It’s not just for new people. Or, for people who are only interested in a consumer level sound. I’m 52 and have been in this now for about 45 of those years. How? My dad wrote for Stereo Review. I later did too and for places like Speaker Builder and The Audio Amateur. I built my own speakers, DACs, amps and turned the dining room into a fully treated listening room in my 20’s. But, life changes and even when hobbies come full circle (as I’m now realizing that yes, there are still clear differences between DACs), you may look at them in a different light. Can I afford $X for a DAC? Sure. Do I *want* to spend that? Not really. So, where’s that good bang for the buck? Where’s that flattening out of the price / performance curve? If it’s at a $150 DAC / headphone amp, I’m dancing. You can always chase the “a bit better”. There’s always something else out there. But, there’s only so much time we have to listen. If the thrill of the chase is what drives you or the thrill of exploring new gear gets you going, great! Enjoy the ride! That’s not my deal anymore and getting advice - like just how well a $150 DAC / amp can do - is great to have. Even for someone who’s far from new to the game. Thanks!
@callending4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video -- Food for thought: Someone NOT on the "audiophile journey" (nor aspires to be) can be more-than-happy with gear like the FiiO K5 Pro too. Something like this paired with a set of efficient/semi-efficient headphones and IEMs would be more than adequate as "endgame" for the consumer-enthusiast market. I know, because I purchased this and it's really good without the OCD over more/better/different.
@adamhearts9195 Жыл бұрын
what's a iem?
@PMClement11 ай бұрын
In ear monitors
@Tizzo6664 жыл бұрын
I would like to know if it would work to connect in a yamaha soundbar? and he would be good for a HIFIMAN HE4XX? thanks!
@Likwidl4 жыл бұрын
You mention the scarlet audio-interface as something you looked into. What makes Fiio K5 pro better than the scarlet or what made you choose it over an audio-interface?
@Jayiyagi4 жыл бұрын
for me. it just had better playback sound
@Likwidl4 жыл бұрын
@@Jayiyagi I guess that's all that matters! Thanks
@michaelsanjunly40194 жыл бұрын
for properly driving hd600 , this or nano bl??
@Starch1b2c3d4a4 жыл бұрын
R u talking about Jeff Bazos? 😂
@matthewkrojnik95324 жыл бұрын
give me the wateeeeer etm etm wtf
@dlsehapdlf18353 жыл бұрын
믿고사요?
@Recrofne4 жыл бұрын
I came here for the DAC review but my favorite thing here was listening to your mentality and approach to the hobby. It's a really healthy mindset I think more people need to realize, and keep in mind even when they're in their high end castle, so to speak.
@TheophilusEmmanuel Жыл бұрын
Absolutely!
@telejipe4 жыл бұрын
Review starts at 7:55 You're welcome.
@NikolasCarneiro183 жыл бұрын
Thanks.
@adamsteeber3 жыл бұрын
The story is helpful to see if this review is relevant to you.
@Po3try273 жыл бұрын
The review starts at 0:00
@cooloutac3 жыл бұрын
LOL
@ZadiusTech5 жыл бұрын
Very good story and tie-in into this budget headphone amp. It's funny I too started on my audiophile journey with the Sennheiser HD 650, I thought it was crazy to spend $300 on headphones....and I waited about 7 months before I actually bought them because I felt guilty spending that much. I spent almost $600 on my last headphones and I told myself I would never spend that much...but here we are :)
@HAL.90003 жыл бұрын
What amp do you use with youur 650s?
@ZadiusTech3 жыл бұрын
@@HAL.9000 Schiit Modi/Magni stack
@Jayiyagi5 жыл бұрын
1. When I say HD6xx... I meant hd650. Lol the 6xx didn't even exist at that time. 2. It uses akm dacs not ess
@yannick9305 жыл бұрын
You mean hd660s?
@Jayiyagi5 жыл бұрын
@@yannick930 no 650s lol
@Projacked15 жыл бұрын
What mic are you using for your videos?
@michaelknibbs2 жыл бұрын
I agree. This little DAC/amp is stellar. I tried it back to back against an Asgard 3 with multi-bit DAC module. I kept the Asgard. Mainly for build, USA content and power in high impedance headphones. But (and it’s a big but) the little Fiio was pretty much indistinguishable from the Asgard in sound quality. The Schiit was a little warmer and possibly had more juice. The FIIO had more inputs and flexibility. It’s a bargain.
@aerofart3 жыл бұрын
@2:45 “I starved myself for two weeks,” a respectable course of action that reveals your dedication, passion and discipline.
@deshan795 жыл бұрын
I’m still rocking my fx-audio dac x6 with my 58x... bought it over a year ago just to get started but I like it so much that I don’t feel the need to upgrade (until I get harder to drive headphones at least) the volume is more then enough, hardly go past 10 o’o’clock, the dac sounds clean and the build quality is fantastic. Yet I hardly ever here this amp/dac recommended as an entry level purchase at only $60-$65.
