Portable DAC with EQ

[Ten Protons]

Hello.
Could you please recommend a portable DAC up to $500 with a built-in equalizer?
The main feature is that it can be controlled via USB from a computer.

I was looking at the FiiO KA17, but its equalizer can only be adjusted from the phone, which is very inconvenient.
I've read about the Qudelix 5K, but according to reviews, it doesn't have clear and transparent enough sound.

 

[staticV3]

I've read about the Qudelix 5K, but according to reviews, it doesn't have clear and transparent enough sound.

According to the measurements, it does.

Ears are easily fooled into hearing what's not there. Audio analyzers aren't.

The Qudelix undoubtedly has clear and transparent enough sound.

 

[Ten Protons]

Based on your answer, there are no other offers on the market than the ones I mentioned above?

 

[staticV3]

Based on your answer, there are no other offers on the market than the ones I mentioned above?

There are other options, but none of them can match the Qudelix in quality and quantity of features, value for money, and long-term software support.

Seriously. If the Qudelix fits your use case, then just buy it. The competition is miles behind.

 

[Ten Protons]

There are other options, but none of them can match the Qudelix in quality and quantity of features, value for money, and long-term software support.

Seriously. If the Qudelix fits your use case, then just buy it. The competition is miles behind.

Thanks for answer.

 

[Jimbob54]

There are other options, but none of them can match the Qudelix in quality and quantity of features, value for money, and long-term software support.

Seriously. If the Qudelix fits your use case, then just buy it. The competition is miles behind.

+1 on that. Amazing really that its what, 3 years old ? and still pretty much in a class of its own, or at least top of a very small class. Especially given the boom in the IEM market and the wide discussions in the community about EQ. TBH I am not sure if there will ever be a true successor given that it looks like on-cable DSP seems to be the way of the future (for better or worse) .

 

[BDWoody]

I've read about the Qudelix 5K, but according to reviews, it doesn't have clear and transparent enough sound.

It may not be fancy or expensive enough to get full credit from 'reviewers,' but don't let that hold you back. I love mine.

 

[jhaider]

I've read about the Qudelix 5K, but according to reviews, it doesn't have clear and transparent enough sound.

That’s likely just because the people making such idiotic pronouncements aren’t smart enough fo use any modern product.

 

[Ten Protons]

That’s likely just because the people making such idiotic pronouncements aren’t smart enough fo use any modern product.

Maybe

I read its comparisons with tanchjim space and hidizs s9 pro (which I own) and according to the Qudelix 5K reviews, it lost to them in clarity. Although maybe you are right and I need to take a chance and buy it.

 

[Ten Protons]

I forgot to ask one small thing - if I adjust the equalizer on the FiiO KA17 via my phone, will these settings work when I connect it to my computer?

 

[staticV3]

I forgot to ask one small thing - if I adjust the equalizer on the FiiO KA17 via my phone, will these settings work when I connect it to my computer?

Yes.

 

[Ten Protons]

I purchased a Qudelix 5K and it has been great. Thank you all for your advice.