yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Accessories] skingg:
Well it has finally arrived and first thing I noticed was that I'm finally rid of the phone's internal DAC hiss(despite the onboard Wolfson chip being awesome as is)! Initial impressions were a much wider sound stage on my Shure, the sounds are really much cleaner and smoother and definitely made my IEM shine :p The only minor gripe was my IEM's signature forward mids seems well, much less forward though I think it's a small price to pay considering the improvements. The only faults I encountered were there is a low hum with bass boost enabled, it's really low but it's there. This and the volume of my Neutron player /S3 automatically defaults its volume to 100% after I lock my phone.

All in all, very happy with my purchase. Will probably shop for an audio cable next to complete my setup :D
[General Accessories] vectron:
Cool! Which SE model do you have?
[General Accessories] skingg:
The SE535ltd-J back from Jeremy's headphone buying thread. You gave me tips that these earphones do indeed go through a 'burn in' phase and guess what, before the Fiio unit arrived, I was enjoying the IEM alot more through my phone than I did right out of the box. It kind of sounded much richer, although I don't really know whats the best words to describe it. And I got used to the mids so yeah, another change here but the soundstage is better now with the Fiio E18 so no complaints. :good:
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Very glad I could help in that purchase, [MENTION=4401224]skingg[/MENTION].

E18 is very enticing, but I don't know that it should offer any improvement over my current rig.

Excreted from my Nexus 5

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] skingg:
I wish I could help but as this is my very first portable amp+DAC. And really appreciate your thread and vectron's to aid in my purchase. Though I should also mention this new found hobby does not come cheap :p
[General Accessories] vectron:
Wondering if anybody with Note 2 (after recent stock 4.3 update) having issue with playback control from E18? After Verizon pushed their 4.3 update last week, my Note 2 has a lot of problems. I can't control audio media playback with any of my wireless headphones or speakers, and now the same problem with E18. It could be related to Verizon build of 4.3 only since I few people with Note 2 from other providers mentioned about not having these problems.
[General Accessories] pikolim:
FiiO E18 and my way to attach it to my S3

Hi there,

This is the way I manage to find to get my S3 and the portable amp E18 attached in a secure and logic way...

I'm using the Breffo Spiderpodium Gadget Grip and Travel Dock from Amazon.uk from £14.95 about $19.99 on Amazon.com

Regards...
[General Accessories] vectron:
There are a lot of ways to attach it. First of all you have those rubber/wrist bands that come bundled with E18. Then, you can also use a setup similar to the one I described in my early posts of this thread (http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=47390842&postcount=17), you can also dedicate a slim TPU case (probably $3-$4 on ebay) for S3 with a secure velcro attachment to the case and E18. There is also different 3M double sided reusable strips you can find on amazon, etc. A lot of different options.
[General Accessories] Warrior1975:
I went with Vectrons way with the car dock. Works perfectly. No bands across the screen.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
[General Accessories] carpler:
Hi!

I've got my E18 2 days ago and since I try incessantly to get it work with my Galaxy S.

After many search and thred readings in this forum I still not found if the DAC can or not be supported by this phone.

If this is an hardware problem, I can stop my quest.

But I think is a software problem so I made several test.

On my Galaxy S is installed the Cyanogenmod 10.2 (Android 4.3) and Semaphore kernel 3.3.0.

This one claims to support the USB OTG feature, that seems to be enough for recognize the DAC.

But is not so.

With the app "Semaphore Manager" I have enabled the USB host feature, but when I connect the DAC to the phone nothing happens.

So I've download the "USB Host Controller" and from this app I've verified that a USB driver is really present, I have set the "USB host" mode, but nothing change.

So I think that is necessary to load a module in the kernel (or activate it, or something so) that enable the USB audio feature.

I read that this is integrated in Android since 4.1 (or near), but it seems not enough.

I don't know who ask this question. Who can help me? Fiio support? Mmm, I don't think so.

On XDA there is the maximum experts on Android, but where find one that can be envolved to help me in this question?

EDIT

I add a question.

