FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier - E11

This review is based off the following parameters: Upgrading from Senn HD205's to AKG K242's, and AFTER having tried out the FiiO E5. The E5 to me felt underpowered, and slightly useless. Driving my iPod through a Line Out (The F9 cable) through a third generation ipod nano into the E5 provided mediocre results at best. While the sound was a little warmer, all I could do to change anything was raise and lower the volume of the amp. I was not impressed at all, and decided that if I was going to pay 2x.xx for an amp, I'd might as well jump up an extra forty and make it worthwhile. (Doesn't make sense, does it??) The E11 is slightly ignored by its brother, the E7, which is slightly more versatile. However, I'm primarily using my headphones on my iPod, so I don't need the onboard DAC. If you don't need it either, I'd suggest trying out the E11. The E11 is light, but not so light as to make you question the build quality, which is very solid looking. The black finish gets fingerprints on it easily, and takes some buffing to get rid of, but I could live with that. In the box you will find the unit, cables (power, audio, etc), and a rubber band to strap the unit onto whatever mp3 player you own. (I didn't realize this, so I had ordered a pack separately, which I use instead as I found the included band too loose) Positioning of the bands can be tricky, depending on what style of mp3 player you own. Play around a bit, but you'll probably never be completely satisfied. There is a volume knob that I absolutely love, it's a knurled twist dial that's numbered. This also serves as the power; turn until it clicks, and the unit powers on. Turn in the opposite manner until it clicks again, and it's off. In this way there are no accidental turn-ons, and the aluminum housing, while slightly getting in the way of you adjusting the volume through all the cables entering the ports, will prevent you from accidentally turning the volume super high and rupturing your head. Now the amp comes with the ability to add bass, and change to high or low impedance. I maxed out the settings, tossed on some 350kbs flac's and was immediately blown away by the immediate improvement of clarity over the E5's. The bass booster added more 'umph' into the music without overpowering the higher notes, and each individual element of the song I could discern clearly, singularly. So yes, if you are considering a FiiO amp, I'd grab the E11. If you will be using it with your computer, check out the E7. But by all means, forget the E5, or any of the ones that look like squares. EDIT 1/12/13: [Musings] Still using this amp. It works beautifully. I am currently using them to drive my Etymotics MC5's, however I am planning on upgrading my IEM's to either the Rockit R50, Shure SE215-K, or Etymotic HF5. (While I love my AKG K242's, they're just not possible to travel with.) Battery life still is relatively strong, charges a little slow. Users who plan on doing extensive traveling may benefit from picking up an additional battery, as they are relatively small. Low battery indicator is basically when the music cuts out, and the unit starts 'pulsing' noise at you, as well as the blue LED power indicator flashing in sync with the noise pulse. I have since lost the included band and don't care- the unit has not gotten any scratches on it, and still performs admirably. Eventually I do plan on leaving the entry-level platform of portable amps, but for now I will still say that the E11 is absolutely THE perfect entry-level amp for anyone who harbors a love for music, and serves as a wonderful gift for anyone who is looking to enhance their music tastes. And from what I have seen, the price has done nothing but continue to lower, making it an even better deal. EDIT 2 4/22/14: Time for another update! I now use Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones (no more AKG's), and am surprised how well this amp drives the P5. Currently I use Schiit Magni/Modi for my desktop amp needs, but when I'm traveling, the FiiO comes out of the drawer and into my bag. Battery life has not decreased noticeably since purchase (I have had this unit for two years now?) nor has the performance decreased. I no longer use my iPods now, so my mp3 player is my phone (HTC One X using PowerAmp Unlocked). From the phone, the audio is good, rather neutral and clear. The FiiO adds a good level of saturation to the noise, adding move volume and bass (oh my god the bass!) to songs. If you like your music with more umph, I still give this product a thumbs up.