@hal9xxx3214 жыл бұрын
Been eyeing those for weeks. Especially when i can get one for just around 42 USD here...but qc issues just scares me. Bought the ifi audio Zen instead which is the perfect match for my HD650.
@murshid.k73394 жыл бұрын
@@hal9xxx321 for my he4xx. which one should i buy, k5 pro or zen dac?
@brydon103 жыл бұрын
The DAC X6 has a poor frequency response. It rolls off the bass and highs significantly. I would upgrade if I were you. The K5 Pro doesn't have this problem, but there are other good options out there too.
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21205 жыл бұрын
Your doing a great job ! I have been into 2 channel audio for 31 years and I still get suprised sometimes at lower cost Hifi audio , Its a great time to be into hifi, i remember when R2R dacs were 3k plus for a decent DAC now days under 1k you can get a decent DAC , Heck the modi 3 surprised me being so top end clean
@TheReaper51253 жыл бұрын
The tech in a $50,000 setup will cost less than $500 at some point in the future. However, our human ears would pretty much stay the same. Does that mean that future $500 setup isn't a HiFi setup even though that's already at the peak of our human hearing? Pretentious audiophiles are amusing.
@michealjaymurphy2 жыл бұрын
I dont think audio follows the same curve as PC parts
@TheReaper51252 жыл бұрын
@@michealjaymurphy You've missed the point. In fact, audio tech should face an even steeper decline in price. Many 10-20 year old headphone and amp designs are still relevant today, can't say the same about PC parts. Yet some PC tech are getting cheaper. Audio gear prices are mostly artificially inflated.
@bigmassivehug9530 Жыл бұрын
Dedication over food. I think weve all been there in some way or another.
@m.g.i24804 жыл бұрын
What they dont realize is that a good 200$ DAC/AMP and a good 200$ Headphone actually may sound better to many people than a combination that is multiple times as expensive... And even if there is a headphone combo like a ZMF Auteur with a 2500$ DAC and a 2500$ AMP that sound better to a persons taste... you will have to admit that the margin isnt that big. It can be big... if the 200$ headphone wasnt the right sound signatur to you anyway... and you dac or amp didnt output enough power .... but most of the time its the last 5-10% that you keep on searching all your life... And the journey is worth it for some. But not for many. After hearing a AKG K7XX or a HD650 or a DT1990 etc... you wont be blown aways by any upgrade... you might find a better bass or more of it, a bigger soundstage or a smaller one, more present treble or either a subjectively higher resolution and sometimes and actually higher resolution.... But if you are blown a ways by how much better something is... you are just fooling yourself into it, because you want to... AND that is totally fine. But it is problematic for others.... because people that always refer to something as "Better" "Next Level" "Higher Quality" dont recognize that mostly for what they are getting they are also losing something most of the time. For detail you lose musicality, for musicality you lose detail and most of all you lose a lot of money... 99% of the people out there who arent content with their Headset or Headphone plugged into their PC/MAC whatever will be blown away by a FiiO K5 Pro combined with any 150-300$ish can. And there wont be another level after that... not in a sense of a new revelation anyway. The real revelation happens when you go out and get a decent setup with enough power and an output device like a AKG K7XX, HD599, HD6XX/600/650/660,58X, Philips X1/X2, Beyerdynamic DT1990, Sundara etc. Depending on the music and taste. And most people arent truly searching for neutral anyway... People said the AKGK812 and the HD800 are amazing... i didnt like them at all... AKG K7xx are to me more capable. HD660S too. And that is coming from a Sennheiser Fanboy from Germany... My family used Sennheiser headphones since the 70s... The HD800S is to me the only step up from a HD660S in the moment. (From Sennheiser) but then again it is up to taste...
@xucongzhan91514 жыл бұрын
> most of all you lose a lot of money... lol sooo true
@Tripokaridos223 жыл бұрын
This is the best comment i have read the last 2 years. A big bravo to u. I am in this hoby 20 years and u are right i have spend so much money and at the end ? Its like u said its a journey for that 5% more , i change cables gold rhodium silver expensive ones . I am collector i just finisg Senneheiser HD 2 HD5 HD6 line and my personal favorite is HD660s its for my taste the only headphone that i ever will have because it's good on eveything but not perfect on something compared to 2.000 euro headphones that are 5% better on something else. And honestly i have only keep 2 iems and 1 wireless eveeything else is open back.