Someone think that installa a new 4.4 rom (Cyano or Omni) can help to solve?
[General Accessories] vectron:
[MENTION=3565504]carpler[/MENTION], I would suggest looking into XDA section for Galaxy S: http://xdaforums.com/galaxy-s-i9000 (under General or Q&A/help) to find out about specific rooting or customization in order to enable usb host with audio so you can use OTG cable. As you aware, using it as DAC only is simple since its just a matter of patching 3.5mm audio path, but to bypass internal DAC to patch digital signal into E18 for its own D/A conversion - you will need your phone to support it. Sorry, I'm not too familiar with ROM flashing and which one can solve this issues, so you probably better off asking in the section above. One question I do have, for troubleshooting purpose can you hook up a mouse or connect usb stick through OTG cable to see if those are recognized? If they are, then you USB Host working OK and it's just a matter of trying to enable digital audio stream to be sent to usb connector. It could be a limitation of your phone hardware or maybe just a matter of something that needs to be enabled in the ROM?

[MENTION=273646]pikolim[/MENTION]: cool setup!!!
[General Accessories] carpler:
Many thanks for your answer.

I've already search and read many thread in the forum above and the development section for the Galaxy S.

Also I've asked in some thread, but no answer.

I made some test with other device, but I don't know if I have the good "hardware". The only OTG cable I have at home is the one for the Galaxy Nexus and I don't know if all OTG cables are the same.

I used an powered USB hub and connected a pendrive, but nothing works...

So I think I'm far from the solution.
[General Accessories] ericpd:
I'm just wondering if it actually make more sense to go with the X3 as opposed to the E18! I've been considering the E18 for a while now and now am a heart beat away from an Amazon order, but this whole X3 DAP has caught my attention. Either means I'd be carrying around two pieces of equipment. I think I read that the latest X3 software upgrade allows it to be 1. a DAC, 2. a DAC + HP amp, and 3. a stand alone DAP! Only downside rumored is the chip set has been changed making for an inferior sound when compared to other FiiO family members. Would really appreciate if someone could speak to this. If I continue on the E18 path, I'll be pairing it up with the Note 3 using either my old M50s or a recently purchased pair of UE6000s! Thanks!
[General Accessories] vectron:
If it helps, look at it this way. Strictly for home use, X3 could be ideal and its only one device to carry around. But outside you will have your smartphone with you anyway and will be dragging phone and X3. But another argument, you can have your phone in the pocket while only need to handle slim X3 for music listening. Though, if you have a lot of songs on your phone, you will continue syncing it between phone and X3. But if your phone doesn't support USB OTG, then all bets for E18 are off and you definitely would want X3, although X5 is just around the corner. Tough decision. You really need to think who/where you are going to use it.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Of course, if you don't mind drooling, checkout FiiO spec page for X5: http://www.fiio.com.cn/products/index.aspx?ID=100000055517771

Insane, uh? I think it's going to be priced around $350, which according to the spec and comparison to other high end DAPs/DACs is a bargain.
[General Accessories] ericpd:
Well,... I jumped on the X a few days back. Performed all the firmware updates and surprise, it does a very decent job at pulling DAC duty paired up with my laptop. Man, what a difference! Music is nice when doing its DAY thing, but not as full and open as when paired with the laptop. I will say that most of the music I've listened to so far are mp3 @ 320. I do have a few FLAC files, but they of old Coltrane and various other early Blue Note artists,... the rip is suspect as well. You'd think the X3 on its own would blow the X3 pulling DAC duty off of an old HP Pavilion out of the water! Anxious to take it for a spin with some true quality lossless files. Where are you guys getting your music files from? I doubting I'll find any on Amazon.

Based on what I got here,... I will be doing the X5 when it drops. Especially since I'm reading that Android support is spotty if not iffy! Or is it Android that's spotty? Thanks again for this helpful thread.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Well, I guess we will find out if its "spotty" or "iffy" soon enough ;) There is a good chance I might be able to get my hands on a review sample of X5 very soon. I will leave up to hed-fi to over-analyze the sound quality, although I will definitely contribute my opinion especially doing a/b comparison of the same tracks played on my Note 2/E18 and X5 directly. My main focus is to review functionality, ergonomics, compatibility with Android (oh, how I just wish it would have bluetooth 4.0 BLE connection!!!), and to take a ton of detailed pictures!
[General Accessories] royalh:
FYI - Saved $20 on the E18 today by ordering a "B-Stock" one from http://www.headphone.com/headphone-deals.php

