Topping NX4 DSD vs Fiio Q3
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My thoughts on the NX4 DSD: Use: - macOS High Sierra -> Tidal HiFi -> Fiio EX1 2nd gen (16 Ohm) / VSONIC GR07 Bass Edition (50 Ohm) / Sennheiser HD 6XX (300 Ohm) - Nexus 6P (Android 8.1.0) -> Tidal HiFi -> Fiio EX1 2nd gen (16 Ohm) / VSONIC GR07 Bass Edition (50 Ohm) / Sennheiser HD 6XX (300 Ohm) Product: Product is well build and looks good. Quality volume pot (Alps). LEDs are subtle. Can drive low impedance IEMs, and also high impedance headphones with authority. I do wish it could run without depleting the internal battery when connected to a computer via USB (like iFi Micro iDSD BL, one intelligent USB port vs 2 separate ports). Plug-and-play on both my Mac and Nexus 6P. Comes with a bunch of accessories including all cables needed. Sound: Clear, detailed, slightly warm sound signature. Can reveal floor noise of recordings easily. No noise at all, even with low impedance IEMs. Good timbre/tone. Highs extend and can be slightly fatiguing with modern recordings. Vocals are pretty layed back. Average soundstage. Summary: Very good portable DAC/Amp; especially for the price. Good implementation of the Sabre ES9038 and nice design. Prefer sound signature of this over ES9018 based DACs I own (less glare).
I just picked up the NX4 and cant imagine there is much better for $110. I have been primarily using it with my Hifiman He400i connected via USB to my Pixel 2 and streaming from Google Play Music. I wont try and describe the sound except to say that its awesome to my ears. The only other headphone amp I have used prior to this is the Audioengine D1 I have connected to my computer. The NX4 blows the D1 that away in terms of driving the 400i and filling out the low end of the sounds while not sacrificing the mids and highs. I also have a set of AKG K550 which the NX4 has brought new life to. The bass boost is great with the k550. That said, I havent used the K550 as much because the 400i are beast. I am very happy with the NX4 and have no problem recommending it. If the NX4 DSD is an improvement on the original it sounds like a winner to me. I've never used the Q1, but I own the NX4. I'm very happy with it. It drives my Etymotic HF5s on low gain without noise and has enough power on high gain to handle my HD600s. Connectivity with my Mac, iPhone 5s and Moto G4 is good. It also works nicely with the line-out from my Fiio X1 DAP. Compared with some of my other DAC/Amp combinations, it seems to be perhaps slightly on the warmer side of neutral. Comparing the specs, it looks like the NX4 has considerably more power, can swing more voltage and has longer battery life than the Q1. The Q1 seems to offer more features in terms of DSD, balanced out and such. Also, it looks like the Q1 uses a single USB input for data and power, whereas the NX4 has separate ports for power and data.
Hello, thank you very much for answering me, if the truth that you are absolutely right, I was investigating both devices thoroughly and it is true the best thing that the NX4 has is that it has both connections separated and the fiio q1 mark ii no, then I got tired of Read reports that the battery is drained by having both connections in one place. What I am looking for is a bit more power, better sound quality and to be able to experience bass mode than a traditional smartphone or a notebook, the difference is clearly seen from the 3 points that I mention? |
