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(More customer reviews)If headphones are your primary listening mode, you need a headphone amp. I use a NuForce UDAC-2HP for computer sound. I purchased the Fiio E9 to connect to my main stereo. I'm not going to use the docking port to install a Fiio E7 USB DAC/AMP or an iPod.
The E9 is relatively small, but I wouldn't term it "lightweight" for its size. It's solidly built, with a black anodized finish.
Using a 3.5mm stereo male plug to RCA left/right male plugs adapter, I ran the output of the tape monitor of my integrated amp into the E9. The 3.5mm stereo plug goes into the E9's "Line In" socket and the RCA plugs into the integrated amp. Plug in the wall wart power supply and your headphones and that's it--just turn it on. I've experienced no issues with a "scratchy" sound from the volume pot, which might be related to the docking port. The volume pot is smooth and the E9 has a silent backdrop.
What you will get is more snap and punch, faster attack, and more harmonic layering. Initially it might seem there's less bass, until you realize that there's plenty of deep, clean bass--it's not bloated muck caused by an inexpensive headphone circuit. I've used the E9 with Beyerdynamic DT990 Premium 250 Ohm phones and the Denon AHD2000, and had good results with both. There is a gain switch, so experiment with the setting that's best. The E9 can produce all the volume you'll ever want.
At the E9's price, it can't be a state-of-the-art headphone amp, but it is an excellent piece of electronics that will be a major upgrade of your listening experience. It might be all you need.
Update 3/23/2011: I've used the Fiio E9 for 3 months with a variety of headphones, including the Ultrasone PRO 750, and I'm still impressed. I've looked at headphone amps costing significantly more, and the Fiio E9 remains a superb value equal to more costly amps. Like another reviewer, I would have preferred RCA inputs instead of a 3.5mm "Line In," but with a solid RCA to 3.5mm adapter (like the Monster CableLinks), you can use high quality interconnects. Audio products at this price point always have trade-offs, but Fiio did a stellar job with the E9.
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