[kdawgg83]

SQ-wise, it seems the E10k is better than E07k or E17k. E07k and E17k offer more features than E10k and are also equipped for portable use. If you're looking for a DAC/Amp for your PC and don't have a need for portable use, the E10k is the better amp (so long as you don't need the other features that come with the E07k or E17k). If you're looking for portability, the E10k is not for you (although you could use it on certain portable devices so long as you don't mind the accelerated battery drainage).

 

[thetruth2you]

  E17k, E07k, E10k, all have the same DAC. E10k has no aux in and must be powered by USB. E10k cannot function as a stand alone amp. E07K and E17K have more features. E17k has a slightly better amp section than E07K. E10K bests them all. E10k only has volume control, E17k and E07k have treble, bass, and balance control. E17k has line-out and coax digital in. E07k has two headphone outs. E07k can be used with the E09K dock. I think that's it.

 
I'm pretty sure the DACs are different. The E07K uses the WM8740 DAC chip, while the E10K uses the PCM5102 DAC chip. The original E10 used the WM8740, but they upgraded it for the new E10K model to the PCM5102. 

 

[mtliu]

   
I'm pretty sure the DACs are different. The E07K uses the WM8740 DAC chip, while the E10K uses the PCM5102 DAC chip. The original E10 used the WM8740, but they upgraded it for the new E10K model to the PCM5102. 

You are correct! It is the E17K and E10K that share the same DAC chip. 

 

[samu]

  You are correct! It is the E17K and E10K that share the same DAC chip. 

So basically except features, E17K and E10K have similar sound signature is it? I am planning to buy E10K since my E17K's battery got bloated, so I guess plugging it to PC all the time is not good for battery powered Amp/DAC

 

[ElectroEstatico]

I don't know about your headphones, but I had the  ATH-M40x and they are a little dark and the soundstage is a little small. The f07k is also a little darker and soundstage is a lit small compared to the e10k.  Somwhere I reed that the m50's are the same than the m40x, you just pay 50 more for swiveling cups, so if that is the case, I think the e10k would pair better with your headphones. 
 
Either have more than enough power.
 
E07k advantages. internal battery. Bass, treeble, and balance controls. 3 gain levels. 2 headphone jacks (althogh one jack affects the other -like sound changes slightly with some sensitive headphones when a second pair of headphones is connected in the other headphone jacket-)
 
e10k has a clean sounding "line out" that can be used to connect a pair of monitor speakers and a coaxial digital output. Bass boost switch, 2 gain levels