Thanks for making this video.... great review and comparison!

Absolutely amazing video! Thanks so much for this. I hope you are doing well, and would love to see more videos like this!!!

Hi Brian, what microphone are you using? It sounds really reaily clear and crisp. Thank you!

Hey great video I was debating about getting the btr5 before I saw this video. I have 2 questions though, (1) with the 5k does it have a neutral sound to it if I leave the eq on flat? I'm asking because I am going to be using this primarily for music production (on a budget lol) and thus require an accurate representation of the music being played with no added eq or filters. And second does the 5k overheat quickly when connecting via USB to computer or phone? Thanks in advanced 🖖🏽

@PurpleSkywalker

3 жыл бұрын

Oh ok awesome thanks for the reply

My wireless Sennheisers gave out on me only a few months into getting them, and even though I'm sending them in due to warranty, I really wanna give up and just get wired iems again, it's just hard to find out which one of these is worth

It seems for bluetooth the 5k is the best device at the moment. On the Qudelix website it mentions they have a partnership with Sony on their LDAC feature allowing you to adjust the Bluetooth connection over LDAC through their software, ie the equalizer or connection strength vs latency. The other devices don't have that option, however the btr5 does have a higher usb-dac bit rate. If your going to be solely using the Bluetooth function then the 5k or es100 might be a better option over the btr5 do to the better software.

Does the Qudelix (or any of this portable DACs) have a mic input when you use it on USB on your PC ? to put a 4 pole headphone with mic (or a gaming headset, Vmoda Boom cable with mic). I already tried with the BTR3K without success, i need a DAC that supports mic input but don't want to buy something like Sennheiser GSX or Schiit Fulla/Hel

@TehDAMD

3 жыл бұрын

Only the Qudelix 5K can make use of a 3.5mm TRRS headset/mic, but I believe you'll have to drop down to 48KHz (from 96KHz) sampling rate.

@pc_decisions8764

3 жыл бұрын

I have read that fiio added headset functions on there second firmware, but 5k having the latest qualcomm technology, i guess is cleaner

I'm planning to buy my first portable bluetooth dac and my budget is around price of btr3k and es100. is es100 can drive more power than btr3k? my gear is final e3000 and kph30i

So the equalizer on the 5K doesn’t work if it’s wired? I got confused hehe

Hi, If we connect both Qudelix 5k & iBasso DC-05 to a laptop or a smartphone along with a iem say Aria or tin t3+ with 3.5mm jack only which will sound better? If bluetooth and equilizer is not considered/ not used. Which one will u pick for really good sound output alone?Thanks☺️

@Hijynx87

Жыл бұрын

I’d say qudelix because of the extensive eq you can do on the app, also tons of presets to choose from for your specific iems/cans. Cant go wrong with either though.

If its between 5k and fiio k5 pro, which one better?

bluetooth mode 5k and btr5 have delay time ?

Great review Brian! I have a question regarding the USB DAC performance that you have touched on in your review; you compared the Qudelix to the ES100 but did not comment on the BTR5. How does it stack up to the Qudelix in your opinion? I am looking to get either one of these for a do-it-all bt/dac/amp for mainly desktop use but occasionally on-the-go as well. I hear that the BTR5 has a dedicated USB controller that goes up to 384K/32Bit after installing the drivers, but I would rather hear your subjective optinion on it and if it even makes a difference. Thanksss!

@ProjectsbyBrian

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you are correct on the USB performance. If you are mainly using this as a desktop DAC then the BTR5 is probably your best choice. However, the 5K is my favorite out of these 3 because I use my 5K at the office almost every day and the bluetooth features are a little more important to me. I'm not sure if you'd notice a difference in the 5K and the BTR5 when used as a USB DAC, especially if you're only streaming Spotify or something compressed. I hope that helps!

@babyscrotum

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian not sure if it got updated since your video release, but the BTR5 does have EQ control. the FiiO control app has a 10 band equalizer. So now that the BTR5 has a higher sample rate and also supports your BT features for EQ do you prefer this over the 5k? Price wise the 5k still wins and an extra 50 bucks as of right now for a higher sample rate isn't really a great value. I think the 5k is the best value but the btr5 does have all the same features with superior USB DAC performance.