@Tripokaridos223 жыл бұрын
I have all the headphones u said and some more , except Philips fidelio and AkG 7XX. And i have to say my top 3 are Hd660s , Sundara and HD650 for many reasons. HD800s is an amazing headphone that when u first listen u get that WOW effect but its harsh for me compared to the others. 660s have the most balanced sound for me with amazing imaging . Sundara have more pushed artificial not organic resolution that i like some times and last 650 these are the smoothest headphone without losing a lot detail perfect for old recordings.... And also i use one more the koss 30i the warmer headphone ever perfect for night sleep music :)
@m.g.i24803 жыл бұрын
@@Tripokaridos22 Thank you for your comments. It really feels good to have someone with even more Hi-Fi experience feeling the same :) I too use the HD650/660S very often. That "Old" Sennheiser sound, just sounds the most natural to me. You dont really lose out on anything. Some may like more low end. Some more "detail" in the treble. I personally find it to be perfectly balanced. The only thing i kind of miss sometimes, is the Soundstage being not really expansive. But in the end. The journey ist not over yet. Even as i am very satisfied. Maybe someday the HD699 will bring all together or something like it :D As for now. There are so many good headphones and for many tastes.
@Tripokaridos223 жыл бұрын
@@m.g.i2480 thanks for ansewring. I am happy having conversation with people like u. About Soundstage HD6 line construction its on purpose like that the drivers are NOT angled and also very close to the ears , also the original pads that are hybrids lot of people dont know that , original pads are pleather inside the ring close to the driver and velur all around this is also on purppose thata why there is no aftermarket pad that doesnt change the sound dramatically. Dekoni Yaxi and Brainwavz that i talk to they didnt have anything like the originals. All these are for the exaxtly the same reason the In your Head soundstage this is something really good for stereo music and reminds a 2 full range apeakers in front of u thats why thia sound is so unique and thats why u think vocals are in your head . A mistake that a lot of people do is that they think Bigger soundstage the better thats not true....Soundstage its about taste and for what purpose for example u need big soundstage and sepperattion for classical music movies or some games... But for music that its from studio HD6 series are perfected with that Soundstage... An example is the HD25 series that DJ use all theae years these have smaller soundstage also... But with isolation. HD6 series need that in your head soundstage but with airy sound thats why all that construction come together . I have the Brainxavz XL hybrid angle pads and they give a bigger soundstage to HD6 series but they make them slower muddier and soundstage is like my HD599 big but not good for 90% of the music...Not good compared to the stock :). HD5 series HD7 and HD8 series all.of them if u see are angled drivers for that reason... This is something that Sennheiser know thats why they keep these HD6 series design. Again happy to speak with u.
@DogFishAttack4 жыл бұрын
Hi, Do you believe that this can drive properly the Akg K712 Pro headphones?
@nexustanks814 жыл бұрын
how does the k5 pro DAC compared to e10k DAC?
@tareqhaider63275 жыл бұрын
But how does it sound compared to other similar priced stacks like stacks like modi-magni,khadas-atom,liquid spark etc?
@m.g.i24804 жыл бұрын
It sound a little warmer and more musical id say. But it isnt a huge difference overall in any DAC/AMP unless you go Tube... slightly different processing for the character... And with the FiiO K5 it is a AKM Velvet Sound which was intended to be the more musical DAC. And that goal is reached. Whether or not you like that or rather have a more analytical sound like a ESS Sabre is up to preference. But when not compared side by side... there wont be a big difference at all if even noticable.
@nelsondjordjemijic15334 жыл бұрын
@@m.g.i2480 k5 pro vs jds element 1 for hd650 tr50rp and dt770 ?
@ca777215 жыл бұрын
Great story about the start of your audiophile journey.Mine started when I first heard the Sennheiser Orpheus headphones with its supplied tube amplifier, at Bay Bloor Radio way back in the 90s. I could not afford them then and I cannot afford them now.😊But I do have a kickass $6000 system that I have now, which I will be keeping for awhile. And I still have my Fiio E5 headphone amplifier.
@S3rv3nT4p4 жыл бұрын
How does this amp/dac stack up against the mayflower arc in terms of sound quality?
@lanx00032 жыл бұрын
I wish the reviewer could make some comparison with other popular entry level genres of DACs like Topping E30, Smsl Sankrit 10th MkII, Loxjie D30 and Schiit Modius.
@mikele57563 жыл бұрын
Did I miss the part that tells me how the headphone amp sounds?
@Berteau765 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the video! keep up the great work, I like the balance of technology talk and the philosophy of it hi fi and audio. Look forward to what you will be bringing to this growing youtube audiophile community!
@raptorcitosАй бұрын
I'm waiting to arrive for 7 days and I'm sure I'll not regret (today will arrive I'm watching this for my anxiety). I have some edifier R1700, some headphones shp9600 and in-ear kz. I'm just starting and ofc it will be the upgrade for my PC audio. I bought the fiio fh11 too and I hope I made the right choice. Thx for you video makes me more comfortable even if I'm not test it yet.
