FiiO E6 announced

[Mikerman]

Originally Posted by Marvin the Martian

I haven't broke one yet, and I've had two Clips, two Clip+, and a Clip Zip.

Me as well. But always sad to read when someone reports a clip (typically plastic) breaking.

I actually like the E5 in part because of its metal clip--gives me confidence. The plastic clips on the E8 look pretty sturdy, tho (if a bit thick in the pics).

Originally Posted by razorblader

I read in a review that the used material is supposed to be pretty sturdy (despite its appearance).

Once mine gets here I'll let someone I know play with it for a few minutes. That dude breaks stuff that can't be broken (not intentionally but something's up with his chi or whatever).

If he doesn't break it we'll be fine.

Cool--but don't put your to-be new amp and its clips at any real risk!

[CrowdAds]

[razorblader]

Got my E6 today and I'm currently testing it with the Phonak PFEs and the EQ2 setting sounds about perfect with them, there's a nice bass and treble boost, transparent and powerful at the same time.

Definitely a step up from the E5, very little hiss with higher volume settings as well and it gets pretty loud if you want it to.
The fit and finish is perfectly fine, a bit plasticky but lightweight and should withstand normal wear and tear. The plastic clip seems sturdy enough, wouldn't worry about it breaking very easily.

Overall definitely nicer than its older sibling and out of the box it sounds more transparent than the E5 and the E7 respectively.

[Mikerman]

Nice to hear!

[marc2003]

got mine in the post today and i almost cried when i heard crackling after playing for less a minute. but then i realised it was actually in the source (a podcast which i hadn't listened to yet ).

if anybody in the UK wants the plastic clips for spares, i'm happy to post free of charge. i won't be using them.

[Marvin the Martian]

Originally Posted by marc2003

got mine in the post today and i almost cried when i heard crackling after playing for less a minute. but then i realised it was actually in the source (a podcast which i hadn't listened to yet ).

if anybody in the UK wants the plastic clips for spares, i'm happy to post free of charge. i won't be using them.

So how's it work? Is it an upgrade over the E5 sound-wise?

[marc2003]

there's definitely more treble. which is good for me as i needed to boost that a lot in rockbox because my headphones are quite dark. i'll need to turn it down with the e6. bass seems a bit more punchier. but that could just be placebo?? and there's quite a bit more headroom for going louder.

with my phones, these amps make the world of difference and i couldn't live without one. great value for money.

[Marvin the Martian]

Sounds like a potential future purchase then.

[dfkt]

[Marvin the Martian]

Upcoming review, perhaps?

[dfkt]

Sure.

[dfkt]

Here's some FiiO E6 RMAA tests:

FiiO E6 - Modes
FiiO E6 vs. E5 - Modes
FiiO E6 vs. E5 - Impedances

The E6 is a very fine amp, also for super-sensitive multi-armature IEMs. Very little background hiss with SE530 or UE11 to be heard (clearly less hiss than the E5). With its close-to-zero output impedance the E6 will also 'fix' flawed players like the Sony A845 or Hifiman HM801, which have way too high output impedance to drive multi-armature IEMs. E6 doesn't click/pop at turning on/off either.

EQ1 bass boost sounds rather muddy, EQ2 is more subtle - but I somewhat prefer the E5's bass boost, it is a bit punchier and tighter than the E6's EQ2.

Here's some volume tests, E6 and E5 relative to each other, playing pink noise. E6 goes generally 4dB louder than the E5, on average:

Half Volume
-----------

E6 (no load)		E5 (no load)
---------------		---------------
Flat	-13.1dB		Flat	-17.5dB
EQ1	 -8.9dB		
EQ2	 -8.6dB		EQ	-14.3dB
LO	-19.5dB



E6 (16 Ohm)		E5 (16 Ohm)
---------------		---------------
Flat	-13.2dB		Flat	-17.6dB
EQ1	 -8.9dB		
EQ2	 -8.6dB		EQ	-14.4dB
LO	-19.5dB

=======================================

Full Volume
-----------

E6 (no load)		E5 (no load)
---------------		---------------
Flat	-10.8dB		Flat	-14.9dB
EQ1	 -3.4dB		
EQ2	 -0.5dB		EQ	-11.4dB
LO	-17.8dB



E6 (16 Ohm)		E5 (16 Ohm)
---------------		---------------
Flat	-10.8dB		Flat	-15.0dB
EQ1	 -4.0dB		
EQ2	 -1.3dB		EQ	-11.4dB
LO	-17.8dB

[SoulSyde]

DFKT, please rank the bass boost with the following amps: ZO, Arrow, E5, E6. From your previous assessments I may even have the correct order. : )

[dfkt]

Yep, you're right.

Although the E5's bass boost is maybe too subtle (+3.5dB, peak at 60Hz) to be overly useful, while the E6's EQ2 is more audible (+4.5dB, peak at 100Hz).

[SoulSyde]

Thanks

[Confispect]

^ 1+

[Inks]

Looks like the E5 measures better flat.

[dfkt]

The differences are marginal, basically negligible for human ears. The E6 goes louder and hisses less - so it's the better amp, overall.

Let's hope NwAvGuy gets an E6 too, and does some more in-depth tests.

[koolkat]

Fiio's churning out products. E10's out.

[razorblader]

Big thumbs-up from headphonia.

http://www.headfonia.com/the-latest-...10-usb-dacamp/

[CLipster]

has anyone tried the e6 with tma-1's?