So this is my first portable amp that I have purchased. Prior to this I have used my receiver headphone out, outs from too many mixing consoles to name and my portable champ my iphone. Needless to say that the iphone is the worst out of all that I have used, sounds like booty to honest. First Impression (looks): The amp is tiny. It fits with room to spare in the palm of my hand. The amp has a matte finish from which fingerprints will be attracted to in disgusting ways. The two click buttons that are on there (EQ aka bass and Hi/Lo settings) feel a little cheap. I was actually afraid that I was going to scratch the plastic finish as I have to use my nails to switch anything because of their size. The buttons are tiny and it is hard to tell when you are in the first EQ setting or on the way there. EQ zero and two are easy as they are at their respectable extremes.The volume button is smooth once past the "click" of on. It's made of metal which gives a nice tight smooth grippy feel when turning the volume. This thing weighs 2.3 ounces and I gotta tell you that I thought it shipped without the battery. It is that light. I had to open it to make sure that the battery was actually in there. Sound: Turned the amp on with nothing plugged in and all I heard was the fact that I was plugged into an amp. Being around much more powerful amps it is nice to know that the operating noise that I get from a $6000 QSC amp is the same that I get from a $59 headphone amp. Immediately, I began listening to uncompressed music as the "Garbage In Garbage Out" rule applies more than ever when amps are involved. Ask the off key singers. I used my custom molded UE 5's from Ultimate ears. I will be purchasing the Hifiman HE-500's as this amp is more than capable of pushing them. My UE's have an impedance of 21 ohms which my iPhone can play with not much success. The first thing I noticed is the sound stage. It is much wider than using no amplification. The center feels very focused. Low End (bass) - The amp on EQ setting zero plays music as it was mixed which is typically what you need on a well mixed album such as Bob Marley's orignal mix of Could you be loved. On EQ setting one is where the punch of the low end comes in. Forty hertz from Linkin Parks Numb come through clear enough to rattle my ear drums. It is enough to fill out your needs without blowing you out of the water. The EQ two setting should not be used. The low end seems to remain the same while the low mids (150 - 300) get a boost. The only thing that I found this setting to sound good with is one reggae song. It does not sound bad but does muddy up the sound. Mid - This is where this amp impressed me. Mids that are implemented well are silk on one's skin, like apple filling to your pie if you get my drift. The way this amp pushes the mid levels is truly amazing. I had to keep checking to make sure that this small amp was what was reproducing the sound. I can't say enough about the way that the mids make me feel. GREAT!! High - This is generally where everyone wins or loses in my book. Consider the high end the pie crust to my apple pie. Too much of it, and it takes away from all of the hard work that the low (crust) and the mids (filling) have done. Too little and it gives you a taste yet leaves you wanting for more. I am on the side of not enough on this amp. If it had just an 'nth more I would probably never take this amp off from my headphones. The high end is there not sharp, not dull but could be brighter. Hi/Lo (Outside casing) - Important to note that there are two Hi/Lo gain settings. One on the outside which in my opinion widens the sound stage slightly larger and boosts the mids yet keeps the high end sharp without cutting into your brain. At the same time it would be nice to have a touch more highs to make the sound better rounded. The bass sounds untouched. That being said switching from Lo to Hi does not kill you with POWER!!!! It gently raises the levels without hurting your ears by introducing sharp highs or ear splitting high mids. Good to have but not necessarily that important when on the lo setting (internally). Hi/Lo (Inside Casing) - Also important to note that on the Hi level on the inside that your battery life is cut from ten hours to somewhere around four. All listening prior to this was done using the lo setting. On the high setting the amp sounds so much bigger but not in an obnoxious way. Music of all kinds sound much more full bodied and in your face. The bass boost on EQ 1 is where its at. You have no need to go above this simply because of how growly the low end sounds. Depending on how well the mix you have is kick drums punch you in the face and the mids and highs soothe you. My negatives to take away: Could use more high end, and ACTUAL level two for bass that could punch out your teeth rather than a mid booster. Wish they didn't use plastic that attracted fingerprints. Bigger buttons on the side for the EQ and gain settings. Overall, my opinion on this amp is that it is absolutely AMAZING for the price. Great first amp that has WAY more power than I will ever use (until I get my HE-500's).

The FiiO E11 will boost the sound of your iPhone or other portable audio device to magnificent quality. Forget about using those white pathetic earbuds that was designed in Cupertino and slap some real cans on your dome because the bass will finally have the drivers flex their muscles. Hands down, this baby rocks...until the juice is gone, which happens fast. Like a cheetah, this baby runs hard and drains the battery quickly. I use this often while on the treadmill and I get three one hour sessions from it. If I let it sit in the drawer for a week or two, it's as good as dead as well. Maybe I have a dud battery but I'd pay the extra money for the next model up. I'll save you the money because that's what I'm about to purchase.

