FiiO E10K Review
The Bottom Line:
The FiiO E10K has a unique sound to it that is unlike other headphone DACs – warm and powerful. It’s perfect for those who want to get the best of their expensive headphones while on a tight budget!
If you’re a music enthusiast seeking to elevate your audio experience, the FiiO E10K is a compact and affordable DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and headphone amplifier that promises to unlock the full potential of your headphones. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall quality of the FiiO E10K
Design and Build Quality
The FiiO E10K boasts a sleek and minimalist design that exudes elegance. Its brushed aluminium chassis gives it a premium look and feel, ensuring durability and protection from everyday wear and tear. The device is compact and lightweight, making it portable and convenient for on-the-go audio enthusiasts.
Features and Connectivity
Equipped with a USB connection, the FiiO E10K is incredibly easy to set up and use. It supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring compatibility across different platforms. The device also features a high-performance PCM5102 DAC chip, which delivers exceptional audio quality and resolution, allowing you to hear every nuance of your favourite tracks.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the E10K truly shines. It amplifies the audio signal and improves the overall listening experience. The DAC chip’s ability to convert digital audio signals into high-quality analogue signals ensures that you hear your music with enhanced clarity and detail. The bass response is tight and controlled, the mids are well-defined, and the trebles are crisp and extended. With the E10K, you’ll discover new layers of depth and intricacy in your music collection.
Headphone Amplification
One of the standout features of the E10K is its powerful and clean amplification. With an output power of 200mW, it can easily drive a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance in-ear monitors to higher-impedance over-ear headphones. Whether you’re using sensitive IEMs or demanding full-size headphones, the E10K delivers ample power and precision to drive them effectively.
Encode Formats
The FiiO E10K supports a variety of encoded formats, 24-bits/96 kHz being the highest quality. The internal DAC chip is PCM102 and can convert digital signals up to this point without any loss in audio quality. You will need to replace the batteries after some time with the E10K so be sure not to forget!
FiiO E10K vs Other Options
FiiO E10K vs Schiit Fulla Series
When looking at overall quality, the FiiO E10K vs the Schiit Fulla series is a close call. While I’d go with the Schiit Fulla 3… it’s almost double the price! So if you’re on a budget, the FiiO E10K is the better choice. If you are looking for an amp on the go that won’t break your bank and will amplify those bass notes like never before, then look no further!
FiiO E10K vs FiiO E17K Alpen 2
The FiiO E17K Alpen 2 is a lot more expensive than the E10K, so it depends on what you’re looking for in your new DAC. If you need clarity and bass potential at a low cost, then the E10K is perfect! However, if the price isn’t an issue and sound quality is a top priority, then I’d recommend getting the FiiO E17K Alpen 2 instead.
Setting up your FiiO E10K
If you’re into sound quality, the FiiO E10K DAC and headphone amplifier will be a familiar name. It is not only affordable but also easy to use for beginner audiophiles out there who don’t know what they’re doing yet! If you’re unsure how to set up your FiiO E10K, we’re here to help!
How to connect the FiiO E10K to PC
The first step to getting your E10K set up is plugging it into the USB on your computer. Now, you’ll need to select which playback device you want- look for either ‘DigiHug USB Audio’ or ‘FiiO USB DAC-E10’. Once that’s selected and plugged in, set your system volume to 100% and adjust the volume on your DAC.
How to install FiiO E10K Drivers
Once your DAC is plugged into your computer, a popup should appear with instructions for installing the E10K drivers. If it doesn’t show up, you can find them here.
Connecting audio peripherals – What does line out mean?
The line out on the rear panel connects to external amplifiers when needed, giving an even better output while still preserving those high-fidelity sounds that make music so enjoyable!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the E10K is a remarkable DAC and headphone amplifier that offers a significant upgrade to your audio experience without breaking the bank. Its sleek design, robust build quality, and outstanding sound reproduction make it an excellent choice for both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a gamer, or a content creator, the E10K is a versatile and affordable audio companion that will elevate your listening pleasure.
Investing in the FiiO E10K will undoubtedly bring your music to life, immersing you in a world of rich, detailed, and captivating soundscapes. Experience the FiiO E10K difference today and unlock the true potential of your headphones.
The Bottom Line:
The FiiO E10K has a unique sound to it that is unlike other headphone DACs – warm and powerful. It’s perfect for those who want to get the best of their expensive headphones while on a tight budget!
