondering what i would achieve soundwise if i used one with the gear i have.

Considering something like the Fiio E12a as an option.

Most of my music is ripped from cd with Apple Lossless (as i used to have an ipod before Fiio) with some ripped to FLAC and a few Hi-Res also.

Grateful for any opinions.

The E12a is just a low-level amp of moderate quality, and it's doubtful it would improve the sound of X5ii, which is a much newer product. The more expensive small amps, like the Portaphile Micro or the Lehmann Traveller, should be better. But I would stick with the X5ii for those headphones, and upgrade later - maybe with a better DAP.

 

[stevee1966]

Thanks for the advise. Looks like you've saved me some unnecessary spending.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for the advise. Looks like you've saved me some unnecessary spending.

I'd concur, the amp in the X5 is very good and you'll only improve it by buying something along the lines of the Oppo HA-2.

 

[rich51080]

I would not get an amp to go with the x5.

Personally I would opt for a Cowon Plenue 1 or an Astell and Kern DAP and sell the Fiio.

I got a Hidizs AP100 dap and it has an amplifier built in and it is to my ears better sounding than the X5.