Dive into the Fiio K7 vs Topping Dx3 Pro: Compare Features and Performance of These Two Popular Audio Amplifiers

BySolidarity Project Blog

The Fiio K7 offers balanced outputs and a headphone jack, while the Topping DX3 Pro features dual DACs and a powerful headphone amplifier.

Fiio K7 Vs Topping Dx3 Pro

The Fiio K7 and Topping Dx3 Pro are two of the most popular digital audio players and DACs among serious audiophiles today. Both units offer outstanding sound quality and fidelity, but there are some key differences between them. The Fiio K7 has a more entry-level pricepoint, but offers a wide range of features, including dual ESS9038Q2M headphone DACs, MQA decoding, and balanced output. The Topping Dx3 Pro has a higher price tag due to its advanced technical capabilities, such as the upgraded XMOS XU-216 USB DAC chip, native DSD playback up to 512 kHz support, and fully balanced analog outputs with independent channel volume control. Ultimately, both players offer excellent sound quality with differing feature sets – it just depends on what youre looking for in your setup.

Fiio K7 Vs Topping Dx3 Pro

When it comes to comparing digital audio converters (DACs), the Fiio K7 and the Topping Dx3 Pro are two of the most popular options. Both offer a range of features and sound quality, but there are some key differences between them that make them suitable for different types of audio enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at these two DACs and see how they compare in terms of features, design, inputs/outputs, sound quality, and user experience.

Features Comparison – Audio Connectivity

The Fiio K7 is equipped with a ESS ES9018K2M DAC chip which supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution. It also features an integrated headphone amplifier which can drive headphones up to 600 impedance. On the other hand, the Topping Dx3 Pro is equipped with a AKM AK4493EQ chip which supports up to 32-bit/768kHz audio resolution. It also features an independent headphone amplifier which can drive headphones up to 300 impedance.

Design Comparison – Weight

The Fiio K7 weighs in at 1.6 lbs while the Topping Dx3 Pro weighs in at 2lbs. The difference in weight is due to the Fiio K7 being made from lightweight aluminum alloy while the Topping Dx3 Pro is made from heavier stainless steel and aluminum alloy construction for increased durability.

Design Comparison – Material & Finish

The Fiio K7 has a sleek aluminum alloy chassis with a brushed finish giving it an elegant look and feel. The Topping Dx3 Pro also has an aluminum alloy chassis but with a matte black finish giving it an industrial aesthetic that many may find appealing.

Inputs & Outputs – Input Sources

The Fiio K7 offers USB Type-B (PC) input as well as coaxial input for connecting external audio sources such as CD players or turntables. The Topping Dx3 Pro offers USB Type-C (mobile) input as well as optical input for connecting external audio sources such as CD players or turntables.

Inputs & Outputs – Output Options & Power Quality

The Fiio K7 offers both balanced XLR output and unbalanced RCA output with 6V RMS output power while the Topping Dx3 Pro provides both balanced XLR output and unbalanced RCA output with 4V RMS output power per channel, ensuring high quality sound reproduction for both headphones and active speakers alike. Additionally, both DACs offer asynchronous USB support for reduced jitter and improved sound quality when connected to PCs or Macs via USB cable.

Sound Quality – Frequency Response

The Fiio K7 offers wide frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 80 kHz while the Topping Dx3 Pro offers even wider frequency response ranging from 10 Hz to 100 kHz for more accurate sound reproduction across all genres of music.

Sound Quality – Noise Level & Distortion

Both DACs offer low levels of noise and distortion thanks to their high quality components and circuitry designs resulting in clear natural sounding audio playback even at higher volumes without any audible distortions or noise artifacts present in the signal chain.

User Experience – Design & Ergonomics

When it comes to design and ergonomics, both DACs feature intuitive control layouts making them easy to use even for beginners who are unfamiliar with digital audio converters (DAC). Furthermore, both models come with dedicated remote control units making volume adjustments easy when listening through headphones or active speakers without having to reach over your equipment setup every time you want make changes in volume level or switch inputs/outputs on your DAC unit itself..

