Hmmmm... ATH-M50's First or FiiO E17 First?

So recently I have been using a semi-budget setup of using a FiiO E10 DAC connected from my laptop to my trusty Audio Technica ATH-M30's and my listening pleasure has never been better.

However recently, my FiiO E10's microphone jack became broken and thankfully I was within the return period (I can't exchange, only refund and I don't think FiiO has a warranty of sorts) so I returned it. However before ordering another E10 to replace it, I saw that the new F17 is about to be released.

With that said, there is a problem. I would think spending $140 on the E17 would be overkill for my pretty budget ATH-M30's. Therefore I should spend $140 in this case on the ATH-M50's first and then deal with a DAC later on when I have more money.

So without able to currently get both at the same time, what do you think I should get first? The ATH-M50's or the FiiO E17?

 

I would say to grab the ATH-M50's first. Always good to have an extra pair of headphones around

 

I'd say that unless you need the features of the E17, there's a point at which a budget DAC becomes too expensive. Time (and relative measurements will tell) of course but there's a time of beyond diminishing returns for this kind of stuff.

Get the M50, and see if you can track down an E7 (if you want an E17-a-like, i.e. a headphone amp as well as a DAC). Or stick with the E10. Either'll be more than enough.

 

Yeah I am seriously tempted to get the M50's and then return to using my on-board laptop sound card with SRS Audio Sandbox like before. I might wait on the E17 prices to lower before getting it. The reason I don't another E10 was because this one broke with only like literally light use and it is a pain to replace because FiiO doesn't really have a mentioned warranty so...

If the M50's broke, Audio Technica can take care of it for you easily.

 

so... why are you getting an E17 then? It's not like it's suddenly going to change, right?

In which case you might just as well get an X-Fi HD or something, or even just a Turtle Beach Amigo to tide you over...?

 

I had a X-Fi HD. The FiiO sounds way better out of the box. I was tempted at the E17 because reviews mentioned that the E17 sounds even better than the E10. Might look at the Turtle Beach...


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The X-Fi might also "sounds way better" if you threw on some bass, since that's really the primary difference AFAIR.

 

Well would it sound just as grand if I ended up getting the ATH-M50's and mating it to my onboard audio? (Precision M6600).

 

I dunno. Don't have the M6600. It's something you'll have to try. Clearly there are relatively sucky onboards as far as analog output goes - virtually all Apples and selected Sony's come to mind for example in terms of 'should be fit for aimed purpose, but isn't' machines - but there are decent ones around, perfectly viable to use with phones the calibre of the M50's. I just wouldn't be able to tell you whether the M6600 is one of them.

 

Your on-board audio may pick up interference from the rest of the electrical components in your notebook. If you do hear the interference with the M50's then you can get a cheap turtle beach micro II which is an external sound card and it will eliminate this issue.

 

The Micro II might have more hiss with phones. The Amigo might be a better bet as it's headset specific.

 

Thinking about going with the M50's and use this since the M6600 has an ExpressCard Slot.

Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi ExpressCard 2.1 - Amazon.

Should be the best compromise for having a weaker DAC in return for a better set of cans.

 

Maybe. I guess there's the brand assurance to a degree. I can't comment as I haven't had it - though the USB Go Pro seems the later card with definitely more up to date software support. I wouldn't necessarily automatically peg the Expresscard as better, is all.

In fact, I might avail myself of a Go Pro

 

I think using the ExpressCard for a DAC could eliminate a lot of USB noise distortions that could be heard though the Go Pro. I think using the ExpressCard could help a lot on giving the M50's a lot of isolated noise thoughput.

 

USB wouldn't be the cause of distortion as such. What specific problems did you have both the Go Pro?

 

I heard it makes lots of hissing noises and it is hard to remove them. The X-Fi Expresscard should be able to be distortion-free because it is using EC.

 

How do you figure that? I mean it could be the case (that the Go has hiss with e.g. earphones) but the method of interface to the codec is not the reason for any additional noise in the analog audio chain - so you'd get as much of a (non) guarantee that the EC is noise-free as you would with USB or Firewire.

 

Well the EC version was cheaper than the Pro so...


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Yeah. I saw the same - as I said, older product. I've ordered the Pro. I'll let you know whether you made a mistake

 

IMO, get better cans before source if you are starting out.

 

My brother got some M50s today and they sound incredible. I would definitely recommend them, especially for the price.