This is a really solid DAC. FiiO have been building devices like this for some years now, 
and their experience really shines through with this device.
The focus here is on sound quality, with the circuity of this DAC having been carefully thought out to provide the best possible listening experience. What has been achieved is remarkable – a DAC that really boosts the performance of high-end headphones, and does so without any fuss.
Like the best DACs, this one is also light and compact. If you are using a laptop and headphones, and working from cafes, the advantage of this compact design is obvious – you can quickly and easily slip your DAC amp into a bag, and carry it wherever you go.
The people we spoke to for this review also complimented this device’s power. Whilst this may not sound important, given that most of the time it will only be powering headphones, it can make a real difference. If your headphones have a high impedance, less powerful amps can struggle to drive them correctly, and accordingly those audiophiles who like to collect vintage, horribly inefficient headphones love this DAC.
In addition, is has these great features:
FiiO E10K
The focus here is on sound quality, with the circuity of this DAC having been carefully thought out to provide the best possible listening experience. What has been achieved is remarkable – a DAC that really boosts the performance of high-end headphones, and does so without any fuss.
9 Total Score
The focus here is on sound quality, with the circuity of this DAC having been carefully thought out to provide the best possible listening experience. What has been achieved is remarkable – a DAC that really boosts the performance of high-end headphones, and does so without any fuss.
PROS
- The circuity in this device is a marvel. The volume control, unlike some other DACs we tested, is a straight potentiometer, and offers a barrier-free throughput to your headphones. The simplicity of this design greatly improves audio quality, but also …
- Improves the longevity of this DAC. Some of the people we talked to for this review said that they had had problems with accidentally breaking their DACs before. This is especially true if you are constantly stuffing your DAC into a bag and cycling across town to the studio. The simple design of this DAC, combined with the sturdy aluminum case, means that it is really rugged.
- The bass circuit on this device is about the only complication offered, but is a great one. Activated by a switch on the front of the DAC, it instantly produces a 3dB bass boost which is far superior to any software EQ. If you are looking for a DAC which can easily deal with bass, this is the one to get!
- Last but not least, the sound on this device is great. The people who we talked to for this review said that distortion was almost non-existent, even when pushing this DAC to its limits.
CONS
- Very few. If you are looking for a hardy DAC that will give you great quality sound for years, go for this one.
User Rating: 4.5 (2 votes)
