Digital Home Thoughts - News & Reviews for the Digital Home

Product Category: Desktop Audio Amplifier

Manufacturer: Audioengine

Where to Buy: Amazon (affiliate link)

Price: $199.00 USD

In the Box: N22 amplifier with integrated stand, N22 power supply, Detachable AC power cord, 1/8" audio cable, RCA audio cable, Speaker wire (16AWG), Cloth amplifier bag, Cloth power supply bag, Cloth cable bag, Setup Guide.

Specifications: Seen at Audioengine Web Site

Pros:

• Excellent build quality;

• Attractive amplifier fits well with any decor;

• Big, full sound from a small package, espcially when paired with Audioengine AP4 speakers.

Cons:

• A bit pricey;

• Power supply connector could suffer bent pins;

• 2 channel only, no surround capabilities.

Summary: The Audioengine N22 desktop amplifier is a small power plant that produce big, beautiful sound. The small, upright amp fits neatly on any desktop and its simple, understated design complements almost any decor. When paired with Audioengine's AP4 bookshelf speakers, the result is sound comparable to larger, more expensive systems. If you are looking for top-quality audio from a small package, and aren't bothered by the price tag, Audioengine has your solution. Read more...

"So, by all means, give the FiiO E3 a try if you want to add some higher quality bass to your portable setup, cut down on some predominant treble, or want to drive some higher impedance phones with a bit more impact. It might not work with every headphone out there and it might add some background hiss to some phones - but at $8.50 it's definitely worth a try. Maybe you find some good synergy. I know I did. The FiiO is a fun toy that added some new excitement to my uber-portable workout rig and I sure intend to keep the amp with me on the go."

To me, carrying around a second component seems to kind of defeat the purpose of a portable player. Plus the skeptic in me has to be suspicious of a product that only costs $8.50, including free shipping anywhere in the world. Otherwise, Martin over at anythingbutipod has tried this out and seems to like it, so if your game, give it a shot, worst case your not out much.