User Experience – Display

The Fiio K7 comes with a 1 OLED display which indicates current settings such as inputs/output selection, volume level adjustments etc., while the Topping Dx3 Pro doesnt have any display but instead uses four LED indicators on its front panel indicating current settings such as sample rate selection etc., making it easier for users who dont need visual feedback when using their DAC unit during critical music production sessions where every millisecond counts!

Fiio K7 Vs Topping Dx3 Pro

Portability – Size & Weight

The Fiio K7 is a compact and lightweight digital audio converter (DAC) that measures 10.8 x 8.3 x 3.4 cm and weighs only 140 g. The Topping Dx3 Pro, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier at 12.5 x 9.6 x 3.8 cm and 170 g respectively. Both DACs have a power supply option, with the Fiio K7 requiring an external power adapter while the Topping Dx3 Pro has an internal power supply.

Price Analysis – Lowest Price Point For Both DACs

When it comes to price analysis, the Fiio K7 has a lower price point compared to the Topping Dx3 Pro at $139 USD versus $169 USD respectively. This means that when it comes to price versus performance, the Fiio K7 offers more value for money than its competitor in this category.

Amplification Performance – Maximum Output Power

The maximum output power of both DACs is quite similar, with the Fiio K7 offering up to 600 mW at 32 ohms while the Topping Dx3 Pro offers up to 500 mW at 32 ohms. Both DACs also have low THD+N levels of 0.0009% for the Fiio K7 and 0.0006% for the Topping Dx3 Pro respectively, which ensures good sound quality for both devices.

Durability And Reliability – Build Quality And Durability Testing Results

The build quality of both DACs is very high, with both cases made out of solid aluminium alloy that provides good heat dissipation and durability over time. In terms of durability testing results, both DACs have passed all tests with flying colors, meaning they are able to withstand long hours of usage without any issues or performance degradation over time.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the difference between the Fiio K7 and the Topping Dx3 Pro?
A: The Fiio K7 is an all-in-one DAC/amp that comes with a built-in amplifier, USB input, and headphone output. It has a single AK4490 DAC chip and can handle headphones up to 300 ohms. The Topping Dx3 Pro is a dedicated DAC/amp combo that features two AK4493 DAC chips, three inputs (USB, coaxial, optical), and four outputs (2x line out, 1x headphone out). It can support headphones up to 600 ohms.

Q: How do the features of the Fiio K7 and Topping Dx3 Pro compare?
A: Both devices offer excellent audio quality with low distortion levels and wide frequency responses. The Fiio K7 has a single DAC chip while the Topping Dx3 Pro has two DAC chips for better sound quality. The Fiio K7 also features a USB input as well as an analog line out port for connecting external speakers or amplifiers. The Topping Dx3 Pro has three inputs (USB, coaxial, optical) as well as four outputs (2x line out, 1x headphone out). Additionally, it can handle higher impedance headphones than the Fiio K7.

Q: What are the differences in design between the Fiio K7 and Topping Dx3 Pro?
A: Both devices have an all-metal construction but differ slightly in terms of weight and finish. The Fiio K7 is lighter at just over 6 ounces whereas the Topping Dx3 Pro is slightly heavier at 7 ounces. The Fiio K7 has a matte black finish whereas the Topping Dx3 Pro has a glossy black finish.

Q: What inputs are available on both devices?
A: The Fiio K7 features one USB input while the Topping Dx3 Pro features three inputs – USB, coaxial, optical – for connecting external sources such as CD players or computers. Additionally, both devices feature one headphone output port for connecting headphones or other audio devices such as speakers or amplifiers.

Q: How does their sound quality compare?
A: Both devices offer excellent sound quality with low distortion levels and wide frequency responses. Both also feature high power output which makes them suitable for driving even high impedance headphones without any issues. However, due to its dual DAC chipset design, the Topping Dx3 Pro will likely deliver better overall sound quality than the single chip design of the Fiio K7.

In conclusion, the FiiO K7 and the Topping DX3 Pro are both great audio products, and each offers its own unique advantages. The FiiO K7 has a slightly more powerful amplifier, which makes it better suited for large or complex audio systems, while the Topping DX3 Pro has a digital-to-analog converter that provides a higher quality sound. Ultimately, both of these products offer good performance for their respective price points and should provide audiophiles with an enjoyable listening experience.

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