They say their B-stock is "just like new" so we'll see...
[General Accessories] vectron:
Did you see their comment in there? "New Version In Stock! Current B-stock is older version." - make sure you clear up with them what do they mean by "older version". Maybe they meant "used"?
[General Accessories] carpler:
The difference between new version and older is explained here:

http://www.fiio.com.cn/news/index.aspx?ID=100000140745132
[General Accessories] royalh:
I did not pay attention to that note :( looks like I'll be getting the A version then instead of the B version... Luckily, I don't play music through my PC so I should be ok

Thanks for this! Made me feel much better lol
[General Accessories] vectron:
Rev A version plays through laptop/pc without any problem. As you can see from my original review, I have A-version as well, and been using it as usb sound card, even can remotely control playback (play/pause) from the unit.

The ONLY difference, with A version when it's plugged to a computer it's only being used as sound card and will not charge from computer's usb port. You can only charge Rev A when switch is in charge position. Rev B you can use it as usb sound card for your PC

and

charge it at the same time. This is really a very minor thing anyway.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Holy sh!t!!!!!!!! Got my X5 review unit in the mail today. Just had a chance to load a few songs and did a quick comparison between the same song (320kbps mp3) on laptop, on Note 2, and on X5 by itself. Listening on Westone W40 with FiiO RC-SE1 (copper plated gold wires) cable. Huge difference. Still need to try with Note 2 and E18, but I don't think I will be able to go back to listening to music any other way... Stay tuned for a review, soon. Btw, it will be available in US in March, priced at $350 which is bargain in comparison to something like AK120 which cost $1300, and X5 supports all the same high res music formats.
[General Accessories] jRi0T68:
Eagerly awaiting a proper review.

Excreted from my Nexus 5

[Guide] Headphone/Earphone Buying
[General Accessories] sbong:
Lost my micro usb - micro usb cable..couldn't store them in the pouch that came with the unit and it must have slipped out somewhere... Anyone knows where I can get a replacement??
[General Accessories] vectron:
That will be a tough replacement since its micro-usb to micro-usb OTG cable, very rare. Typical OTG cables are micro-usb to full size Female USB to connect different accessories. This one is made to interconnect the phone and the dac. I would suggest contacting FiiO and asking where you can buy such cable. Maybe they can point out to a local seller on Amazon or eBay or send you a replacement?
[General Accessories] carpler:
I think you can ask this also in the specific thread on head-fi...

Some rilevant links:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/628254/fiio-e18

http://www.head-fi.org/t/595071/android-phones-and-usb-dacs

In the last posts of the second thread someone talks about otg cable...

Inviato dal mio Galaxy Nexus utilizzando Tapatalk
[General Accessories] royalh:
Got my E18 today... It's a Rev B version with the 3 position function switch! Yay for me!
[General Accessories] vectron:
Will try to write a full review this weekend, but in a meantime, I already posted all the pictures and a short summary on head-fi: http://www.head-fi.org/t/661411/fiio-x5-thread-info-updated-on-jan-17th-2014/3975#post_10223843
[General Accessories] WeSiDe:
I'm using a standard USB OTG A to micro with a standard USB A to micro. It's working pretty well but only works one way, otg part has to be in phone. I'll upload a pic when I'm in one of the rare spots sprint doesn't blow balls
[General Accessories] rc87:
well, I'm late, nice review.

I own the e17, wanted to buy e18 and buy a top smartphone to use with e17 or e18.

But I guess I'll just buy the moto-g and get the Fiio x5 for music.

The bulky phone+amp is getting old.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Perhaps my review of X5 I just posted will solidify your decision ;)
[General Accessories] Batou069:
So true.

I use the LG G2 and bought an E18.

They work great together, but the bulk is killing me.

BTW:

Don't think of buying a portable DAC in combination with the LG G2, the keys on the back will be unreachable when using the rubber bands, and the screen has to be constantly on (supposed you don't have knock off anymore because of a custom ROM).