@ProjectsbyBrian

2 жыл бұрын

@@babyscrotum Sorry for the late reply, I'm just now seeing this. I was not aware of the BTR5 update. I remember the BTR5 did in fact have EQ control, but it would not be applied when using it with the LDAC bluetooth codec, while the other devices could do that. Well said on the second part of your comment, I agree the 5K is the best value of the three, and I have been using it almost daily since I posted this video.

@babyscrotum

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian no worries on the late reply! And yes you're absolutely right the equalizer does not work in LDAC mode which really sucks

@pakakz

2 жыл бұрын

The eq also does not work in usb dac mode.

Good video. Thanks!

Does the 5k have ambient noise pass thru like the ES100?

@holzvvrm7718

3 жыл бұрын

It does, I think it sucks at least with the built in mic tho. Gonna test it again with inbuilt and headset mic tomorrow...

Nice voice. Very clear

Do you still have your ES100 MK1 and MK2? Looking at Amazon reviews, about 6% is 1 star. A lot of them stating that their ES100 broke down in less than a year. Any issues so far since you've had them for quite some time now

@maripido

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian thank you very much. This is good information

@maripido

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian what happened to your MK1 by the way? I already pulled the trigger a few days ago on the MK2. Bought it oneBay. If I return it, I'll be charged a re-stocking fee. I guess I'm going to have to live with it for a while.

@maripido

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian awesome! thanks for the reply!

Hey Brian, I got my 5k today. I can't turn the volume up on the 5k, only on my phone, and can't get the eq on the 5k to work, any help would be appreciated Thanks Russ

@WyattUTFT

3 жыл бұрын

I did see somewhere that you can't turn the volume up on the 5k unless music is playing

@hameedn.b7004

3 жыл бұрын

Well that’s kinda weird

@eliguzman36

3 жыл бұрын

Not sure if it was fixed in an update or what since I only got my 5k a couple weeks ago, but I can turn the volume of both my phone and the 5k in the app whether there's anything playing or not.

Price of Lotoo Paw S1 in my local shop has dropped since Qudelix 5k released. Which should I get? Bluetooth function is not a consideration factor.

@ronaldmcwhatnow9744

2 жыл бұрын

what did u get?

@gmr2gnr

2 жыл бұрын

@@ronaldmcwhatnow9744 I got the Lotoo Paw S1. Paw S1 had an update to support MQA, Qudelix still does not support MQA the last time I checked. But now I kind of want the Bluetooth function 🤔 might get another one. See which feature matters most to you.

@ahappycoder2925

2 жыл бұрын

@@gmr2gnr MQA is pure snake oil anyways

@gmr2gnr

2 жыл бұрын

@@ahappycoder2925 for real? So getting Tidal is pointless as well?

@ahappycoder2925

2 жыл бұрын

@@gmr2gnr MQA files have been shown to reflect ultrasonic noise into the audible range. It’s basically a lossy encoding with DRM that’s being marketed as better the FLAC (truly lossless). Check out Golden Sound’s video on it. I believe Amir has done one too

I havent had any problems with using an equalizer with my btr5. I got mine more recently, so maybe firmware? I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just insane and I have eq on and it's not working but my audeze isine 10's are running balanced and sound really good. As we all know those NEED eq.

@WhatThisVideo-WTv

2 жыл бұрын

BTR5 does not support eq on LDAC. Officially said by Fiio itself. You maybe using EQ on lower codecs like aptx hd etc. Your btr5 maybe switching to lower codec automatically.

if you are using it via bluetooth and then put in the USB cable, does the music turn off, e.g. laptop speakers turn on, then those turn off and the 5K turn on again? (as is the process via the ES100) or does the sound not really get interrupted?

@hansintakt5228

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian thx a lot

which bt dac/amp is best for making sundara's wireless?

@ProjectsbyBrian

2 жыл бұрын

My favorite lately has been the Qudelix 5K. It's the best all rounder and should drive the Sundara's pretty well.

