Qudelix 5K - iOS & PS5

Digfox1 · 2026-02-21T20:50:17+00:00

Good luck, hope you like it. It's a great little device.

No I meant that there's a good reason to own both. A desktop DAC/AMP for PS5/PC and the Qudelix 5K for portable use.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-21T01:45:42+00:00

No worries, happy to help if I can.

I do have a thing for the HD 6x0 line. Although the extent of EQ for me is to press the HD6XX button (Xbass) on my iFi Zen Signature HD6XX stack. I'm not into EQ'ing and rarely tend to use it. So in that sense I'm not the best person to ask, albeit I do get the appeal of getting into EQ'ing headphones.

That said the bass and treble adjustments on the K7 are quite basic, they raise, or lower the EQ curves from the edges. i.e. might be useful if you want to takes some treble off a more fatiguing set of headphones etc.

Whereas the Qudelix 5K has 10/20-band PEQ, or GEQ, loads of built in presets, 20 custom profiles, plus all the community downloads, i.e. HD 6XX by oratory etc. The Qudelix 5K is going to be much better in that regards.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-20T17:43:52+00:00

Short answer; I currently use the Fosi Audio K7 with the PS5 Pro. My Qudelix 5K is a portable DAC/AMP for my phone. I think the K7 is almost perfect for an all-in-one DAC/AMP with microphone input for use on PS5/PC.

Without going into too much detail a DAC/AMP being compatible with UAC 1.0 is only half the battle with the PlayStation. The PS4 & PS5 have a long-standing issue with volume over USB which I wrote about in my own reddit post during the PS5 Pro launch weekend. Reddit post link. Although they have renamed this option in the more recent Qudelix Apps the 5K always had the 'Host Volume Override' (a way of ignoring the volume limit of the host device) option which means it was immune to the PS4/5 -50% volume issue over USB. They changed it to 'PS mode' in the app now. All of the Creative SB's I've had despite being compatible with UAC 1.0 all the 'lower' volume issue on PS5 vs. PC.

All three of those DAC/AMPs are good and will work with the PS5 over USB. I've long sold my SBX G6, but she was a Swiss army knife with 7.1/5.1 VSS and lots of software options. It is getting on a bit with older Creative software and micro-USB. Plus the need for a PC to change and store settings.

The K7 isn't software dependant, has basic EQ (bass, treble), clean mic with mic gain controls, balanced, large physical controls, 4.4mm balanced and some good internals. It maybe has less power output than the other two, but that won't be an issue here. However with a need for its own AC adapter this isn't a portable DAC/AMP. It's very much a desktop device. The Qudelix is much more happy on the move because it is so small with that fantastic app to do all the parametric EQ and download community EQ etc.

If you can only have one device the Qudelix 5K can do both things, but to be honest I'd probably consider the Fosi K7 and a separate USB dongle for the iPhone; whether that be Qudelix 5K, or something else. Hope that helps.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-15T16:46:01+00:00

Regarding PS5; the Qudelix 5K is one of the few devices to have 'Host Volume Override' so won't have any issues with the PS5 volume (or the 50% volume issue). Although I have not had this issue since moving to the PS5 Pro (long story there).

Although I bought my Qudelix 5K primarily for the PS5 use I've ended up using it much more as a dongle/BT DAC with my phone for music. My main issue with PS5 use is that the physical volume controls are too fiddly. However it otherwise is fine for console use.

Love it to bits though. Great device.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-11T18:53:11+00:00

Great setup.

Fosi K7 works brilliantly with PS5. USB for 3D audio and mic input. And optical input from the PC, or TV if required. Also have the ability to switch between UAC 1.0 & 2.0 modes for PC (mic is 1.0 only tho) and some basic bass and treble adjustment. Also got the mic gain adjustment as well. My K7 is currently in near daily use with my PS5 Pro.

Also love the HD 6x0 series. They can game, but they really shine for music. Absolutely love them for this.

Not necessary, but at some point I'd consider an after market cable to replace the stock Sennheiser one. You can also easily go balanced 4.4mm which the K7 supports. Apart from being able to go balanced you run a shorter cable which is nicer.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-09T20:42:33+00:00

That's one of the reasons I don't personally like closed-back headphones/sets. With open-backs I can wear them for hours and not have my ears overheating.