X5 it will be
[General Accessories] rc87:
lol @G2 keys on the back... was forgetting about those buttons. I listen hifi music to relief stress or to concentrate, that problem would make me very nervous :D

I couldn't live with that.:D

Thanks for reminding me! :good:
[General Accessories] vectron:
If you want to relief your stress, and read my X5 review below, you will know that's exactly a point I was trying to make. Don't get me wrong, E18 is great and honestly the SQ of E18+phone is marginally better than X5 (not significantly). There is definitely an improvement but for some it will not be enough to justify $200 difference. But if you have a huge library of lossless audio that takes gigs, and you want to enjoy your music without annoyance of constant smartphone interaction - dedicated DAP is the way to go. I have read plenty of reviews and comparison on Head-fi about X5 ($350) and Sony NW-ZX1 ($700-$800), HM-801 ($700), HM-901 ($1300), AK-120 ($1300), AK-240 ($2500), and people suggest that with a decent audiophile quality headphones the sound quality of X5 is 80%-90% of those that cost a lot more, makes you wonder why would you waste your money.

Btw, I spoke with FiiO guys, and the X7 (enhanced) and X1 (cut down) are in works to be introduced later in 2014 :) Plus, there will be X3 II (2nd gen as well). These guys are really hard at work to rock audio world. I'm surprised HiFiMAN is not taking notes to release something of an equal sound quality at the same price; imho they should be in direct competition.
[General Accessories] lukeap69:
I received my E18 yesterday and paired it with my LG G2 (D802) with 4.2.2 stock firmware and worked out of the box. No additional app needed.

I paired it also with my wife's G2 running 4.4.2 stock ROM and I couldn't make them work together. Perhaps it is kitkat not playing nice with E18. With 4.4.2, there was hissing/static problem on 4.4.2 when connected to my JDSLabs CmoyBB which was not there on 4.2.2 when the music is already playing (that's why I reverted to 4.2.2 btw.) Not sure what kitkat is doing with the audio but is seems not playing nice with external amp or dac/amp.

In terms of SQ, there is an improvement with E18 compared to the amp only CmoyBB but nothing that will make you say Wow. Overall, I am satisfied with the E18. I just need to find a way to eliminate those rubber bands. :) Those car mounts still make the combo even bulkier (my opinion, of course.)

Still thinking of going Hifi-m8 or Theorem 720 in future. Just not sure if the difference will justify the leap in cost.

Edit: BTW, no problem with the button on the back since I can use the knock knock feature and I can adjust the volume on the screen.
[General Accessories] vectron:
I guess the cleanest way to attach it is with Scotch Restickable strips like these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039N7EOA/ , as it was recommended by someone in one of the replies. I actually got it, but haven't used it. Will have to try it out and write a short review. For now, I have been using X5 exclusively for music, and had to set E18 aside.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Here you go, just tested it out and took a few pictures. The sticky tape is reusable, just wash it under the water. But once you separate phone/case and E18, you have to store these sticky strips somewhere; better keep original plastic wrapping for that. The sticky grip is like a super glue, perfect for this application; actually had to apply some force to separate these. But at the same time it's safe even on painted walls :) So, no paint/marking came off E18.
[General Accessories] projeto56:
Please. Don't ever hold your phone like this again. My nerves are shaking inside my body just from looking at this pic. Hahahhaha
[General Accessories] vectron:
Just think of it as a possible drop test of Note 2 with UAG case and Vitreo tempered glass screen protector :p

But seriously, that sticky tape works!!!
[General Accessories] danrgleason:
Is there USB OTG for any of the Lumia Winphones?

I am looking for better sound from my Lumia 1020 Win8 phone and I do not see anyone trying to use this DAC/AMP with a Windows phone. Does anyone know if I can connect it to the USB of a Lumia or is Android the only winner to receive this audio upgrade?

I have owned several Fiio devices and they are good bang for the buck. I buy them on mp4nation.net and have found them to be reliable.:good:
[General Accessories] lukeap69:
I don't think Lumia phone is compatible. I tried my Lumia 925 with FiiO E18 and as expected it didn't work. I don't think windows phone can output audio via USB (yet.)
[General Accessories] gannjunior:
Hi

I have a galaxy note 3.

and I have a fiio E17

I think the best choice is to replicate this connection like in the fiio e18

correct?

what is the name of the cable I have to search and considering that the note 3 support also the usb3 ?

thanksss

ciao
[General Accessories] vectron:
It's not the same. E17 doesn't support digital out from your smartphone, only from your laptop. You can use E17 with analog input from your smartphone but that means it was already processed by your phones internal DAC. So, you can't use E17 with your phone the same way as E18.
[General Accessories] WeSiDe:
replacement USB OTG