Quite torn that the 5k cost $170 while the btr5 for $136 and es100 is basically unavailable :/ Go for 5k or cheaper btr5? (Tbh im leaning on 5k cause better battery, smaller, lighter, powerful, great app from the looks of it.) also which has a better background? Any hisses or noises? Thanks

@cupcakeobsession

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian thanks. its true ill be using it for a long time for a few years i guess that makes sense i really do like the app just by how it looks so far. Also what dap do you recommend sub 200 for pairing with 5k? My phone and laptop are old i dont even think theres 5 gig left xL (i have like 70gigs of song on a cloud service never to be played again 😔)

@cupcakeobsession

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian hmmm okay thank you :D

@karl3168

2 жыл бұрын

5k should be 100$ don't get scammed

I have the es100 paired with sundaras for walking around the house. I don't see a need to upgrade. Ivw had it for 3 or 4 years now. Only gripe is i wish it were usb c. Only this and my xbox one controller are micro usb.

Good video, thanks! I ordered this to use with my TV a long with a bluetooth 5.0 transmitter from Amazon. This will power my headphones while taking an apt-x bluetooth connection from the transmitter behind the TV. Unfortunately there are no BT 5.0 transmitters currently that support LDAC or Apt-x Adaptive, but when one is released, ill be able to use it with this. I had been following the 5k since last year, so pretty excited to have it around to play with

@Praetor353

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian Agreed! It's funny how niche high quality bluetooth is at the moment, and how much you have to figure out to make use of the good codecs. It's nice I can see what codec my s20 is currently using with X device under developer options. Have you used the 5k's equalizer when it's operating as a dedicated dac/amp over USB? I currently use Peace EQ on desktop and that has worked well so far

@WhatThisVideo-WTv

2 жыл бұрын

I don't know whether you know about it or not but fiio makes another device which is BTA30. It connects to TV either using toslink optical cable or RCA cable and then sends sound over LDAC codec. There is a newer version released which is BTA30 pro which has new chipset. The older model was not able to send LDAC audio over USB-C connection but the newer one can. So now you can connect bta30 to your PC also and send LDAC audio to your headphones.

Loving my Q 5K

Nice review! btw, headset with mic works too?

@holzvvrm7718

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, it works. You can even set the gain.

@pc_decisions8764

3 жыл бұрын

@@holzvvrm7718 which one is the best for headset?

@holzvvrm7718

3 жыл бұрын

@@pc_decisions8764 What do you mean? Which mic? Which gain?

@pc_decisions8764

3 жыл бұрын

@@holzvvrm7718 which of the three works for headsets, especially on PC

@holzvvrm7718

3 жыл бұрын

@@pc_decisions8764 Can only speak for the Qudelix, I never touched one of the others. That one works well over USB.

I felt the volume straight out of the headphone Jack on my old phone. Yeah that old was low going into a powered computer speaker. How could you guess the volume output of the qdilex might compare? I know a ton of variables just your best guess.

@ProjectsbyBrian

Жыл бұрын

I think it would be more than enough for any IEM or aux input. Only your high impedence headphones would struggle with the Qudelix, IMO.

@geniferteal4178

Жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian Thanks this is my only reference point and yeah. I know it's a random combination of stuff but I'm just trying to get a sense if it would be louder because that was a big. Disappointment I always had to have the volume 100% on the phone to get reasonable volume out of the speaker and my previous phone was not like. That and now I don't know what I'm gonna get out of this device. I'm paying extra money for. Besides all the other quality issues which I think are OK. I just want to know I'm going to get more level then I would from that old from the note for.

what are those tips?

@juhan9117

3 жыл бұрын

they look like symbio tips

do the lights stay on all of the time?