@laicphk5 жыл бұрын
7 mins before actaully start talking abou the k5pro, wow
@al2011035 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tip!
@leimingtu71603 жыл бұрын
Very good mindset for me as a beginner, love it. But i wish you can talk a bit more about the sound characteristics of the k5 for reference
@kursed134 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the help deciding on the K5, just got it today and oh yeah! I just leveled up! I know it's not endgame but super happy with this purchase! 58X Jubilee and this amp/dac is unreal.... Super happy audio noob here! It's detailed and punches me right in the ears!
@juliusarschloch2 жыл бұрын
Hi, I’m considering the same combo. What type of music do you mainly listen to? And which music was the most impressive ?
@yangarzon89942 жыл бұрын
Hey Jay, now try the new k9 pro !. I did get it, if you find the k5 good, let me tell you that the k9 is just worth i think much more thatn what FIIO ask for it, THX 2x and AK4499 Plus balanced circciut on front and back ! got mine yesterday, and all i can say, because of your review on the k5, i looked at this new product that is seem to be their Flagship Amp/Dac.
@KingslayerBeforeDawn3 ай бұрын
Dude, your anedote and your real life story realy made me enjoy the video. This is a good review, it combines real life experience, stories, and feelings with a product review. Others just read a list of spects. Keep it up
@SussyBaka-em9rq3 жыл бұрын
Tbh this most likley will be my endgame at least for a long time to pair with whatever new headphones I get (likely Fidelio X2HR).
@mrfrosty33 жыл бұрын
I bet you'll love it. I've never been disappointed with any Fiio product.
@francoesperantobegue4723 жыл бұрын
I started my journey about 20 years ago purchasing a $25 Phillips iems to use on my Philips Go Gear mp3 player. Today, I'm using a $2000 pair of 64 Audio U12T on an Astell &Kern SP1000SS and I'm still looking for better. So basically it never ends and the grail doesn't exist!
@skyewasblue96654 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review. I appreciate that you're not trying to shove it down our throats.
@jackjack43005 ай бұрын
Would you still rate it the same way today? And what (DAC Amp) would you recommend for about !650.00?
@monawoka975 ай бұрын
I'm not new to the journey and I could afford to spend more on a DAC. I just don't want to! I'm so happy to pay a compelling price for great performance. That's all I need :)
@Nemesis_HEX Жыл бұрын
I have xonar ae and g6 the g6 îs better in sound btw îs mind blow , btw this 32bits and 384khz is what You need for victory and music with scout moode You know the position of the enemy and the sound is not efect by the another sound of background
@alexanderr.1801 Жыл бұрын
dude if i could stave myself in university for 2 weeks and get 300 bucsks... i did that just to stay alive and not to get 300 bucks XD
@Junior-rw3jm4 жыл бұрын
5:40 for K5
@ibrahimmehkri3 жыл бұрын
are you lying? is this a new business model?
@MysteriousBeingOfLight Жыл бұрын
My father purchased this for my birthday, I am coming from the ARCTIS PRO dac which is broken now. I hole I will be pleased !
@Atuzor4 жыл бұрын
I'm considering purchasing this. I'm not an "audiophile" but I do appreciate above average sound. I just bought Philips X2HR and the V-Moda Boom Pro mic. From what I understand, if I ran the splitter into this amp/dac then the mic into my PC, it would cause a buzz in the mic. Is there any way around this besides getting a different mic? For amp/dac with mic inputs the options seem pretty limited.
@MrStingraybernard5 жыл бұрын
I’m not just starting out but it was a fun video to watch and I hadn’t heard of this new model
@TuPham-sk6gv Жыл бұрын
I have a quesiton: Can it drives the DT 770 pro 250 ohm? And if it can, should i get this or the topping dx3 pro+ for the headphone?
@ryant169 Жыл бұрын
reddit audiophiles losing their shit right now saying dac/amp not necessary. apple dongle or onboard pc audio is all you need and they'll die on that hill 😂
@scottdavis08014 жыл бұрын
I began my system with a Harman Kardon 330b receiver, and a pair of Epicure m100 speakers. And a Pioneer pl-50 turntable. I got lucky, most of these components were 70s mass market, but very delicious sounding! I own the Schiit audio modi multibit dac. I like it, but always looking for something better!
@Jerry-ir8nd3 жыл бұрын
Can I plug my phone into it and stream Amazon hd through it? I don't have a computer or wifi. It would be this plugged into the wall and my phone with my music plugged in and a set of headphones
@BookClubDisaster3 жыл бұрын
yes with a USB adapter
@rockfella274 жыл бұрын
I have it. Happy with it. It's not extraordinary but does what it's meant to do very well. No co complaints.
@rossorosso4 жыл бұрын
this vs ifi Zen DAC please? Thanks.
@alanfrenchfrei13573 жыл бұрын
sorry im late to the party, i have the same question bcoz my headphones are balanced..
