[HotIce]

The E12 is 880mW on 32 Ohm. Same spec as A5.
So I am guessing the boost regulator provides the same rail voltages +-11V.

 

[ceemsc]

Actually the E12A also uses the MUSE02 OPAMP which is partly why the E12A price is higher than the E12 despite the E12 having more power.

Is the MUSES02 chip that more $$ ? I thought it was more pricey because the E12A is newer with the known E12 bugs refined...

 

[fish1050]

Is the MUSES02 chip that more $$ ? I thought it was more pricey because the E12A is newer with the known E12 bugs refined...

Yes I mentioned price increase partly from switch to MUSE02 there are other factors as well.
 
I am interested to see the street price for the A5 to see how close it is to the E12A.  

 

[ceemsc]

The E12 is 880mW on 32 Ohm. Same spec as A5.
So I am guessing the boost regulator provides the same rail voltages +-11V.

So is there any benefit in upgrading from an already owned E12 amp to the A5 or would it be better value to just buy an E12 cheaper online?

Yes I mentioned price increase partly from switch to MUSE02 there are other factors as well.

I am interested to see the street price for the A5 to see how close it is to the E12A.  

Not claiming to be an expert but what's so special about the MUSES02 OPAMP vs the OP1611 OPAMP found in the original E12?

I've been to both company websites & Texas Instruments seems to be more established as a professional semi-conductor manufacturer than New Japan Radio?

 

[HotIce]

So is there any benefit in upgrading from an already owned E12 amp to the A5 or would it be better value to just buy an E12 cheaper online?

 
Entirely personal decision.
I own not one, but two E12, and I am not looking to replace them anywhere soon, but at $80 shipped (assuming they are still available), the E12 is very hard to beat.
It also depends on the final A5 price, and whether you are one of the ones that can clearly distinguish opamps sounds.

 

[pranavtripathi]

One of the websites which covered the September 16th release in China, shows the estimated price at 120 USD.
Here's the link. What are your opinions after seeing the link, do let us know.

https://www.samma3a.com/en/blog/fiio-x1-2nd-genration-a5-q5-iphone-7-i1-cable-and-if3-headphones-and-more-was-released-in-autumn-event--305.html

 

[Kryl0071]

I put A5 in my purchase list for October.

 

[ceemsc]

I put A5 in my purchase list for October.

You mean Broketober...

 

[pranavtripathi]

@JamesFiio is there any estimated price for Fiio A5? And a final release date? Thank You.

 

[gwompki]

I'm definitely interested in the release date/ price as well. This seems to be just what I was looking for.

 

[Light - Man]

@JamesFiio is there any estimated price for Fiio A5? And a final release date? Thank You.

@JamesFiiO How are things looking for a general release for the 20th of this month for the UK, etc. ?

 

[TheoS53]

I've had both the E12 and the E12A... I MUCH prefer the E12A. No hissing, and overall just sounds more neutral and detailed. So it seems the A5 is gonna be a best of both worlds combo of the E12 and E12A

 

[Light - Man]

Fiio seem to be keeping very quiet about the release date of the new A5.
 
Perhaps they want to flog off all the old E12's and E12A's before they release it? 

 

[TheoS53]

  Fiio seem to be keeping very quiet about the release date of the new A5.
 
Perhaps they want to flog off all the old E12's and E12A's before they release it? 

Well, their Facebook post said estimated Oct 20th

 

[fonkepala]

What turns me off the E12A is the lower output power compared to the E12.