I’m not really good with auditory perceptions so when I was asked to check out these heaphone amplifiers by FiiO (fee-yo), I was a little hesitant because I thought I’d need a good set of ears to figure out the difference.
To those who are a bit particular with the sound quality of their headphones or music players, FiiO amps are supposed to help increase the volume and over-all audio quality.
The amps are small devices that goes between your media player and your headphones. There’s a TI (Texas Instruments) chip inside that processes the signal to give it a boost and make the output better.
What I did was hook up my Zune HD to an X-Mini (at 50% system volume) and record it on Audacity using a Samsun CU10 USB microphone (at a distance of 1ft). I did the same thing with the FiiO attached to it. Check out the graph from Audacity below.
The wave signature on top is the normal one and the one at the bottom uses the FiiO.
There’s a noticeable improvement in the sound quality especially with the bass while over-all volume has also increased. Listen for yourself:
[display_podcast]
Pretty interesting device that’s targeted to a niche market (audiophiles). The FiiO E3 is the smaller one (has a AAA battery inside) and costs Php500USD 9INR 722EUR 8CNY 62 while the FiiO E5 (the Shuffle-like one) has a Li-IOn battery inside, separate volume control and bass boost switch (retails for Php1,200USD 20INR 1,734EUR 19CNY 149). If interested, contact Tabby Tiu of Tiukung Enterprises (fiiodealer@yahoo.com.ph or 0922-5186266).
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Carl says:
Wow itneresting. First time I’ve seen something like this.
Jan says:
Where can I get me one of these?
Jhay says:
I wish these were compatible with Sony Ericsson headphones. Oh well…
Abe Olandres says:
@jan – I’ve updated the post above to include contact information of the distributor.
@jhay – as long as it’s 3.5mm jack, it’s compatible.
JohnLloy says:
It’s like a case of buying an expensive media player then nullyfying it by using a stock earphones. same goes w/ other crappy earphones for mobile phones. Then came this device to resolve this issue.
Vance says:
or go to gilmore.. I think go gadgets is selling them as well… there one of the official resellers..
if your into high end amp, P4 is one of most well known. Cost Twice..
YOu can also go to tipidpc.com for more reviews and insights on which of the two will suit your needs. They have an official thread for this amplifier.
Edgar says:
Audiophile here, interesting device. Any dealer in Davao City?
Reel Advice says:
Yep interesting indeed and it has a pretty cheap price tag.
Charles says:
OMG just what I need! I’m getting one! *contacts*
Rocky Garcia says:
Nice gadget! Very ideal for podcasting.
jill says:
Great device, reasonable price too.
For more info/comments, you might want to check this out:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/review/2009/03/15/FiiO-E5-Headphone-Amplifier/comments
jill says:
Audiophile here, too. Great device and priced reasonably. I’ll go for the E5.
For those who want extra reading/comments, check this out:
http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/review/2009/03/15/FiiO-E5-Headphone-Amplifier/comments
jill says:
Oh, I’ve sent my first draft! Sorry, sorry!
Crystal says:
interesting gadget, worth to try.
chris says:
nice gadget.
lonegunman says:
The FiiO E3 and E5 are already “quite” old considering they came out late last year and early this year respectively. FiiO already have E1 and E7 in the works.
IMHO, FiiO is more of an entry-level portable “audiophile” upgrade.
For the portable audiophile fanatics back there you can try googling Headfi.Org or Jaben.Net. They have very good discussions and pictures on portable hifi.
Portable hifi is quite a thing already here in SG. I have a rig before (ipod classic+lineout dock-to-miniplug cable+amplifier+Grado headphones) but realized it’s such a hassle to bring around.
JohnLloy is right, upgrade your earphones first. Good brands are Westone, Ultimate Ears, AKG, BeyerDymamics, Grado. If there’s a Grado dealer in Manila, do try the SR-60. It should be around Php3k, almost the same price as a crappy Skullcandy but with excellent sound performance.
emmanramos says:
AM radio will now sound better with this gadget, ha ha!
for a 1,200 price tag i can buy a sennheiser earphone
foo says:
who cares about amplifier? as long as you hear your songs in stereo, you’re good to go.
harry says:
Guys,
Where I can purchase Grado headphones in Manila? Thanks!
vj says:
I have an E3 and yes, there is an improvement with the sound. The only con is the AAA battery, you need lots of money to buy or buy the rechargeable ones.
treckster4147 says:
Meron ba nito sa SM malls?
andrews says:
Can these amp can be use with iPod? can it do improvement in the sound quality with ipod?
geeksgadget says:
You can Buy from Me… Brand New and with Warranty… The Exclusive Distributor are My Cousins…
john says:
how much @geeksgadget?
techshop28 says:
Techshop28 located @ A009 is the Authorized Dealer of Fiio products and audio products in the philippines
contact # 091746***** (02) 3576962
up 10-20 discounts on various items