@ChoySekMunSimon3 жыл бұрын
Great insight into the this desktop headphone amp first and foremost. Been using one as my main desktop driver for my workstation just before your review was shot and it's a big improvement over the earlier Fiio E10K USB headphone DAC that I was using for work. The biggest draw for me for the K5 Pro was the sheer amount of drive ability to push high Z (impedance) professional cans which I use for work and also push down the gain levels when running it with a consumer type headphone like say, a Grado SR80i or something similar. Good job and keep the reviews coming!
@nunyabidness4946 Жыл бұрын
How high of impedance are your professional cans that this amp can drive? I am trying to drive 600 ohm cans. I have an old school fiio x1 dap and a fiio btr5 that I really like but they can't satisfy these headphones. Probably could if they could utilize the balanced output on the btr5 but they can't without modifications.
@ChoySekMunSimon Жыл бұрын
@@nunyabidness4946 it's a roughly 250 ohm pair of cans
@patrickf61205 жыл бұрын
I'm one of the guys that's new to the audio game coming from pc audio. I'm torn between getting the K5 Pro or a Sony NW-A55L DAP that can also be used as a USB dac. Can a DAP sound as good as a desktop dac/amp like the K5? I'm looking for the best SQ for the price range. What would be the best option in your opinion? Cheers.
@krenkson2 жыл бұрын
For me this DAC has amazing sound quality if you use it just as a DAC without the amp. Means you will use just the output and not the headphone amp. My question is does the pure DAC output sound quality really differs from more expensive DACs? Again, just in terms of the actual DAC's output and no sound amplification. In my view, all the DACs with the latest chips must sound pretty much the same (when set to the same audio quality). What do you think?
@llysender5 жыл бұрын
I'm not a audiophile but I do lurk audio discord just to see the new hype. What I feel is that the gear should compliment the sounds you listen to and not the other way round. By that I mean I can enjoy the Fiio K3->AD500x(around 150) and honestly I can consider that endgame as my daily driver even though I have higher end gear. Honestly I think high fidelity endgame is a joke. I would rather have a cleaner sounding system that is high res enough to enjoy but not too high res to start hearing all the micro imperfections in the recording. That being said I do agree with you that the fiio K5 pro is a pre amp for powered speakers and headphones alike.
@titosca3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jay, is this Amp/DAC better than a X-Fi Titanium card? Today i have a DT 1990 PRO running over a SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium, i'm thinking about replace this setup with a Fiio K5 PRO, what do you think about it?
@cgazlan3 жыл бұрын
I'm just starting with philips SHP9600 and an usb dac dongle, it really improve the sound for me. So I get what you're saying 👍🏻
@Xbox360mIRC Жыл бұрын
Does this have more output than the Qudelix-5K when used as a USB dac to headphones? Is it 2.0 Vrms or 6.4Vrms? Like can you use it as both an amp and USB dac with the 6.4Vrms?
@Xbox360mIRC Жыл бұрын
I ended up getting one and it's amazing in terms of performance and no distortion. It's crazy FiiO can pack that many features into such a high-power AMP and how budget friendly it is compared to several multiple times more expensive amps. I spent awhile looking up reviews and numbers and tests and decided on it. I tried just USB Dacs and USB cards before but they couldn't drive my 300 Ohm and other low DB headphones I had loud enough with room and had great features too, so I bought this. It has tons of juice compared to all the USB Dacs I tried. It's also built like a brick and will likely last a very long time. Most USB Dacs I noticed typically only have around 240mw@32ohm and 2 VRMS or something in that range and I'm wondering if its USB limitations because the K5 plugs into the wall and USB while the K5 Pro ESS has several times that amount of juice along with up to 768kHz-32bit. I loved my Quudelix 5K but I used it just for at home and it wasn't loud enough for my headphones for me.
@chrisoltman12532 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jay! Super valuable insight. I'm new to recording. Do you have any suggestions on how to use the K5 with a Scarlett 2i4? Should I use the K5 as a preamp? And how do you feel about AKG K712's as a pairing with all of the above?
@Maaruks4 жыл бұрын
Can you hear difference between this and some more expensive dac/amp combo? This guy says they all sound the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJrRYWWcisqMfLc Even with headphones plugged directly into iphone, with no external DAC. Why do people spend so much money on audio equipment, silver cables and other expensive things?
@snazpizaz7706 Жыл бұрын
It's purpose is to enable audio entrants to both connect, mix up and drive power consuming gear in the home environment , such as mid-high end headphones + home theatre and games consoles etc . Whilst the high end is to accomodate audiophile adepts and pro / studio / reliable audio recording and mixing. So this is really about facilitating the budding home studio market and i think it's versatility and quality at it's price point does exactly that. The audiophile journey is exactly that, (ie a journey) be you a band starting up, a dj or a home enthusiast. This is a jump in point with a a good set of versatility and some elevated pleasurable practicality when brining together audio interface gear and connecting up your first DAW.
