* Equipment used:
- Helmet "Fidelio L1" (Excellent but hard to move) and Intra "Shure SE535"
- IPod "Classic" 160 GB (connected via the jack "dock" with the ad-hoc cable, given the known poor headphone jack) encoded in AAC Lossless
- Cowon "J3" and "X7" (excellent sound but low output power very good headphone jacks) encoded in FLAC
* Music Sources:
Eberhard Weber "Summary", Chris POTTER "The Sirens", Jan Delmas ZELENKA "It serpento di bronzo" gratefull DEAD "Live" (remastered), DCT JOHN "City That Care forgot" JS BACH "Cantatas BWV 52,60,116 and 140 "" KUIJKEN Version ".
* Findings:
This device, as expected, is primarily aimed at holders of a digital music player looking for a more powerful sound, a better quality in a perspective rather audiophile.
Far more powerful and imposing, but in limited dimensions, as its little brother the E11, the E12 really is aesthetic in its alu black dress and exudes solidity is confirmed for use.
The gain knob reveals a great precision ... A "more" significant ... the majority of its competitors do not have a rule. Note the presence of a sliding button to increase the volume of 16db, useful according to the headphones used.
It is characterized by its respect for its stamps and analytical coldness that without "cuts out" voice and instruments with a beautiful power. The soundstage is wide and deep, you will rediscover your music! She takes a size and a "grain" unexpected. And travel in noisy environments cease to be a nightmare!
Certainly there are probably better, but 4-5 times more expensive! Here the price / quality ratio is a compelling argument.
In fact the E12 is the nomadic amp timing and a good investment.
By cons, if you want to take full advantage, it is recommended to use with encoding formats without loss. Defects in "destructive" formats may appear to you quickly! The headphones used must also be equal.
Highly recommended.
Happy listening.
