FiiO E10K Review
The Bottom Line:
The FiiO E10K is a DAC that is perfect for those who want to get the best of their expensive headphones while on a tight budget. 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!
The FiiO E10K is a wonderfully affordable amp for anyone who wishes to enhance their listening experience. This little gem packs quite the punch, with its ability to power even high-impedance headphones and small speakers alike! The upgraded and improved version of the FiiO E10 fixes some issues that were present in older models while still being an economical option for those looking to improve their listening experience with headphones. In this review, we will compare it against other popular competitors including the Schiit Fulla 3 and the Alpen 2 from FiiO!
Design & Features
The first thing that stood out to me about this product was its sleek black brushed aluminum chassis and lack of an on/off switch, which means you’ll be plugging it in when not using it for best battery life preservation! My favorite part? A little BASS knob between the 3.5mm jack and gain dial – I like my music with some bass (especially dance!) so I get really excited each time I see that word written in all caps next to the control. This amplifier does everything well while delivering clean power at low distortion levels, meaning your sound will always remain crystal clear even if you crank up those tunes.
The FiiO E10K has a unique sound to it that is unlike other headphone DACs – warm and powerful. The bass boost capability paired with the low noise floor makes for an excellent listening experience when compared to some of its competitors. The price point on this model is extremely competitive, making it worth consideration over higher-priced competition such as the Schiit Audio Fulla 3.
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
The FiiO E10K is a DAC that is perfect for those who want to get the best of their expensive headphones while on a tight budget. 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!
The Bottom Line:
The FiiO E10K is a DAC that is perfect for those who want to get the best of their expensive headphones while on a tight budget. 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!