@benkrake36785 жыл бұрын
How would this DAC/amplifier measure up against the Audioquest DragonFly Black in terms of sound quality? I have the DragonFly Black, and I noticed a big difference between the that and the built in DAC and amplifier in my phone.
@excaliburn92503 жыл бұрын
Wow, I'm literally that university student who's beginning their journey and bought a used pair of HD6xx/650's. As a matter of fact, I just bought them yesterday and waiting for them to ship. Been eyeing the FiiO K5 Pro for a while but the 6xx seller is throwing in an O2 ODAC amp/dac combo along with it. Would I benefit from buying the FiiO K5 Pro or a different combo?
@simplenati4 жыл бұрын
Hello : ) My name is Natalia I live in Poland and I love Hi-Fi and Hi-End audio equipnment.But I struggle with one problem about connections beteween my hi-fi units.I have headphone amplifier/DAC/preamplifier this is Audio gd - Master 11 and I have Pioneer Streamer N-50AE and I have Pioneer Integrated amplifier model A-70DA and I have a computer MacBook Air. My problem is that I don't know what is the most proper using my Audio gd Master 11.I don't know that I should connect Master 11 to my Macbook Air ? Or I should connect my Master 11 to my streamer Pioneer N-50AE? - To get the best quality of the sound. When I connect Master 11 to streamer Pioneer N-50 AE I get the best sound quality compared with Master 11 + MacBookj Air.But when I connect Master 11 to MacBook Air the quality of the sound getting worse compared with Master 11 + Pioneer N-50AE.but when I connect Master 11 + MacBook Air sound is very analougue and at the same time sound is very natural.Master 11 + Pioneer N-50AE - the best quality of the sound.Master 11 + MacBook Air - quality of the sound is not very good quality but sound is very analogue and very natural.So what Should I do? What is the most proper connection I should do?
@GrandmaxNet4 жыл бұрын
Fiio K5 Pro or IFI Zen DAC? :(
@Junior-rw3jm4 жыл бұрын
Or the BTR 5? 🤷🏻♂️
@Merlin_tk4 жыл бұрын
If you want portable the Zen DACs pretty good but BEWARE that you cant run it on USB power. Battery only. Which means you cant always be listening to it as it cant charge and work at the same time. Major annoyance if its your first DAC, like it was mine.
@Tlanesi4 жыл бұрын
@@Merlin_tk I think he was talking about the desktop one, not the portable Hip DAC
@vkatycastilloc44 жыл бұрын
Hello, how is the amplifier with the akg k701? Or with the M11 fiio, what is enough? will i notice the difference? thanks greetings
@dozer32__5 жыл бұрын
this video is like seeing the opposite of thomas and stereo. young. refreshing. humble. You dont showboat around, and he does.
@Berteau765 жыл бұрын
Why not just state what you like about this person rather than personally disparaging another?
@aimforthebushes54633 жыл бұрын
So I have the arctis pro and the hd600. Which would you recommend when using this? I have it arriving in a couple days and want to get a couple opinions
@Kenny_Edmonton3 жыл бұрын
So if I’m just starting out you’d recommend this over the FiiO 10k? My sennheiser hd599’s aren’t hard to drive but I’d like a little more volume to my listening and all the other benefits that come from a dac/amp, separation, soundstage, etc.
@N1IA-43 жыл бұрын
Very good video! Thank you. I have looked at so many! I think this one may be just the ticket.
@rangeman15664 жыл бұрын
Very good review. I have the HiFiman He400i headphones and 400.00 set aside for a DAC/Amp. I would love your opinion.
@m.g.i24804 жыл бұрын
Id buy this and something more expensive like a Jotunheim and then youll know... Can always send it back. Thats the way i do it most of the time. To be honest. The FiiO K5 will be more then enough satisfaction for 90% of the audiophiles. Only those who like to get the last 5-10% of performance at any cost will need much more. Not to say a Jotunheim or a SMSL M500 or a Tubeamp even with a nice Dac are very expensive. But the difference even from a K3 to a Jotunheim is marginal at best. Most people wont even notice it. Most people also cant hear a difference between a good Mp3 320kbps file and a 24bit/192Khz Hi Res File. The difference is there. But our ears are no machines. The brain paints over flaws an missing elements anyway. It fills in the missing stuff. A movie only has 24fps... but our brain tells us it is fluid and that there are not pictures. You could have 144fps movies. And some people will say its so much better... but then again 24fps was fluent already. Same goes for audio. Some may notice a difference. But a good MP3 code will only excluse data that is basically non audible for humans in a mix. (Almost) I dont feel like a good mp3 is missing anything in particular. But still i can or think i can hear a difference in the way the details are protrait. But you will never a have a certain sound in FLAC that you will not get on mp3... thats not happening. 128kpbs to 320kbps that is a very audible difference for example. Especially with some songs. And it depends higly on the music you here. Modern music is mastered so poorly and without dynamic that everything is loud and no nuanced or minute detail is left. Hearing a Despacito track or Kanye West will sound no different in any format... there is nothing left to find behind the mastering...No stage. no nuance. no quiet moment or a minute detail following a loud sound... nothing.