I think these will work but only one way. For audio red would go to the phone, for chargeing it would go to the DAC. I'd like a second opinion before ordering though, or if you are reading this and have a better source, please share.

https://hakshop.myshopify.com/products/micro-to-micro-otg

Found a better looking cable long enough to keep the DAC in my pocket.

http://www.summitsource.com/steren-...1.html?ref=1&gclid=CPmw8sXc8LUCFQw4nAodjS0AaQ
[General Accessories] heyjoe66:
QUESTION

Hi,

I've never used an external DAC, just going to. So I have a question.

What will happen if I connect a headset (with microphone) to it? Will I be able tontalk with it?

If not, what are best practices for making phone calls with external DAC attached to phone?

Thanks in advance.
[General Accessories] vectron:
That is correct, mic function will not work. Audio control will work by using E18 playback controls (play/pause, skip next/prev). Only audio will come through.

To make phone calls with OTG/usb DAC setup you either use bluetooth wireless headset (though that defeat purpose of using wired headphones connected to the DAC) or pickup a call on a speaker phone.
[General Accessories] hamlettime:
Seems cool to have audiophile quality music on the go but the bulkiness and rubberbands put me off. I've have to save the deep music listening for the home, through my big ol headphones!
[General Accessories] vectron:
Or get a dedicated DAP (digital audio player) like FiiO X5 or HiFiMAN HM700 ;)
[General Accessories] coolmingli:
Will the e18 power a pair low impedance earphone like the Shure SE846 (9ohm)?
[General Accessories] vectron:
Not quite sure. E18 spec says 16-150ohm, so 9 ohm might be a little too low for it. On the other hand, something like Beyer's A200p should be able to drive it. SE846, uh? Heard great thing about it. Seems a number of people on head-fi getting 846 and/or DITA Answer. I'm actually itching for JVC FX-850, everybody is raving how natural bass sounds on those woodies.
[General Accessories] coolmingli:
I already ordered both, I will see how it goes, I like the JVC too, they look so nice and can be had for good price, I believe the Shure and JVC share the same cable design, interchangeable between them.
[General Accessories] vectron:
Which means it will also work with my Westone and UE cables ;) Right now I'm obsessed with Zero Audio Carbo Doppio. Amazing sound, simply amazing! After 25hrs burn in it's just getting better. People suggesting to burn in for 100+ hrs for them to shine. The only problem, these have a very high sensitivity and I'm driving them from my new DAP toy, AP100 which has only high-gain setting (very high gain of up to 2.2Vrms). As a result Doppios have a background white-noise... But sounds OK from X5 in low gain.

Btw, are you using any dedicated DAPs?
[General Accessories] coolmingli:
I am using my Xperia Z2 as a DAP, it has High Resolution USB Out Put Mode.
[General Accessories] terry1000:
Hello just to point out that I have a Note 3 N9005 and a Fiio E17.

I am currently using the USB digital output from the Note 3 via the Fiio E17.

The Fiio E17 recognises the output and displays 24Bit 96khz, the sound is working perfectly.

As I could not find a short cable I am using a 50cm Lindy Micro B to Mini B OTG cable.
[General Accessories] Obagleyfreer:
small pauses randomly

Just bought one of these to use on my S4 and on both mine and my gf phones if music is played using this every now and then the music stops for about half a second its really annoying.

Does anyone else notice this?

Is it interference maybe?
[General Accessories] vectron:
That's honestly the first time I heard of something like that. Are you rooted? Anything else running in the background? What audio app are you using?
[General Accessories] Obagleyfreer:
Both rooted. I don't think there would have been anything else running in the background no, not that I made a point of checking and closing things down.

I just thought it was odd that it happened on both our Galaxy S4s.

I tried Pandora Radio on both of our phones and it kept pausing. without E18 it works great.

I also tried on my phone using music from my Micro SD card (Class 10, Lexar) and Neutron and headphones and the same small pauses.

It's not a long pause, literally skips one beat or something but it's enough to kill the groove in a track lol and it happens about 4 times in a song.

My E18 works absolutely fine if hooked up to my PC and playing the same tracks.

Very weird!

Do you think it could be a defective unit maybe?