FiiO Portable Headphone Amplifier

This review is based off the following parameters: Upgrading from Senn HD205's to AKG K242's, and AFTER having tried out the FiiO E5. The E5 to me felt underpowered, and slightly useless. Driving my iPod through a Line Out (The F9 cable) through a third generation ipod nano into the E5 provided mediocre results at best. While the sound was a little warmer, all I could do to change anything was raise and lower the volume of the amp. I was not impressed at all, and decided that if I was going to pay 2x.xx for an amp, I'd might as well jump up an extra forty and make it worthwhile. (Doesn't make sense, does it??) The E11 is slightly ignored by its brother, the E7, which is slightly more versatile. However, I'm primarily using my headphones on my iPod, so I don't need the onboard DAC. If you don't need it either, I'd suggest trying out the E11. The E11 is light, but not so light as to make you question the build quality, which is very solid looking. The black finish gets fingerprints on it easily, and takes some buffing to get rid of, but I could live with that. In the box you will find the unit, cables (power, audio, etc), and a rubber band to strap the unit onto whatever mp3 player you own. (I didn't realize this, so I had ordered a pack separately, which I use instead as I found the included band too loose) Positioning of the bands can be tricky, depending on what style of mp3 player you own. Play around a bit, but you'll probably never be completely satisfied. There is a volume knob that I absolutely love, it's a knurled twist dial that's numbered. This also serves as the power; turn until it clicks, and the unit powers on. Turn in the opposite manner until it clicks again, and it's off. In this way there are no accidental turn-ons, and the aluminum housing, while slightly getting in the way of you adjusting the volume through all the cables entering the ports, will prevent you from accidentally turning the volume super high and rupturing your head. Now the amp comes with the ability to add bass, and change to high or low impedance. I maxed out the settings, tossed on some 350kbs flac's and was immediately blown away by the immediate improvement of clarity over the E5's. The bass booster added more 'umph' into the music without overpowering the higher notes, and each individual element of the song I could discern clearly, singularly. So yes, if you are considering a FiiO amp, I'd grab the E11. If you will be using it with your computer, check out the E7. But by all means, forget the E5, or any of the ones that look like squares. EDIT 1/12/13: [Musings] Still using this amp. It works beautifully. I am currently using them to drive my Etymotics MC5's, however I am planning on upgrading my IEM's to either the Rockit R50, Shure SE215-K, or Etymotic HF5. (While I love my AKG K242's, they're just not possible to travel with.) Battery life still is relatively strong, charges a little slow. Users who plan on doing extensive traveling may benefit from picking up an additional battery, as they are relatively small. Low battery indicator is basically when the music cuts out, and the unit starts 'pulsing' noise at you, as well as the blue LED power indicator flashing in sync with the noise pulse. I have since lost the included band and don't care- the unit has not gotten any scratches on it, and still performs admirably. Eventually I do plan on leaving the entry-level platform of portable amps, but for now I will still say that the E11 is absolutely THE perfect entry-level amp for anyone who harbors a love for music, and serves as a wonderful gift for anyone who is looking to enhance their music tastes. And from what I have seen, the price has done nothing but continue to lower, making it an even better deal. EDIT 2 4/22/14: Time for another update! I now use Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones (no more AKG's), and am surprised how well this amp drives the P5. Currently I use Schiit Magni/Modi for my desktop amp needs, but when I'm traveling, the FiiO comes out of the drawer and into my bag. Battery life has not decreased noticeably since purchase (I have had this unit for two years now?) nor has the performance decreased. I no longer use my iPods now, so my mp3 player is my phone (HTC One X using PowerAmp Unlocked). From the phone, the audio is good, rather neutral and clear. The FiiO adds a good level of saturation to the noise, adding move volume and bass (oh my god the bass!) to songs. If you like your music with more umph, I still give this product a thumbs up.