Stored Category Comparison

FiiO KA17 vs Topping DX5 II

This page compares two published dacs profiles using stored summaries, source-attributed scoring, and a single lines-only radar for fast visual difference checks.

Back to FiiO KA17Open Topping DX5 II

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FiiO KA17
Topping DX5 II

Category Scores

Stored score comparison

Every score is pulled from the stored product intelligence snapshot for this category pair.

AxisKA17DX5 IIDelta
Bass
7.8
8.2
+0.4
Mids
7.8
8.1
+0.3
Treble
7.8
8.2
+0.4
Technicalities
8
8.6
+0.6
Soundstage
7.9
7.9
Even
Value
8.6
8.7
+0.1

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FiiO KA17 can only be compared against published dacs profiles.

Quick Read

FiiO KA17

The KA17 is FiiO's $149.99 flagship dongle: dual ESS DACs feeding a THX AAA 78+ stage that scales from 300mW balanced on phone power to 650mW with an external supply in Desktop Mode. Approved reviews agree its pitch is unmatched drivability-per-dollar: Headfonics rates it one of the favorite dongles of its price segment for driving both IEMs and full-size headphones while staging well, and MajorHiFi's measurements confirm the power story. The recurring caveats are practical: it is large and power-hungry for a phone-fed dongle, and its clean, balanced tuning is more capable than characterful.

Topping DX5 II

The DX5 II may be the strongest $299 desk box of its generation: dual ES9039Q2M DACs, up to 7.6W of balanced headphone power, on-board parametric EQ, and a customizable UI, measured by Audio Science Review at under 0.00006% THD+N: performance they call essentially without fault. Headfonics' subjective take matches: lots of clean power that drives most headphones, valuable features, and granular PEQ tuning. The consensus criticisms are minor: Topping's clean-neutral house sound offers no romance, the feature depth hides behind menus, and the crowded sub-$300 all-in-one segment includes serious competition.

FiiO • DACs

FiiO KA17

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The KA17 is FiiO's $149.99 flagship dongle: dual ESS DACs feeding a THX AAA 78+ stage that scales from 300mW balanced on phone power to 650mW with an external supply in Desktop Mode. Approved reviews agree its pitch is unmatched drivability-per-dollar: Headfonics rates it one of the favorite dongles of its price segment for driving both IEMs and full-size headphones while staging well, and MajorHiFi's measurements confirm the power story. The recurring caveats are practical: it is large and power-hungry for a phone-fed dongle, and its clean, balanced tuning is more capable than characterful.

Strengths

  • Desktop Mode unlocks 650mW balanced: genuine headphone-driving power
  • Clean, balanced sound with good staging for the class
  • Feature-dense: app EQ, gain modes, display, and dual outputs at $150

Weaknesses

  • Chunky for a dongle and thirsty on phone battery at high output
  • Neutral-clean tuning offers little romantic character
  • Desktop Mode requires carrying or plugging a second cable

Topping • DACs

Topping DX5 II

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The DX5 II may be the strongest $299 desk box of its generation: dual ES9039Q2M DACs, up to 7.6W of balanced headphone power, on-board parametric EQ, and a customizable UI, measured by Audio Science Review at under 0.00006% THD+N: performance they call essentially without fault. Headfonics' subjective take matches: lots of clean power that drives most headphones, valuable features, and granular PEQ tuning. The consensus criticisms are minor: Topping's clean-neutral house sound offers no romance, the feature depth hides behind menus, and the crowded sub-$300 all-in-one segment includes serious competition.

Strengths

  • State-of-the-art measurements: sub-0.00006% THD+N at $299
  • 7.6W balanced output drives nearly any headphone
  • On-device parametric EQ and DSP with a customizable UI

Weaknesses

  • Clinically neutral character with no flavor options
  • Menu-driven depth has a learning curve
  • Fierce competition in the sub-$300 all-in-one class