Gadget Review: FiiO E6 Headphone Amplifier

Shoddy sound coming out of an MP3 player can often be traced to a bad pair of headphones.

And you’ll usually find that when the headphones are far too quiet the only solution is to shell out for a pricey new set. The E6 Headphone Amplifier offers a far more wallet-friendly alternative solution to poor sound.

A small black square not much bigger than a stamp, the FiiO device boosts the signal from your player and delivers it with a little more volume than you would otherwise get.

And the power cost of this little push doesn’t come from your MP3 player either. The E6 comes with a mini-USB charger lead rather than sucking the previous juice out of your music player.

While the E6 may take up very little room in your pocket, it comes with two small plastic clips which can be used to secure onto your clothing if you’re out for a run.

The E6 is a simple product, but an effective one if your current headphones aren’t up to scratch and are in need of a boost. The jump in volume doesn’t bring much distortion with it unless you really crank it up, which you really shouldn’t need to do.

Be warned though, this little amp packs quite a punch, so you really shouldn’t bump it up too high or your ears won’t thank you.

If you want to make the most out of it, turn down your MP3 device, and boost the low volume through the E6.

Used correctly, it could easily prolong the battery life of your music player. Not bad for £18.99.

• The FiiO E6 Head Phone Amplifier is available from Advanced MP3 Players