$200 DAC/Headphone Amp Shootout - FiiO K7 Vs Topping DX3 Pro+ - Which one comes out on top?

[@theaudiophileshow4410]

Great video. Btw, for anyone wondering, the volume jump was deliberate. They built it as a stepper "slope"if you will specifically for iems and other very sensitive phones so that not only will you have more control at lower gain values for more precise volume control at that level, but also so that you wont risk damaging your sensitive devices/ears as easily. So for bigger cans you will be playing in the final third of the dial and also in high gain if necessary. Its a cool feature but i wish the steps as you hit that final 3 to 5 was more granular because eventually you will hear the micro jumps in volume

[@Error_4x5]

The Xmos X208 is a USB decoder chip, it's not a amplifier. The DX3 Pro+ uses Topping's negative feedback circuit for amplification.

[@hcho8164]

Give the guy a break. Many don't even know what all goes into a system on chip. Xmos and Ingenx I suspect like novatek are made in Taiwan. And I know for a fact nearly all dash cameras uses novatek soc. And I suspect foul play like wireless remote control built in to the soc. And there is no body looking out for the safety of American consumers. Peace.

[@wahid-lg1kk]

You mean triodes?

[@wahid-lg1kk]

​​@@hcho8164oh come on, Taiwan, your ally, is spying on you from your cheap electronic gadgets? Or what. With a remote control?

[@virafdastoor399]

I think the additional co-ax input and remote control make the topping a better choice for people who are going to use it as a dedicated pre amp, especially at this price point.

[@CP-fe6jr]

I own the Topping, and for me, it wins because it has TWO coax inputs, so ar as I have been able to ascertain, in this respect, it is unique.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Yes, that is a handy feature in your situation!

[@Amybnuy]

I'd love to see if with a blind test and with the volumes matched it'll be distinguishable.

[@t3tr1s0]

Thanks for the comparison test, I agree that the Topping has a nice display, and looks good. I only listen to music through Audio Technica ATH M40X headphones. I find the K7 to have more "voice" in the highs but lose a bit in the lows and low mids. the Topping is wider for me in emphasizing the different musical instruments, then there is a big difference when you activate the Gain +19 dB I would say that the tone changes and the sound becomes fuller. Have you tried activating the gain? the K7 is a good device and in my opinion it is still a bit immature, they will probably release firmware in the future, also to give the possibility to turn off the LED if desired. I find the volume wheel too late, I hope they update that too. I invite you if you want to write on the FiiO KZbin channel under the K7 video, where I and other users have left our opinions. this way you can also advertise your channel :) Thanks for your review mate. HI.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Yes, I tried gain on both the K7 and DX3. I did not hear any major differences in the sound on the headphones I tried -- other than a volume increase. I tried the SHP9500's, Monoprice Retros,, Koss KPH30's and the Moondrop Starfields. As I sided, im more a speaker guy and that's where I did a majority of my testing. comparison with these two DAC/amps.

[@t3tr1s0]

​@@TheFrugalAudiophile Ok thanks friend, I'm posting the FiiO KZbin channel link, if you want you can write your experience with the K7 bye and thanks again. kzbin.info/www/bejne/onjWf5WZlJVqhtE

[@dee_wade]

Gain shouldn't change anything except volume basically... if you truly feel there is a difference it is possible that you are just partial to the ESS DAC's sound.

[@navinadv]

@@TheFrugalAudiophilewhat about the K7BT vs the SMSL C200? I am getting both for the same price. Which one would you recommend?

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

@@navinadv I have not heard the C200, but I imagine they would sound pretty similar. If you need the features of the C200 such as a remote and a display then get it. If you like the looks of the K7 then get it.

[@christopherstorrier5560]

If the Fiio had an ESS chip & remote ,like the Topping i would buy it but it also uses an analogue log volume pot (audio taper) not a linear pot, better imo.....good review

[@kakashi99908]

What about the k5 ESS

[@christopherstorrier5560]

@@kakashi99908 ....would''nt know bud, i don't think i've heard it ,when i said ESS i was talking about the Sabre range...

[@rnwnsfla]

This video is what I need exactly thanks.