Appena comprai le mie Sennheiser Hd 558 rimasi stupito dal loro suono col computer, ma ovviamente, per la loro impedenza medio alta( 60 ohm), non rendono molto con cellulari e dispositivi portatili.... Cercai subito un amplificatore che non costasse quanto le cuffie e che mi permettesse di ottenere un suono migliore , senza spendere un capitale.... Il prodotto costa 60 euro , e si trova poca roba ad un prezzo simile , inoltre è piccolo e leggero , comoda l'"elastico" in gomma per tenerlo insieme al cellulare. Oltre ad amplificare i suoni senza distorsioni si nota un buon incremento di qualità audio , e l'Eq a 3 livelli permette di passare da un genere all'altro a seconda dei bisogni. Ho ancora qualche dubbio sulla funzionalità High e Low power, ma mi ritengo molto soddisfatto ... Lo utilizzo anche sull'uscita audio del televisore e le casse , o con l'impianto stereo per incrementare il volume in casi in cui quello del cellulare risulti troppo basso rispetto a quello ottenuto dal computer ... Lo suggerirei ai miei amici :D un ultima cosa ... vi sono in dotazione anche 6 gommini adesivi , di cui ignoro la funzione ...

Lo uso como amplificador de la salida de un móvil antiguo que tengo conectado a unos altavoces de PC y así proporciono radio via WIFI a una habitación. Como tiene una función de potenciador de bajos, manda más potencia a los altavoces y estos se oyen mejor, aunque hay que decir, que no esperemos que la potencia sea espectacular. Simplemente, amplifica la señal varios decibelios, lo suficiente para que luego los altavoces hagan el resto (se nota cuando está funcionando). Lo malo es que la batería se gasta y cuando la pones a cargar no puedes usarlo al mismo tiempo. La batería te viene a durar unas 4 horas o más (dependiendo de cuanto amplifiques). Tarda en cargarse así como 2 horas. Sería interesante hacerse con otra batería similar para cuando ésta se agote y no queden repuestos en el mercado.

Although FiiO has come out with a new model (E12) with supposedly improved performance, I do no not regret this purchase in the least. It is well made, has great control features, and performs like a champ with any over-ear or in-ear phones I have tried with it. It really firms up the bass, and adds a definite slam and authority to any demanding material. The only downside is that it cannot be used while charging, but with a replacement battery and wall-charger (about $50 Can.) this is no longer a problem.

I'll start like many others have - I'm not an audiophile. However having invested in some decent bits of kit over the last couple of years I think I've started on the journey. About 6 months ago I upgraded my Etymotic ER6i IEMs for Etymotic HF5 IEMs, as I was looking for something with improved clarity that wouldn't break the bank, and couldn't afford the ER-4P. I'm pretty happy with them, and I'm about halfway through transferring my CDs to lossless to get the full benefit. I use them with a 6th generation 160gb iPod Classic. When I originally upgraded the earphones, I got a Fiio E5 just to test out what difference it would make to the sound. I'm sad to say it didn't as it was a faulty item, and wouldn't charge up so I returned it. The refund was swift, and that was that. A few weeks back I saw that Fiio had released the E11, and although my previous experience initially led me to hold off, my intrigue got the better of me, and I took the plunge. I'm glad to say that I've not regretted it one bit. You'll struggle to find a decent portable amp at this price. I wasn't interested in a DAC or anything for home listening, as I have other equipment for this. Firstly, it looks very nice indeed. Quite understated, but everyone at work has been pretty intrigued and asked what it does. Build quality is solid, and I've had no problems after about a month of owning it. The only downside I could find was that it cannot be used while it is being charged, however if you're using it out and about, a bit of forethought gets around the issue. I also bought a Fiio L3 line out cable to use, but may switch this for an iBasso cable. A very neat feature is that it uses a mobile phone battery. The one that it comes with is good for about 15 hours (about half of the time of my Classic). The beauty of it being a mobile phone battery is that it can be easily replaced. I found another one Ecell - 1500mAh HIGH CAPACITY BATTERY FOR NOKIA 3220 3230 5070 , and having only received it today can't comment one how well it performs long term, but so far so good. It should in theory nearly double the listening time. Now for how it sounds. Overall, I'm very impressed. One criticism the Ety HF5s (in fact most of the range) get fairly frequently is that the bass or bottom end can be lacking. I've never had this problem as I've managed to get a good seal with the standard tips. I do prefer a flat response IEM as they reproduce the music as it was intended, and they've performed brilliantly with a range of bit rates (128 to lossless). When I first plugged in the amp, I was amazed in so far as it seemed to improve the separation on pretty much all of my music. I mostly listen to electronic music like Techno and Post Punk, but not exclusively. I have have tested a fair bit of Metal, Indie and Alternative. On guitar tracks, the mids achieve amazing clarity and reach, and overall the soundstage seems to be a little more expansive than before. Bass was lifted slightly, particularly in the sub-mid range, but not at the expense of accuracy, which is there in spades. The top end of the Ety's has been improved in that there is less roll off. I only had a minor criticism at first, as the amp sounded ever so slightly cold. After a good while burning it in though, the sound has warmed up a fair bit. It's not coloured the music so that it gives everything a false character, just added a lot more depth and clarity across the whole range. Another neat feature is the EQ. I've listened to a lot of live DJ sets recently that are only available at 128, and I find that it helps to lift or fill out the sound a little bit. Overall, I couldn't be happier with this piece of kit, and I'm glad I took the risk. I think for something of comparable quality from Amazon, you'd be looking at the Graham Slee Voyager, which is currently £179. I can't stretch to that yet I'm afraid. Think the next step will be some ACS custom ear tips to complete the setup. In summary, a very, very good portable amp at an astoundingly cheap price.