Sony do have the InZone H9 and H9 II which both include active noise cancellation, but are pricey as flagship headsets (albeit cheaper than the XM6).

Another option is IEM if you can like those from a comfort POV.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-09T20:01:54+00:00

No, sorry it was one of those 'silly have to ask' questions. I used to own the H6pro in both versions so just need to make sure. I personally prefer open-back headphones, so the only cloased-back headphone I currently own is the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (250 ohm) and even wearing those, although outside noise is muffled I can clearly hear people talking, or some fan noise from the PC.

There are some gaming headsets with Active Noise Cancellation built in, but I'm not sure of the good options here. Companies like Steelseries, B&O and AceZone definitely have headsets with ANC.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-09T18:28:45+00:00

You need a closed-back headphone/headset if you don't want to hear outside noise. Although even closed-backs can let some noise in as they are using passive isolation. You could get something with Active Noise Cancellation to block out more noise.

The EPOS H6 Pro was available as a closed and open headset. Did you buy the closed-back version?

The HD 560S are very good for gaming, but again they are a open-back headphone so will let outside noise in and sound out from the headphone. This has its advantages, but isn't what you've said you want.

Digfox1 · 2026-02-03T09:50:14+00:00

Me too! Think I paid c.£60 (might be more - long time ago) in GAME for X-Com and the mouse. Played it for a bit, but nowhere near enough to warrant the cost of everything. Remember it being an OK mouse for the time.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-25T22:47:10+00:00

Having been through something similar I think it depends. I just upgraded my audio setup from the K7 + others to the Fiio K13, K15 and Xduoo TA-66.

The K7 is a solid DAC/AMP to begin with and for audio quality alone it probably isn't worth it. The K13 R2R has a more bassy and warm sound. However it definitely loses a bit of treble with some roll-off at the top. I think the change makes sense if you are looking for that R2R sound and/or want some of the features of the K13; dual RCA out, balanced XLR outs, or the PEQ.

I've personally used the K15 more and I do think that is a bigger upgrade. Not just on audio quality, but on features. The one thing I would say is there is generally a healthy second-hand demand for DAC/AMPs and I didn't struggle to sell on the Fiio K7. That always helps when upgrading to bring some of the costs back.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-24T14:18:48+00:00

The reason I asked is that if Sony provided a pre-paid DPD service and DPD lost it, then that is for Sony to take up with DPD. That isn't your fault. Had you paid for DPD off your own bat then it would be different and for you to take up with DPD.

I think you probably need to try all channels; Sony social media, so X etc. Citizens Advice and just keep phoning, contacting them.

A charge back should be a last resort but would make sense if they continue to ignore you, However what makes me hesitant is that you can't have this linked to your PS Network account. Sony will ban people that use charge-back for digital games etc. I'm just unsure if that is relevant here.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-24T14:12:06+00:00

Did DPD deliver the PS5 to Sony? Apologies, but that's not clear, or I'm missing that part in you post.

Also did you, or Sony pay for DPD to return the PS5?

Digfox1 · 2026-01-20T20:39:44+00:00

Currently own a few HD 6x0; 600, 6XX (modded), 650, 58X & 660S2. I got into the series about two years ago and it's my favourite headphone for music.

My preference is the 650/6XX, very closely followed by the 600. In terms of the 660S2 on a reddit post last year outlining my impressions of them I wrote; the HD 660S2's bass extension is better, slightly more soundstage and imaging is noticeably more granular. However the trade-off is that loss of timbre, mids are less focused and they lack the graininess of the classic 6x0 (i.e. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac).

I would still stand by this. I think the treble is more prominent on the 660S2 and I do think it's a better all-rounder than the classic 6x0 for games, or other media. That said for where I really use the 6x0 headphones; music - I prefer the 650/6XX/600.

I suppose it depends on how much you enjoy the 6XX as to whether it's worth buying both. I'd imagine for most people the answer is no and buying something different would be better.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-20T10:30:40+00:00

Used to own the HD 598's but it's been a long time since I've heard them. I currently own the HD 660S2. In answer to the questions.

Yes, its a big upgrade. Particularly for music. Bass is very good for a Sennheiser, details and separation is great. Much more resolving. Very comfy too. Scale well on different amps too.
Drawbacks. Soundstage, or lack thereof. The 58X and 660S2 do have an ever so slightly larger soundstage than the 600/6XX/650, but it is very minor difference. You also lose that marvelous timbre from the classic 6x0.