[@Jazonet]

Like the review and sense of humor :)

[@amanieux]

toppping dx3 pro + is 0.1 ohms output impedance for headphones not 20 ohms, which would be unusable for iems

[@falconerri]

Anyone has had a chance to compare the K7 with the iFi zen V2. Both in the same price range rally so it's great to have a comparison if anyone has already had a chance to check it out. Especially for an open headphone like the HD560S or DT900 ProX for example.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I have not heard the Zen V2, but I did test out the Zen Air. I thought it was a nice sounding DAC. I have heard that it sounds pretty close the Zen V2, but is not balanced and has lower build quality. I did not test the Zen V2 because all of its outputs play at the same time, and as I said in this video, I need something that is switchable. Still, I think it would compare very favorably to the DACs I tested. .

[@gabrieljy]

Hey, I just replaced my zen dac v2 with the k7 so here are my thoughts (all paired with Edition XS, also auditioned the Topping). In terms of sound, ifi has a very specific musical 'house sound' that's a bit airy, natural, very good mids, though slightly warm (you may like this, you may not). The FiiO is less warm, also airy and good soundstage, also musical enough to be enjoyable as opposed to the Topping which is just very clinical and cold compared to the others. Mainly, ifi zen dac v2's selling points are their specific house sound, MQA license and the Bass button - that extra bass is done very tastefully, and makes brighter headphones like the XS wonderful (especially so if you are a basshead). Though bear in mind the ifi zen DAC isn't very powerful, even for an all-in-one, so if you upgrade to very demanding headphones, you will need the ifi zen can, which adds to your cost of ownership. The FiiO K7 is much more powerful - I don't foresee you having to upgrade DAC/amp out of necessity for a while if you purchase this, and this thing just sounds good. Great detail retrieval, great bass texture (in terms of amount of bass, it's somewhere between the default Zen DAC v2 and where it'd be with bass boost button), yet not clinical. I don't personally care for the Topping, it sounds too clinical for me and I hate how it looks but I guess if you like bluetooth...

[@pvhari2000]

​@@gabrieljy Does the K7 have enough power for the Edition XS via the unbalanced output

[@00Silu]

​@@pvhari2000I own both - yes, it's plenty loud with some headroom with a knob at 3PM and Windows volume not exceeding 70.

[@pvhari2000]

@@00Silu Great, thanks

[@TheVeganVicar]

OR, the equivalent of USD$120 in the case of the DX3 Pro+ that I am just about to order. :)

[@5ChSP2UxVtswQh-Znzkpbg]

k5 pro ESS $76

[@nagylevi3827]

So ... K7 for my Hifiman Sundara. Got it. Thanks.

[@Anomalyn1]

I have them. They work awesome together. Use them with a balanced cable.

[@mehmetsahin4130]

Thank you for review! I have a quick question. What is your suggestion for Hifiman Arya Stealth between Topping DX3 Pro+ and Fiio K7? Thank you!

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I've had not heard the Arya so I can't really say. If they are a little brighter than go with the K7. If they are a little warmer than go wit the DX3 Pro+. Both should work pretty well tho.

[@tehMonarch]

I find the highs on the dx3 pro to be really sharp and kind of fatiguing, any ideas on how to calm it down a bit? re filters or something? thanks! Im on the verge of just buying something else and just using that one for headphones :P

[@nicolashamouche6132]

Hi, thanks for thé video. Could it bé possible to drive SENNHEISER HD660 (300 ohms) with Fiio K7 ? It seems that specs are good for that. What results ? Which amplifier will you choose ? Thanks a lot, Nicolas

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Yes, I'm pretty sure it would power the HD660 just fine. It might not reach 100dB, but should be plenty loud for most .

[@theaudiophileshow4410]

Quite comfortably unless you plan on damaging your ears. Those headphones scale well too and I recommend getting some 4.4 balanced cables as well

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

i like it, def living up to their big name, um went for more realistic and dynamic tune, both suit their respective system

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

senn sounds like typical sound you heard on highend hifi stores, which is very pleasing

[@a.g8517]

great video, ordered k7

[@rekkuramones7671]

K7 BT or older K7?