@rangeman15664 жыл бұрын
M. G. I Thank you very much. Your response is greatly appreciated. I am subscribed now and learning from the reviews.
@SebaMene4 жыл бұрын
Great video! Have you had the chance to compare it with the Fiio k3? Thanks
@tigorski4 жыл бұрын
Hey i just wanna ask is fiio k3 has enough power to driver k7xx or i need this? I only use that for gaming only
@SyNtH1fEyEd4 жыл бұрын
I recently bought a BTR5 and loved it so much I went and bought one of these as well! ❤️😎❤️
@KeeeeenW3 жыл бұрын
I have BTR5 as well and was able to use it as a USB DAC / AMP. Does Fiio K5 Pro work better as a DAC / AMP combo?
@peterpixo3 жыл бұрын
Would you recommend this as upgrade to 12y. old external sound card (Creative X-fi) that costs 50€ back in the day?
@SussyBaka-em9rq3 жыл бұрын
I don't have it but uhhhh yeah most likely
@Ras1Roy3 жыл бұрын
jus get 2 the dam point
@flowerpower1114 жыл бұрын
I started my headphone journey a few years ago with the HD650s in the same exact way as you! I saved on an empty stomach and even bought them for the same price as you haha! And here I am today looking for a budget headphone amp/dac. You said the Fiio K5 Pro isn't optimal for driving the HD600 series, what would be a better setup? Schiit stack? I think I will definitely go for this, but I'm just wondering where to look towards in the future.
@Nordraw3 жыл бұрын
It will drive it just fine by the way.
@Ulalayumyum4 жыл бұрын
I'd be interested in your thoughts on the fx audio dac x6 or the kguss counterpart.
@yogiwp_5 жыл бұрын
It's funny that Massdrop still sells O2+SDAC combo at the same price while it has been made obsolete by this.
@wemustgo5 жыл бұрын
audiosciencereview has reviewed this headamp. It is meh ...
@trungnuhwen5 жыл бұрын
@@wemustgo audiosciencereview Amir review and at the end his conclusion "I am going to recommend the Fiio K5 Pro" www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-fiio-k5-pro.9118/
@wemustgo5 жыл бұрын
@@trungnuhwen He said "budget" means cheap. It is not really good by measurements but cheap. So ... ok. He is not excited about it. He is quite diplomatic
@trungnuhwen5 жыл бұрын
@@wemustgo "He is quite diplomatic"- Alot of other hifi forum insult Amir for his crazy fu*k ass measurement and review. He is often over state his education and his previous job at Microsoft. You should NOT take his review as pint of salt but a whole box of salt! When people question his result he always attack them personally instead of answering the question. There a vietnamese saying but I forgot because my old man is gone for a while now and my viet is not good. Check out other better hifi forum - head-fi.org and www.superbestaudiofriends.org
@kozzieh61835 жыл бұрын
@@wemustgo and this is why its dangerous to put out numbers like they are some kind of gold standard of quality. Amir measures engineering aspects. He is not the final word of audio enjoyment. If you want to chase numbers then go ahead.
@joshuasterling21442 жыл бұрын
I have this setup with my headphones and monitors. You can go through the door with two or three headphones, and monitors for under 1200 dollars. Accessible gear is also the gateway to the broader consumer.
@fabian_992 жыл бұрын
im an audio noob .. do you mean monito as in a pc screen or is "monitor" also a audiophile term ?
@joshuasterling21442 жыл бұрын
@@fabian_99 Monitors while not always the case typically denote a powered speaker. A powered speaker has a self contained amplifier and only needs an external signal to function.
@chrisevans6293 Жыл бұрын
Coming here to say: if your computers DAC has enough power to provide more volume than you'd need guess what? you dont need a seperate amp/dac. Save your money. If you have other uses for it, or want to change volume on an external unit thats fine. But the idea that we all need a DAC/Amp on a desktop just because we are audiophiles is silly. It does nothing but provide more power to drive the headphones IE VOLUME. If you are getting enough volume, than you don't need this.
@burghelvasile3313 Жыл бұрын
Mr. Jay, what do you think about Fiio k7 compared to Cambridge magic 200m im nod dac for stereo system consisting of Marantz pm 6006 + Dali Oberon 3. Or other recommendation please. Thank you.