e7からusb dacをカットした製品です。 ですので携帯性がアップしてお安くなりました。 自宅でパソコンとも使いたいというかたはe7を選んだほうがよいでしょう。 性能に不満はなくこんな製品だったらいいな、というとおりの品でした。 おもったよりもすこし小さめでした。 自宅ではオーディオテクニカのha26dを使っていますがさすがにそれと くらべるのはフェアではありません。 ですがポタアンとしてはこの性能ならまずはokです。 ですがせっかくポタアンを使うのですからdock出力は必須と考えて ください。 そんなにたかいものを買う必要はありません。 11cmのステレオミニケーブルがついてきますのでdockコネクターだけ でもいいですから用意されるとよいとおもいます。 そのほか充電用のusbケーブルはついてきますし、正規品のレビューでは シリコンバンドがひとつ付属するとありますが、こちらはふたつついてき ました。 ipod classicとのあいだにセーム革をはさんで使っています。 すこしe11のほうが幅がせまいですが良好です。 正規品を買うかどうかはあなたしだいですが、正規品を買ってヘッドフォン 出力を使うぐらいなら、かならずこちらにしてdockコネクターを。 ながいあいだヘッドフォン出力を使い続けてdock出力に変えると、いままでの 人生はなんだったんだというほどちがいますよ。 とりわけipodは。 わたしの不満はといえばステレオミニケーブルはもっているし、充電用usb ケーブルはps3のものがつかえるということで、それらを別売りにしてもっと 安かったらよいのにと思ったくらいです。 追記 2012 12 08 つかっているうちさらに判明したことをかいてみます。 正規品のレビューを読んだかたはおわかりでしょうがこの製品は充電中の使用が できません。 充電時間は約2時間30分とながいので快適な使用のためにはどうしても予備電池 と充電器がほしくなります。 たまにしか使わないならともかく常用が予定されるかたは入手をご検討ください。 NOKIA 純正 バッテリー 電池パック BL-5B NM705i NM706i グローバルバージョン AC NOKIA電池BL-4C/5C/6C用充電スタンド&USB差込付 BL-5B ok あわせて2700円ほどです。同等品の電池ならさらに1000円ほど安くかえます。 フル充電からの使用時間ですが、これはそれぞれのかたの使用するイヤフォン、ヘッドフォン の能率におおきく左右されますので何とも言いようがないのですが、わたしの感覚的 なものをいえばかなり長いとおもいます。 音量ダイアルはメインスイッチをかねていて0‾8までの設定です。 出力については、itunesによみこんだcdをipod classic のdock出力によってゼンハイザーhd600で 聴いたばあい4‾5で適当な音量が得られます。 hd600は能率がそうとう悪い(97db)ヘッドフォンですのでパワーはほとんどのかたにとって十分だ ろうとおもいます。 さらに低能率のakgでも問題ないのでは。(akgユーザーのかた、自己責任で) kururiさんのおっしゃるとおりダイアルの位置がよくないですね。 横につければよかったのに。