As the title says, my Fiio E5 has finally arrived from HK. After a month’s wait, literally, due to a lack of stocks from MP4 Nation. For those who have no idea what the Fiio E5 is, heres’ some specifications.
E5-portable headphone amplifier
World’s smallest metal case headphone amplifier with higher power output, better Signal to Noise ratio and Lower Distortion.Features
●Designed for high impedance and low sensitivity headphones,
●Easy to carry and use in the outdoors
●New amplifier IC, with higher S/N and lower distortion!
●Very high PSRR, and with metal case. Reduces the noise caused by GSM mobile phones! So you can now connect to a GSM music mobile phone!
●Individual power switch;
●Two sound effects: Flat and bass boost mode;
●Built-in Rechargeable battery, gives about 20 hours playtime at normal volume;
●Mini USB charger port!
●With a built-in metal clip, you can clip the E5 onto anything !Specifications
Output Power: 150 mW (16 ohms Loaded)
12 mW (300 ohms Loaded)
Signal to Noise Ratio: >= 95 dB (A Weight)
Distortion: < 0.009% (10 mW)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz
Suitable Headphone Impedance: 16 ohms – 300 ohms
Weight: 30g
Power Supply: build-in 200mAh rechargerable battery
Dimensions: 44.2mm x 38 mm x 12.6 mmSound solution:
Pre-amp: OPA2338UA From TI (Texas Instruments)
Power-amp: TPA6130A From TI (Texas Instruments)Accessories Included
15cm 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio line *1
80cm 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio line *1
60cm USB-A to mini USB charge line *1
Some pictures.
Package
Amp
Amp – Top View
Amp – Bottom View
Accessories
Comparison with iPod Shuffle
Charging
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Well, first impression where good to begin with. Nice build and size. Not too big, with affordable pricing. My particular set was the Nationite Edition by MP4 Nation. Upon using the amp with my 1st Generation iPod Touch with Cross Roads Dock, i could feel the bass increase with my Audio Technica ATH-CKM 50 in-ears. Clarity was also slightly improved. With my *ahem* fake OEM Sennheiser PX200, the amp proved itself even more. Bass, which was non-existent before, could now be felt, and to a great level. Even with the base boost switch off, it was a pleasure. Pairing with a pair of old phones, the ATH-F5E, the amp provided a tighter bass, with clarity as well.
In a nutshell, the Fiio E5 is great for anyone on a tight budget and would like to tryout a portable amp without burning a hole in his/her pocket. It is also recommended for bass-heads.
Best part is, if you are interested in owning one of these, feel free to contact me as i will be selling my review unit, together with the Cross Roads iPod Line Out Dock.
