After I stumbled by chance on a report on Fiio Kunlun E18, I have gained the Fiio Andes E07K after some research, since it works through OTG also with the grade 3 as D / A converter (DAC) (OS is Android 4.4 ) and some testers preferred to the E18 in the power of the sound E07K. Interested, he is also.
To the sound others have written extensively; this is clear, precise and finely tuned, because there is nothing to complain about for me. The E07K is recognized by all devices, I tested operating systems: Win 7, Linux Mint 17 and Android 4.4. For this, clear 5 Stars.
After extensive testing I can say that I have a marked difference in tone compared to the internal sound chip of the computer listening to both my Windows as on Linux computers, regardless of source and headphones / speakers. With E07K gives a completely different listening experience than with internal sound chip. However, all my computers are at least three years old, with newer computers with better sound chip could be different (I can not judge).
Between the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go Pro USB and the E07K I hear in person but no real phonetic difference. The amplifier function of E07K, the lack of X-FI GO Pro, but still has a positive effect.
Hoping I had it and that was my main reason to buy - would that the E07K the already very good sound of the Galaxy Note 3 (this comes with a Qualcomm DAC) enhance even further. Here I find myself, however, disappointed. For a star deduction.
My listening tests with the default audio player of Grade 3 without equalizer shown that depending on the volume setting in Note 3 and E07K the music on the E07K as DAC via OTG even worse ("dull") sounds as via the headphone output of the note.
The same is true of my children from Sennheiser Skullcandy and when using the in-ears.
At my weakest closed headphones, the Denon AH D 1001 (32 Ohm) I hear no real difference between Grade 3 and Grade 3 with no E07K E07K.
Since I travel a lot for work, I've been using the Panasonic RP-HC700 years with active noise compensation (71 ohms). Here I think to know that the sound experience with the E07K opposite the score 3 alone is slightly improved. As for me I would not significantly denote the difference.
With a Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro I think to hear a clearer distinction, but what I attribute to the amplifier function and less the DAC function.
Conclusion: the E07K makes a headphone amplifier itself well and is also available as an external sound card especially for mobile computers sure an excellent choice. Those looking for something, can safely access!
But if you own a modern smartphone with high quality sound chip and hopes to tease out here with the E07K more, should try the E07K with this unit only once. It seems to me that power in such a case only one operating in tandem with really high-quality headphones ever a noticeable difference in the sound heard. It is then to consider whether it is worthwhile to add another device, and cable clutter for luggage next to such headphones with the E07K.
I plan to time the Beyerdynamic DT-990 try in future Pro (250 ohms) with the grade 3 and the E07K as a team. Will report.
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Update 9/24/2014:
I have tested in the meantime the team from Galaxy Note 3, E07K via OTG as DAC and the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro (250 ohms). The Note 3 also has no E07K enough power to drive the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro, but you have to the volume control to the maximum velocity. Positives: This allows a direct comparison between grade 3 and without E07K with.
I tested with FLAC files the following albums (which I myself have created by CD):
Sarah Brightman: Symphony (Live in Vienna).
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, Eugen Jochum. Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, 125 (recording from 1969).
German Opera Berlin, Eugen Jochum: Carl Orff: Carmina Burana. Restored original recording of 1967th
Kate Bush: the studio albums. Latin Quarter: Modern Times. Al Stewart: Year of the Cat. The Alan Parsons Project: the turn of a friendly card. Pink Floyd: The Wall and Wish You Were Here.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: Live 1975-85. Deep Purple: Made in Japan (Live). Mono Inc: the studio albums. Dawn of Destiny: especially FEAR
Tristania, Epica, Delain, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Eluveitie: the studio albums and live material.
Tuomas Holopainen: The Life And Times Of Scrooge. Soundtracks: The Last Samurai, King Arthur, Gravity, Oblivion. Trailer Music: Albums of Two Steps From Hell, Jo Blankenburg, Audio Machine, Future World Music.
My conclusion: the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro sounds at grade 3 with E07K unquestionably excellent.
But the sound chip in Note 3 is to my ears the E07K of equals. The E07K as DAC does not manage to score 3 to elicit an even better sound, as this brings with built Qualcomm DAC itself. In other words, my music sounds from the Beyerdynamic DT-990 Pro the score 3 without E07K E07K no worse than with, but just quieter why the E07K in this situation, of course, has its full authorization as a headphone amplifier.
For me, now I know that I miss little or nothing in the use of a good headphone 32-80 ohms at grade 3 without an external DAC (except, I wanted my hearing by listening to loud ruin). However, since hearing is individually: try it yourself!
Otherwise, continue to apply: who needs an excellent external sound card, including headphone amplifier for a desktop or mobile computer can access and soothes does not matter with the E07K wrong!
