FiiO Q5S Bluetooth Decoder Amplifier,Mobile Phone Computer Portable Headphone Amplifier HIFI Balanced All-in-one DSD Hard Solution (Type-C Version) (titanium)

Product Information

As an upgrade from the previous iFi DACs, The new iFi Hip-DAC comes with increased convenience in connectivity. With USB input, it needs no separate adapter to connect to your smartphone. Further, its powerful amplifier can handle headphone outputs of up to 400mW power for top-quality audios. Soundscape or soundstage is a bit better with the Fiio Q5s-TC. Layering is different because of the organic analoguish presentation of the Chord Mojo and the more traditional and solid-state like of the Fiio unit. I can't say one is better then the other but they are very different in this regard , the Mojo can play bidimensional at times where I did not have this feeling with the Q5s-TC but then in small ensambles of jazz and voice or classical piano solos i.e. , the feed it gives to ears is way more life-like with an higher sense of transparency - then what Q5s-TC is able to as it delivers a slight quantity more of brightness on instruments and ultimately this can detract from realism . The BTR5’s output is powerful and with detailed resolution thanks to its single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm outputs. The potentiometer launches the device and works linearly in the fundamental frequency without a problem.

8 Best Portable DAC/Amp Combo of 2021 - Audiosolace 8 Best Portable DAC/Amp Combo of 2021 - Audiosolace

The iFi Micro iDSD Signature accepts inputs from USB, optical, and S/PDIF. Further, with analog capabilities like XBass+, iEMatch, and 3D+, the device can offer an immersive audio experience for your headphones. It supports three headphone output options—4.4mm, 6.3mm, and RCA. The bass was stronger and had more punch / presence with the older Q5. Q5s tend to be more linear, and this may be caused by the fact that the older AK4490EQ chip sounded fuller and more punchy in all implementations, than the newer AK 4493EQ. To put it better, it is not the presence that was changed, but everything is softer, including the hard edges on textures, which makes music more musical, and more pleasant to listen to, more natural. In return, this also kills some of the impact and punch the older Q5 had. 1 Hip-DAC supports numerous audio devices and will play up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 files. For control, Hip-DAC features several dedicated buttons and two LEDs that show the sampling rate and signal type. Also, there is an LED indicator for the charge level. There are two sets of rubber bands, so you can strap Q5S to any smartphone, regardless of the size. This is a good thing, and I forgot to mention this in my Earmen TR-AMP video review, but one strap may not be enough, and two are usually better for DAC/AMPs. The FiiO Q3 is the third iteration of the mighty Q1, the entry-level portable DAC/AMP from the brand. Think of it as a battery-powered K3, as both devices share lots of quirks and features.

Same sound signature , the major differences VS the balanced out is bass , dynamics handling and overall definition : these are more loose on unbalanced operation , tonal balance and timbres are less defined ; a side note worth adding is that this option is not unappealing , in fact I enjoyed quite the unbalanced-out when trying it ; the balanced out is superior anywhere or so for technicals but it is not always far better or more enjoyable as the unbalanced can make for a more relaxed listening ; it happened to me . There’s a tangible sense of singer and pianist in a simpatico relationship. And if ever there was a recording where the Q5’s all-encompassing need to be fully in control wasn’t an issue, this is it. Battery life is another excellent part. The producer promises 40 hours of work as an amplifier and 13 hours as a DAC/AMP. In mixed mode, I achieved about 20 hours on mid gain. The only thing I’m missing is the auto-ff function. You have to remember to switch off the device.

FiiO Q5s Type-C Bluetooth Headphone DAC/Amp – Apos Audio FiiO Q5s Type-C Bluetooth Headphone DAC/Amp – Apos Audio

Dragonfly plays all music files from MP3 and MQA. It’s fully compatible with high-resolution audio too. It supports resolutions of up to 24-bit/Khz(natively). ProsIf you like music from Spotify, iTunes, or Tidal, you won’t have to worry about high-resolution audio since the iFi Hip-native DAC’s digital-analog converter brings the original recording’s quality to your ears. You can modify your output audio using the Power Match and Xbass options without changing the digital conversion.

FiiO Q5S High Resolution DAC and Headphone Amplifier FiiO Q5S High Resolution DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Finally, on the left side, you can find three buttons. The first one is a simple input. The second one, SRC, works only for digital input, and it is there for resampling, 48, 96, and the 192KHz. The third one stands there for filters. PCM1 is “Sharp Roll-off,” PCM2 is “Slow Roll-off,” PCM3 is “Short Delay Sharp,” and PCM4 works as “Short Delay Slow.” Q5s-TC does the highs right , in the way that they are not overfloating or dreamy like in some Shanling DAP or other dongles adding artifical glare or contour to them , and they are not tamed at all. Highs are definitely nice , extended and well separated , they represent quite well what have been recorded and can be energic or leverage a little on stereo effect , which can make for an airier presentation too . If you’re looking for some aesthetics, then the iFi Micro iDSD Signature isn’t left behind. With an excellent blue finish and a slim, compact design, it’s visually impressive. Pros Other technologies featured in the BTR5 include one-touch NFC pairing, OLED display, digital filters, and USB DAC support. Also, the device supports AAC, aptX, SBC, aptX LL, aptX HD, and LDAC audio codecs.Music is as good as the equipment playing it. And technically, electronic devices like phones, computers, and gaming consoles have in-built digital audio converters (DACs) that play with regular headphones just fine. Now, put a quality portable DAC/Amp combo and quality headphones into the equation, and the sound quality gets to a whole new level. xDuoo XD-05 Plus + HIFIMAN Deva (250 USD + 300 USD) – With Deva, I always feel that I need more power. XD-05 Plus puts my mind to ease when it comes to powering Deva, as it has more than enough power, authority, and punc, making Deva truly shine their best. The soundstage is natural in size, since Deva had a really extensive stage, and the more intimate presentation of XD-05 Plus narrows that down a bit. Lately I have been in a quest for ultimate sound quality on portability . I bought quite a lot of portable dac/amp solutions , including different usb dongles , bluetooth dongles , smartphones , and a Chord Mojo Dac/Amp ; and still have some of them . I am audiophile or audio enthusiast ; been training in piano and drums when younger ; have quite demanding ears and can't get along happy with my listenings if there's a weak bass rendition or a lean body or a too light timbral representation of instruments .