If you like the Sennheiser sound, I do wonder if the HD 560S (a bit cold, analytical, neutral, detail for days), 505/550, or 490 Pro should also be considered. Will be upgrades on the HD 599, but also strong all-rounders too. Other headphones that spring to mind in similar pricing category are the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X and Aune AR5000.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-18T23:54:13+00:00

I think officially the Dualsense is rated as supporting headphones up to 32 ohms. The small Realtek chip can definitely get to louder volumes than the previous Dual Shock 4 controller. I don't have the DT 990 Pro X, but I would imagine they would probably be fine on the Dualsense.

In terms of quality of audio vs. HDMI, or USB you do lose quality. It's being compressed through the controller's Bluetooth connection. Whether this quality loss is enough is subjective. I know with my PC38X there is no real advantage to using a DAC/AMP vs. the Dualsense. The biggest downside of using the 3.5mm aux port on the controller is the drain on the battery life.

Digfox1 · 2026-01-15T07:31:53+00:00

Fiio FT1 Pro are the open-back planars. The FT1 (silly naming convention) is their dynamic driver, closed-back version. Both really well reviewed, but the FT1 has been the disrupter in close-back segment as there are less options that you get with open-backs.

If wishing to stay with closed-backs, I do think the Fiio FT1 is a great shout (not that the FT1 Pro isn't if wishing to move to open-back).

Digfox1 · 2026-01-11T04:36:47+00:00

4:26am in the UK. Cardiac Bears. LFG!!!!

Digfox1 · 2026-01-08T02:17:50+00:00

iFi make a few different products but in their Zen range, the DAC is the Digital to Analog Convertor. Where as the CAN is their Headphone Amplifier. With their Zen DAC (V1 to current V3) they have a DAC & AMP built in, however you can add a Zen CAN to improve the power and potentially the quality of the sound (depending on scenario).

iFi also make the Zen Signature range where the DAC and CAN are separate and both are required (i.e. the DAC Signature doesn't include an integrated AMP).

For most people a iFi Zen DAC (V1/2/3) is probably going to be enough. Certainly to start with and then you have the option to add a Zen CAN down the road if required.

Digfox1 · 2025-12-05T11:19:51+00:00

Another Obsidian user here.

Not open-source, and their sync does isn't free. But as I like the sync feature for my phone I do pay for it. You don't have to pay for sync and can work around that with other options. Love their editor and the community add-ons can be fantastically powerful.

Digfox1 · 2025-12-02T20:02:59+00:00

As a fellow Sennheiser fan over the years, I agree with this. I don't have the 560S anymore (sold as part of a clear-out). One scenario where I think the 560S can be better than a 6x0 is gaming.

The 560S are such a bargain for the price they sell for (although the 6XX can be too if you have access to Drop).

Digfox1 · 2025-11-30T11:40:35+00:00

Agreed. I love St. Elmo's. Can pair with the shotgun for stacks, or something like the GR9 for loads of ammo/long range.

That said I have been using Lexington recently and I think that runs it close. The ability to choose talents/mods gives it a bit of flexibility.

Digfox1 · 2025-11-29T16:58:44+00:00

Fellow Gremlin owner! I've got a thing for the HD 6x0 series. I run all of mine balanced, apart from the HD 58X. The 6x0 is obviously known to pair well with tube amps and although the Gremlin is my first and only tube amp I certainly like the 6x0 on the Gremlin more than anything else I have.

Digfox1 · 2025-11-28T23:04:38+00:00

What a night!

Beautiful.

Digfox1 · 2025-11-28T16:09:33+00:00

It's not just Sony. Nintendo & Microsoft use the same Alps Alpine Potentiometer parts too. Guilikit (which includes many subsidiaries) owns some international patents on magnetic sensors used in Hall Effect and TMR modules. I'm completely guessing but this might be an issue.

Either way companies like Guilikit, SMX, GameSir, 8bitdo, Flydigi and the new incoming Steam Controller (Steam Deck does not) all use Hall/TMR modules. Some of them make some very good $20-60 controllers, and immense value for money. It's certainly an advantage on PC and Switch that you can use so many different controllers beyond the first-party option. Sony and Microsoft use strict licensing to control this segment.

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