[@phillipmorris9847]

you really should give the aoshida dilvpoetry dt-1 a try for $220 its really good

[@DGardn100]

That's interesting. They also have the SMSL C200. I bought it from them through Amazon on sale for $175, down from $220.

[@clabbem74]

hi, Fiio k7 Its a natural sounding rig ? thx

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Not exactly sure what 'natural' mean, but it sounds good !

[@dee_wade]

If by "natural" you mean "Flat" and accurate I'd say yes

[@theaudiophileshow4410]

Yes. Not coloured and very, very clean. Brighter than my topping stacks but not as wide

[@princekittipon6510]

which one is better for footsteps bro ?

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

I would say the DX3 pro since it is a little brighter. It also has EQ adjustment so you could turn up the highs to increase footstep presence.

[@princekittipon6510]

a lil too late lol. i bought k7 and its here. can we eq with k7 ?@@TheFrugalAudiophile

[@Azzam1991]

@@TheFrugalAudiophilehow about zen dac v2 and topping dx3 pro+

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

@@Azzam1991 Never heard the Zen DAC V2 so I couldn't really say.

[@Panslapper]

Fiio K11. The K7 is more for music.

[@cody10941]

Hello Frugal I agree with you, I am very happy with the K7 I find the sound very good. so I wanted to ask you for help: I ​​would like to connect a 4.4 mm male to 3.5 mm female jack adapter. my headphones are Audio Technica ATH M50X (unbalanced) will I get better sound in your opinion? is it possible to connect them via the Jack adapter I was telling you to use the BAL HPO input ? Thanks

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

You may see some improvements. How much tho I could not say. The best way to go about it would be to find a replacement cable for the M50X that connects directly to the jack in its ear cup.

[@cody10941]

@@TheFrugalAudiophile Thank you for answering me. I found cables with 4.4 jack and 2.5 jack to connect them to the headphones, the problem is that they are really expensive: $ 33.83 imported from China. it seems to me an excessive price for a cable, while the adapter costs much less. I'll try to look again and then I'll decide calmly, thanks again man.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

@@cody10941 That really isn't a bad price if its a decent cable and does what you are looking for. I would order it and see if you think it improves the sound quality.

[@dee_wade]

Please dont do this. As for sound you will have no discernable differences because you are actually running an unbalanced between this adapter you are talking about and your headphones. You may get the benefit of a higher output (more volume) but balanced circuits require balanced connection all through out.. this balanced "adapter" may work. But you risk triggering the internal safeguard protection by doing this. You may end up with a dead dac like this. Take my advice. If the single ended (unbalanced) output is loud enough, don't go chasing balanced connections.

[@robinenbernhard]

The fiio K7 come in red now to.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Cool! I'm not really a big fan of red, but glad they're offering some color choices. I would like to see a silver unit myself..

[@danut05]

vs Zen Dac V2?

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Not heard it so I couldn't say.

[@robinenbernhard]

I had K7 BT link to my PC with usb and when i turn it of. It wil also turn of my philips hue play lights. My hue play lights use internet cable I never seen this and this problem i dont have with my K9 AKM

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Yah, that is so odd! Are they on a shared outline or circuit?

[@plenus7392]

Output impedance of the Topping is hard to stomach, also no balanced out...I like Topping, the LA90D is world-class but the FiiO kills it at this competitive price-point.

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

The Topping absolutely SUCKS. Returned it. A ripoff at half the price.

[@TheVeganVicar]

Would you care to elaborate?

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

@@TheVeganVicar sure. I bought. I plugged it in. I listened to it. I hated it. I returned it.

[@TheEletronicFunky]

@@mathtrixmusiclix4248 lol. im using a k11 @1$120 and its suffice . its an amp, the sound isn't distorted , it revives these low volume sounding Moondrop Paras. I go recommended the topping pro so Im laughing at your comment

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

@@TheEletronicFunky so you are the sole arbiter of what constitutes good sound? 🙄

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

@@TheEletronicFunky so you are the sole arbiter of what constitutes good sound? 🙄

[@mclein5140]

😮topping looks like shit in terms of Quality of construction