Qudelix T71 Portable DSP DAC & HP Amp

[Sebby]

How does this compare to the FiiO BTR17?

The app for Fiio’s parametric EQ is slower and more cumbersome, but in the end it gets the job done. Qudelix has objectively better software with more features (though many are unnecessary for most users).
Speaking about the hardware, with Fiio you get a 4.4mm output, more output power, a Desktop mode with an additional power boost when connected to a power source, and the ability to bypass the battery. It also has a volume wheel (very convenient) and a screen where you can view everything and select saved PEQ profiles without needing to use the smartphone app (which makes the less optimized software less of an issue).
As a former Qudelix owner, I overall prefer the BTR17 and it has become my main device. I also have to admit that if Qudelix were to release a 5K Mark II with hardware similar to Fiio or at the same level, I wouldn’t hesitate to bench the Fiio and be set for years.

You need to weigh the pros and cons yourself.
Hardware: Fiio > Qudelix
Software: Fiio < Qudelix

 

[CedarX]

You need to weigh the pros and cons yourself.
Hardware: Fiio > Qudelix
Software: Fiio < Qudelix

Is your answer about 5K vs. BTR17?
As for the T71 vs. BTR17, I think it's difficult to compare the Hardware... If one needs Bluetooth > BTR17. If one wants to play with 7.1 downmix > T71. T71 has 3 battery modes: USB-powered (aka "desktop" mode), battery power, and hybrid, which BTR17 does not offer. T71 also has a 4.4mm output... Comparison is only valid for the features they have in common.
As for PEQ and from I can read in various forums, BTR17 has been plagued with FW and PEQ sync issues, precisely because of FiiO's HW choice: PEQ is processed by the XU316 for USB input, and QC5181 for BT input. Each chip is supposed to maintain your PEQ settings in sync. whether you enter them through USB (applied to XU316, sync'ed to QC5181 through internal bus) or BT (applied to QC5181, sync'ed to XU316 through internal bus), but it has certainly not been flawless! It also requires maintaining two separate firmware—one for the XU316, updated through USB, one for the QC5181 updated through BT. I'm not sure if BTR17 HW is that great of a hardware (personal opinion).

 

[Sebby]

Is your answer about 5K vs. BTR17?
As for the T71 vs. BTR17, I think it's difficult to compare the Hardware... If one needs Bluetooth > BTR17. If one wants to play with 7.1 downmix > T71. T71 has 3 battery modes: USB-powered (aka "desktop" mode), battery power, and hybrid, which BTR17 does not offer. T71 also has a 4.4mm output... Comparison is only valid for the features they have in common.
As for PEQ and from I can read in various forums, BTR17 has been plagued with FW and PEQ sync issues, precisely because of FiiO's HW choice: PEQ is processed by the XU316 for USB input, and QC5181 for BT input. Each chip is supposed to maintain your PEQ settings in sync. whether you enter them through USB (applied to XU316, sync'ed to QC5181 through internal bus) or BT (applied to QC5181, sync'ed to XU316 through internal bus), but it has certainly not been flawless! It also requires maintaining two separate firmware—one for the XU316, updated through USB, one for the QC5181 updated through BT. I'm not sure if BTR17 HW is that great of a hardware (personal opinion).

Since you asked about the BTR17, I thought you wanted a comparison with the 5K.
The BTR17 also has a desktop mode (I mentioned it), and the software issues were there at the beginning, but since its release it has received many updates (three since I’ve owned it) and it doesn’t show the slightest hesitation in doing everything perfectly

 

[gabege]

It may not be for everyone but both Qudelix dacs also offer crossfeed. It's quite good.

 

[Mort]

Looks like they are no longer sold on Amazon US?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Looks like they are no longer sold on Amazon US?

I do not know but Amazon may be awaiting a restocking of the T71 DAC from Qudelix.

It was recently listed as ‘sold out’ at the Qudelix online store but is now available again.

 

[Dk33145]

How is this at driving planars and does it have DC protection? My Noire X just doesn't sound great with dongles given the current requirements.

 

[Chanur]

I'm seriously tempted to get this instead of a Topping DX5II or Fiio K13 for my bedroom listening.

 

[gabege]

How is this at driving planars and does it have DC protection? My Noire X just doesn't sound great with dongles given the current requirements.

It works well with my noire x.

 

[bixbeed]

Just got my trump tariff bill from FedEx for the T71 I ordered. If you order from the quedelix site and ship to the USA, the fedex tariff billing fees ($15) and trump tariff ($24.43) add up to $39.43 for a T71.

 

[gabege]

Just got my trump tariff bill from FedEx for the T71 I ordered. If you order from the quedelix site and ship to the USA, the fedex tariff billing fees ($15) and trump tariff ($24.43) add up to $39.43 for a T71.

I thought the tariffs were shut down.

 

[Chanur]

I thought the tariffs were shut down.

No. He just implemented them under a different rule. That's why the court case was stupid.

 

[Power Pop 23]

The Supreme Court decided the case was important enough to rule on instead of dismissing the appeal.

 

[Chanur]

The Supreme Court decided the case was important enough to rule on instead of dismissing the appeal.

Yes but not enough to actually revoke the power given to the president by Congress to set tariffs. It's kicking the can down the road or tacitly approving of his tariff power.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Just got my trump tariff bill from FedEx for the T71 I ordered. If you order from the quedelix site and ship to the USA, the fedex tariff billing fees ($15) and trump tariff ($24.43) add up to $39.43 for a T71.

The tariffs currently assessed - like yours - may ultimately be ruled illegal - as with the earlier tariffs.

FedEx (and other companies) have begun the process of securing refunds of these earlier tariffs

FedEx and UPS will refund tariffs to customers. Here’s how to get your money back

The first of the government’s payments are expected in early May, but it will likely take longer for companies to get refunds

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Chanur]

The tariffs currently assessed - like yours - may ultimately be ruled illegal - as with the earlier tariffs.

FedEx (and other companies) have begun the process of securing refunds of these earlier tariffs

FedEx and UPS will refund tariffs to customers. Here’s how to get your money back

The first of the government’s payments are expected in early May, but it will likely take longer for companies to get refunds

www.independent.co.uk

Yeah my company is hoping to get a bunch back too. Guess we will see if the government actually pays out.

 

[Somafunk]

The tariffs currently assessed - like yours - may ultimately be ruled illegal - as with the earlier tariffs.

Yet again The Big Lebowski provides us with a suitable quote

 

[Power Pop 23]

Just got my trump tariff bill from FedEx for the T71 I ordered. If you order from the quedelix site and ship to the USA, the fedex tariff billing fees ($15) and trump tariff ($24.43) add up to $39.43 for a T71.

I received a similar billing today from FedEx for a Qudelix T71 'IEM' - that was delivered from Korea in January 2026.

Do you recall when you took delivery of your Qudelix T71 DAC from FedEx ?

 

[bixbeed]

I received a similar billing today from FedEx for a Qudelix T71 'IEM' - that was delivered from Korea in January 2026.

Do you recall when you took delivery of your Qudelix T71 DAC from FedEx ?

April 10th

 

[1231rq32r1qw32r]

Received in UK. Not tax. Bit of a bargain at the moment given exchange rate.