@polvorin157644 жыл бұрын
Ordered mine from Ebay US, as in europe it costs almost double. It is on the way, will take forever but will be worth the wait, I got a new pair of AKG 712 pro, cant wait to use them with the amp, as the pc at 100% volume still is not enough obviously.
@user-zp2rv2vi2r3 жыл бұрын
Hey pal, i've ordered the same setup, whats your thoughts?
@polvorin157643 жыл бұрын
@@user-zp2rv2vi2r all good, for me it was what I needed as I have professional studio monitors as well. Once switched the power off the soundcard uses the plugged in headphones so its fine, and when the soundcard is switched off my pc switches to the monitor speakers. I use all 3 variants depending the content and it works great.
@user-zp2rv2vi2r3 жыл бұрын
@@polvorin15764 alright thank you
@zoltanszoboszlai27304 жыл бұрын
Dude... You are smart!
@doylehargrave233 Жыл бұрын
I’ve heard them all…Sony R10 etc…. I’ve hosted hp meets mentioned in Stereophile magazine. Tonight I ordered this exact unit to power my Grado GS1000’s…
@dawidsewruk38554 жыл бұрын
You are a very good speaker
@travellerseko2 жыл бұрын
Hi mate, This is a great review. I try to get info as much as possible. I wanna ask you a question. I’ll have 2 setups, portable and desktop. Can you please tel me if below ones ok? Or any other recommendation? 1) portable: - Ipod 6th gen classic (120 gb apple lossless) - Fiio E10K Olympus - Sennheiser HD569 2) Desktop: - Audio Technica At-lp120x USB Lp player - Fiio K5 Pro - Hifiman HE400se or Sennheiser HD599
@MannyScoot Жыл бұрын
Knowledge is the last weapon we have left..... but we need to add patience and skills to search and hunt..... and sometimes you just get lucky and find that good deal ......
@iamsheep3 жыл бұрын
I think you should get to the point quicker. You'd get more views...
@Vahlsten3 жыл бұрын
Well, my next step is clear then, get that thing to side with my 20year old stereos that are my current amplifier for newcomer headphones (Philips Fidelio X2HR) that replaced my 20 year old ones (Philips SHP 805 that have seen 30 degrees plus and minus in celcius the pouring rain and acted even as bicycle helmet once or twice) and that are going to be (back as) my travel headphones untill time does us a part.
@ceddy10313 жыл бұрын
I have the Tannoy Gold 5 Active speaker. Can I connect the XLR from the back of the Tannoy to the Fiio K5 Line out on both left and right speaker ? or connect K5 pro to Tannoy's single-ended TRS input by using RCA to TRS cable.
@Rio-uv1gs3 жыл бұрын
I have a Focusrite 2i2 3 gen AI, and I just bought 250ohm B.dynamics headphones ..What headphone amp or dac/amp would you suggest, I need more power for my headphones? ( I have a 2020 IMac 27 inch (Beatmaking & mixing)
@QuantraClounix4 жыл бұрын
hello i currently own akg n5005 with fiio k3 but ive thinking about upgrading my dac/amp so i can bring full potential power for my akg. can you recommend me any dac amp that is under 1k that could do the job?
@fixxxer42344 жыл бұрын
so does that mean that i can get this instead of ASUS ROG STRIX X570-E GAMING's audio + amp? Its for k712pro comming from a SONY TA-FE370 with two JBL shelf speakers. I use the front output for the AKG. I am planning a rig change and i really wonder if i should use onboard audio + amp or K5 Pro alone, or even modi-magni stack? Thanks anyways :)
@duncan.52284 жыл бұрын
I am a pensioner with little spare purchasing power. I own the 1 more quad driver earphones. These are powered by Realtek supremeFX S1220A on board soundcard, which goes up to 32bit 176400 hz. Would the K5 Pro improve on this please.
@yavorchernaev394 жыл бұрын
I am a bit lost. I have 250 ohm beyerdynamic dt 1990 pro headphones and I would like to connect my tv through its dedicated ARC hdmi port to a receiver/dac amp and then use my headphones and I was wondering which is the best option? Can't find dac amp with hdmi, can't find audio receiver with hdmi...the only option is av receiver, but some people say they are not good for headphone output and I don't know which one to choose without breaking the bank. Any help?
@256alexdt3 жыл бұрын
I bought it ... and returned it ... Really didn't found it that great except the power ... The sound was meh... Preferred my current stack
@vla2204744 жыл бұрын
Fiio K5 pro vs ELEMENT II
@UelaViral3 жыл бұрын
Which is the best?
@firetiger10212 жыл бұрын
Yo thanks for helping. I will try this as my first dac/amp with my first pair of high quality headphones; the hd 650s
@jackfein8914 Жыл бұрын
This guy totally understand my predicament. Its like hes speaking directly to me. Thanks man❤️