FiiO K5 Pro vs Creative G6 - Mainly music usage

Space Monkey

Space Monkey

Space Monkey

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Hey guys,

Due to installing my GPU in a vertical mount I had to sell my sound card and was thinking of just using the onboard audio on my motherboard, but its not been great, so I'm thinking of getting an external soundcard.

My cans are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBB and my usage is mainly music from uncompressed FLACs taken from CDs.

I will of course use it for PC gaming but I don't play first person shooters so positional sound isn't a prime concern for me, play stuff like racing games, turn based strategy etc... so I'm assuming for these types of games both of my choices will be equal in that regard?

I appreciate there is approx £40 difference, but that's not a worry, just what's the best option?

Thanks in advance :)
 
Took delivery of both the K5 Pro and G6 in November and posted a few times about both since then. I think both are great and I don't think there is a lot in it. The K5 Pro is possibly a smidge smoother in it's sound, but they are very similar in their sound.

For music I would lean towards the Fiio K5 Pro.

That said I do think there are features for either that are unique. For example the K5 Pro has it's own power, more connections (RCA for speakers, although not line-outs) and feels more sturdy (no micro USB like the G6). A better 'desktop' unit. Where as the G6 is more portable, has microphone input and is more easier to use with other devices (i.e.consoles). Although you've mentioned VSS isn't needed, the G6 is one of the best in this area. A veritable swiss army knife for playing PC and console games although you can switch all that off.

Hope that helps.
 
Space Monkey said:
The Creative Sound Blaster Z (the red one)
Click to expand...
I can't comment on the SB Z but the Xonar Essense ST was supposed to be 'audiophile' grade and had many great reviews. Luckily the SB G6 holds up to the reviews and sounds great with music and gaming. Certainly on par with the Xonar
Speakers I have iLoud Micro monitors
 
Guest2 said:
I can't comment on the SB Z but the Xonar Essense ST was supposed to be 'audiophile' grade and had many great reviews. Luckily the SB G6 holds up to the reviews and sounds great with music and gaming. Certainly on par with the Xonar
Speakers I have iLoud Micro monitors
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info & @Timber really appreciate it :)

My microphone is a USB version so that goes directly to the PC which saves any hassles.

So against my previous card it looks like both options would be considered an upgrade in sound quality, and I must confess that the build quality and looks of the FiiO does interest me especially as it'll be sat on my PC desk all the time (no consoles here).

What's the build quality like on the G6, quite light as well isn't it?
 
Space Monkey said:
Thanks for the info & @Timber really appreciate it :)

What's the build quality like on the G6, quite light as well isn't it?
Click to expand...

No worries :)

The G6 is well made. Weighs in at 141g for me and is pretty light. Plastic but with various finishes, including a rubber coating on the underside which is a nice touch. Very portable, can easily be carried in a bag with a laptop.
 
I've just realised my new PC motherboard has an S/PDIF out and the FiiO K5 Pro has an optical in so do I just need an optical to optical cable and is this the best way to get the sound over, or should I get a USB to USB audio grade cable?

Are all optical cables created equally or should I be looking at a certain level?

One last question, my desktop speakers (Creative T40 MKIIs) have a 3.5mm input, so should I just get an RCA to 3.5mm cable for that from the FiiO?


Thanks :)
 
I personally use the USB cable included with the Fiio K5 Pro to connect to PC. I don't believe there's any need to use another PC USB lead (other than maybe needing a longer lead or something). One benefit of using USB is it leaves Optical input free for my TV (console) and MiSTer.

Based on what I've read there isn't a reason to spend too much on Optical cables. I've got a mix of Amazon basic and other brands and never heard a difference.

I've never had to convert RCA to 3.5mm but given the Fiio only has RCA outs it sounds like a plan.
 
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