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mattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 16, 2018
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I was satisfied with the XDuoo XD-05 for few months I own it. But if you don't have (single-ended) headphones that are difficult to drive... or need a coxaial/optical in, LED, or digital filters... I recommend the FiiO Q1 mkII which is significantly smaller, offers a 2.5mm balanced-out (more power, better channel separation), plug-and-play compatibility with iOS devices, and $55 cheaper.
danisnowman
1
Oct 17, 2018
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mattrisWait, but the XD 05 has plug and play compatibility with iOS...
mattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Oct 17, 2018
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danisnowmanYes, but it requires a cable/adapter that is not included. The FiiO Q1 mkII includes the microUSB-to-Lightning cable. Plus, you can have the FiiO unit in ~5 days. Delivery of the XDuoo will take ~5 weeks.
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 7, 2018
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mattrisYou know the XD05 offers over 50% more power than the Fiio right? 500mw @ 32 ohms (SE) vs 220mw @ 32 ohms (Bal). That's pretty significant. All other specs are also comparable between SE and Bal. But, for the extra coins, the XD05 offers more features and they also don't require a balanced connection for any of this. Just saying...
mattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Nov 7, 2018
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jaydunndidditRegarding power output, I stand corrected. The XD05 offers significantly more power than the FiiO Q1 mkII. But maximum volume potential will not be an issue with either unit, both of which can drive standard 32 ohm headphones to very high levels.
Considering these units' primary benefit is their portability, I suspect most users will appreciate the FiiO's significantly lower weight and smaller size (both less than half that of the xDuoo) and plug-and-play compatibility with iPhone... without having to buy another cable/adapter.
Yes, the XD05 offers more features - coxaial/optical in, LED, digital filters - that, for most users, will be all but useless, especially on-the-go.
As for sound quality, I remember the XD05 having a lush, slightly warm/dark sound... very easy on the ears, but perhaps lacking in channel separation and clarity. In this regard, the FiiO is superior.
EDIT: Topping has a portable DAC/amp called the NX4. Compared to the FiiO, it's a little bigger (smaller than the XD05, though) and offers more power (but less than the XD05). Available on Amazon Prime for less than the XD05:
Black model:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9S3R6A
Silver:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS7TGB0
hsdrggr
87
Nov 8, 2018
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mattrisSorry, I disagree. I got rid of my Q1 Mark ii, then got a Topping NX4 DSD, then finally ended up with the Xduoo XD-05 which finally had enough power to drive my HE4XX's. Yes, I have 2.5mmTRRS cables for all of my iems and cans. Remember, you do need something with decent voltage to input into the Amp. I am using analog in with an Earstudio ES100, and with it the XD-05 it is driving the HE4XX's way over 110db. The HE4XX's sound simply amazing on the XDuoo XD-05 now with this setup. Also don't Op Amp roll it with the V5i-D, because you will lose hi-gain on the XD-05 and not have enough power to drive the HE4xx's. I have not used the DAC side of the XD-05, only the Amp side.
edit: another member turned me in to the Topping NX3S. Looks like it would be perfect for powering planars and power hungry Sennheisers. If you don’t need a DAC consider this amp. It’s much lighter than the XDUOO XD-05 and would work nice as a portable being belt mounted. I ordered on on its drop. Since I use an EarStudio ES100 BT Amp as a preamp with my Amps this should be the perfect setup. Can’t wait.
hsdrggr
87
Nov 10, 2018
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HanslauI think the Xduoo sounds better. But that may be a little subjective because the Topping didn’t have enough to drive the HE4xx to its potential. But I do have HD580’s and HD650’s and I still think the Xduoo sounds better. Also there is s portability difference. The NX4 is much lighter and smaller. I belt mount all of my amps and I barely notice the NX4, but I definitely feel the XD-05. Also the NX4 stacks way nicer since small cables can be used. At this point I would always recommend going to the amp with more output just because it covers you if you go to planars or other less efficient headphones; also you’re ready if you have something feeding it that has too low a voltage source. Once you hear a good set of planars with a good amp it really is difficult to go back to regular headphones. I have 9 sets of headphones (don’t tell my wife) and unless I use my portable or home tube amp I always prefer the planars on a solid state amp. And I listen to most all genres. I do have my NX4 DSD in a box if you need it though. And what ever dac cable you need too. But truely unless you are worried about weight or size get the Xduoo XD-05. And Massdrops drop price is the best you will find for new. I think everything direct from China is in the $170’s and will take 3-4 weeks for delivery anyway.
Hanslau
2
Nov 11, 2018
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hsdrggrThanks for replying!
Is it just the power output of the XDuoo? I demoed the iFi Nano BL and Micro BL some time ago and can't tell a difference, so when you say its better, is it better details, soundstage or just something hard to put to words?
In my area, the XDuoo and the Topping sell for the same price! Around $143.4, it's possible the Xduoo is a fake but I highly doubt it. As much as I like the Topping's size, I think I might go for the Xduoo, going by everything you said. I only have the HD6XX now, but planars are on my list next.
I notice that many who have the Sennheiser 6 series also has the Hifiman HE4XX, how well would you say they go together?
jaydunndiddit
3262
Nov 11, 2018
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HanslauI have the nano BL and tried the Xduoo. While I ultimately returned it for other reasons, it was more powerful than the nano which will get 300 ohm cans and planars loud but not drive them with any sort of authority.
I also own the 4XX and 6XX and they are ultimately more complimentary than similar for the better. The 6XX is a more focused tool, touting amazing mids and a smooth signature while excelling at rock, jazz, and acoustic music. The 4XX are bassier, brighter, and offer a more dynamic punchy sound and works with a wider taste of genres. The 6XX is the technically more proficient headphone where the 4XX is the more musical, fun headphone as it lacks the overall resolution of the 4XX.
hsdrggr
87
Nov 18, 2018
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HanslauSorry for late reply. I think the Xduoo is a slightly warmer sounding amp. Which to me I like. But if you EQ your music it really is not relevant. But as another suggestion; check out the Topping NX3S. It has similar output compared to the XD-05, doesn’t have a dac so it’s lighter and cheaper. See my edit above. It might be good for you too.
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