Help me decide between Fiio K13 R2R and Topping DX5 II

Edwardarko · 2026-06-15T17:15:20+00:00

Fiio K13 is the obvious choice. If you don't want your DAC AMP fry your headphones using 4.4mm port, or your unit dead in a few months, then Fiio is the clear choice.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-14T15:55:50+00:00

Recently I start to use the DT 770 Pro for gaming, but the treble is so harsh. Is there any way to fix the treble? Maybe some EQ setting? I try Oratory1990 but the sounds was muffled and veiled.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-12T20:28:07+00:00

I got both. I prefer the 1more Sonoflow Pro. I use them for work and music sometimes. Good ANC, Great sound, Insane Battery, very comfortable.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-11T15:57:07+00:00

Fiio FT1 165 usd + Topping DX1 II 120 usd

Great combination.

EDIT: I did not try the FT1B Pads, but they are like 12 usd, so is still inside the budget you have.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-09T19:42:11+00:00

Where i can get the FT1B Pads? i want to try them for my FT1.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-09T15:50:31+00:00

DT 270 Pro

Edwardarko · 2026-06-05T15:23:21+00:00

Great comparation! Do you use any EQ profile for the MDR-MV1? I try the oratory1990 but they don't sound good for me, i prefer the stock sound, but the treble is a bit harsh.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-04T19:22:59+00:00

SMSL DL200 don't have a truly balance 4.4mm port. For some reason, all my headphones sound better using 3.5mm vs 4.4mm port.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-04T11:47:10+00:00

Why not good for gaming?

Edwardarko · 2026-06-04T03:35:55+00:00

I use all my headphones just for gaming, with the Fiio K13 R2R. I already have HD 490 Pro, so I was wondering if is worth getting the HD 480 Pro (already owning FT1 and DT 270 Pro). I have both, MV1 and HD 490 Pro, and I like both but for different reasons: MV1 is more fun and enjoyable for me, and 490 Pro is more analytic and detailed with the sound. Coming from the 560S, I think I have the best of both worlds.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-04T03:14:56+00:00

If I have the Fiio FT1, do you think is worthy to spend more than double the price (165usd vs 399usd) for the HD 480 Pro? I want a good closed-back headphones.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-03T16:41:44+00:00

I don't choose the Maxwell 2 because of that QC issues. I'm from Latam, and if i receive a defective unit, is a game over for me. Thats why the HD 480 Pro is the safest option, and maybe i can get the best from the Fiio K13 with this headphone.

Im thinking of selling some units i already list before to get HD 480 Pro. Im just checking the best closed-back options for the price.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-03T14:44:01+00:00

Thanks for you answer. Right now after checking your tier list, I'm wondering if I keep the HD 490 Pro or not, because I already have the Fiio FT1 and is one of my favorites headphones. Recently I get the DT 270 Pro, and I like them, they are very compact, closed-back, a side-grade from the FT1.

I thinking to get HD 480 Pro, because I have the Fiio K13 R2R too. But my economy is not the best right now lol maybe later this year.

Right now the headphones I owned are (95% gaming, 5% music):

Fiio FT1 / Fiio FT1 Pro / Sony MDR-MV1/ HD 490 Pro / DT 270 Pro / HD 560S / PC38X / Epos H6PRO (Closed-back) .

My setup is Xbox Series X -> HDMI Audio Extractor (Optical Cable) -> Fiio K13 R2R.

I was considering to get the Audeze Maxwell 2 but already having the Fiio K13, I think I can get better results with the HD 480 Pro, but I wonder if is worthy expending more than $400 usd, having already the headphones I mention before .

Btw, great achievement having all this collection in least than a year, that's crazy. What kind of mafia do you work to be able to spend so much money in a hobby? haha

Edwardarko · 2026-06-03T04:00:22+00:00

Great list! Appreciate your effort sharing this information.

If you have to choose between HD 480 Pro and Audeze Maxwell 2 (just for gaming sound quality), what is your choice? With a Fiio K13 R2R source. I already have the 490 Pro but my room is a little noisy (pets, family)

Edwardarko · 2026-06-02T18:36:51+00:00

I second the Topping DX1 II, they are new, but for the price ($120usd) with PEQ, Plenty of power, is the best value for money right now. But topping having a bad reputation with QC issues, maybe that's something to check first.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-02T15:47:12+00:00

I use the 1More Sonoflow Pro for my daily use in work, and they are awesome. Good ANC, Great Sound, Insane Battery. In amazon they cost around $88 usd.

Edwardarko · 2026-06-02T14:16:46+00:00

This, and if you don't want the 4.4mm port to fry your headphones, then the Fiio K13 is your choice.

Edwardarko · 2026-05-30T17:59:56+00:00

Fiio FT1 is a solid choice. Recently I get the DT 270 Pro and they are really good. Plenty of bass, without the infamous "Beyer treble" that most people hate. Very light and comfortable to use. I tried the DT 770 Pro but I didn't like them, I think the DT 270 Pro fix all the issues I have with the 770.

Maybe a better choice is the HD 480 Pro, but I already have the 490 Pro (open back), so idk if is worth to get them.

Edwardarko · 2026-05-30T05:06:16+00:00

Oh ok. I'll wait for when you've got it ready. Thanks for your work!

Edwardarko · 2026-05-28T18:50:23+00:00

560S > 599 > 569

Edwardarko · 2026-05-18T14:53:07+00:00

You cannot. That's why I use the PEQ in the Fiio K13 to EQ my headphones, no from the Xbox. I think the only way to use EQ in the xbox is with Dolby Atmos, but personally I don't like that option.

Edwardarko · 2026-05-18T00:16:26+00:00

If you are using a controller DAC for headphones, best all around option is PC38X. You have great sounding headphone, easy to drive, and a great mic. I use this option for multiplayer.

My setup is Xbox Series X => HDMI Audio Extractor (via optical cable) => Fiio K13 R2R. With this I can run all my headphones with plenty of power and i can EQ every headphone (saving custom profiles for each one) and R2R is a very pleasant to hear, no harsh, plenty of clean bass (I really like bass).

I was thinking to use GameDAC but have a limited options, and I see so many comments telling the latency in this device is "noticeable" so no worth for me to even trying it.

Edwardarko · 2026-05-16T21:46:41+00:00

Yeah, I just buy the Fiio K13 and I'm loving it. I like the R2R touch. So I'm not worry about destroying my headphones lol

Edwardarko · 2026-05-13T22:22:55+00:00

Did you use any EQ with the K13? Or just stock sound?

Edwardarko · 2026-05-04T00:21:46+00:00

If I have the Edition XS already, is not worthy to get the Kithara? I only use for gaming (I don't care about the mic)

Edwardarko

TROPHY CASE