@pamela7633

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian thank you

say, 5k vs es100 or es100mk, thoughts ?? Source is a galaxy s9, the use would be for some custom in ear monitors, on a motorcycle, so battery life is huge, size, shape also a plus being smaller. This will be my first purchase like this. I have alclair studio3, and etymotic er4xr, plus some open back Sennheiser (pc use). Thinking the main use would be 3.5mm , i could look for a 2 pin 2.5mm balanced cable, but if the dac battery runs out, it would be a pain to connect to my phone. from the comments here, the 5k seems to be the way to fly?? is it overkill for a 3.5mm or for the price/quality its the one to purchase ?? (i also have the sen true wireless m2) thanks much for your time Also, if I use a Bluetooth remote, to control the volume on my phone when riding, i still will be able to change loudness with it correct , same as the phone up and down V ?? (without having to use the app or something?)

Will 5k be able to drive the sennheiser hd 650 300ohms?

@ProjectsbyBrian

2 жыл бұрын

My initial thought is no, however maybe someone else has tried it with good results.

@rsg5850

2 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian saw few other comments on other channels where 5k power up to 250 ohms. Does BTR5 can do 300ohms?

Not had a chance to test the 2.5mm on the 5k yet but like with the BTR5 it uses 2 dacs for the balanced for each channel, vs 1 in 3.5mm. Any differences you can hear?

@iKaGe01

3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectsbyBrian Yeah waiting for mine :) Good to hear. Sounds great in LDAC even with 3.5mm

@pc_decisions8764

3 жыл бұрын

The difference is power and battery

If you were only comparing them sonically which would prefer most. I can't decide between the 5k and the btr5

@Kirko_bangz

3 жыл бұрын

5k. I've had both (and currently have the 5k). The parametric EQ is worth it alone.

不错！

can i use this on ps5?

@ProjectsbyBrian

Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if it works on a PS5 and would have no way of testing it, sorry.

Hey Brian, I am getting a 5 k tomorrow. I usually use 3.5 mm cable, is it worth getting a 2.5 balanced cable. I usually use iem's, great reviews, I appreciate them Thanks Russ

@russferrence5608

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Brian for your response, I have high end iems from blon 03 to fearless audio, I tried several ear tips, I have azla tips on all my iems. I know people are private on you tube, is there any way we could chat. Thanks again Russ

In my head I hear "qu-DELL-ix" with the emphasis in the middle, but who knows?

@holzvvrm7718

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's how I call it as well.

The BTR5 Supports up to 384 kHz / 32-Bit and DSD 64/128/256 on usb

@pauldejong145

3 жыл бұрын

I mean he's using Spotify so it really doesn't matter all that much

the btr5 cannot play 24 bit ?

@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893

3 жыл бұрын

btr5 can play 32bit/384khz and native dsd until 256, but apparently he use this dacs with spotify, so a superior quality is not necessary for him or his tracks.

@aqwandrew6330

3 жыл бұрын

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 so which one is better from the 3?

@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893

3 жыл бұрын

@@aqwandrew6330 This is in my opinion but it depends, what is more important for you? those three are good options also the shangling up4, but if you want the best bluetooth quality, qudelix because it has a bit better qualcomm chipset the qcc as i know, (the others including a qualcomm csr chipset wich is also a good chipset), it has aptx adaptative and eq for ldac/usb dac and a great battery life. The btr5 is a good option for usb dac it has xmos chipset so it can play 32bits/384khz and dsd native, the others only reach until 24bit(qudelix) or 16bit (es100), also it has aptx LL, the btr5 bluetooth is excellent i can play pubg with ldac for example with no noticiable delay, but the qudelix bluetooth is better, btr5 can't play ldac/usb dac with eq and it only use the double dac with balanced output, but it has a great output power and a great build materials but less battery life. The es100 is good for the price it has the same qualcomm csr chip as the btr5, it can use his double dac in unbalanced output, but this dacs are a model before the one used in the btr3, great battery life and body plastic but more lighter. None of those three support mqa. This products has lot differences and specs but my answare is too long. So again in my opinion the best for my is the btr5 because it seems the most versatile, it has good quality in bluetooth and usb dac mode, the battery life is not the best but you can play your music for hours and play more music formats like dsd, it's well build with great materials and you have more information with his build-in display, the mobile apps are another topic, the eq is not posible with ldac/usb dac but you can use a pc player with eq like foobar2000 and some mobile apps, this works but is not the same, the only thing that bothers me is the double dac only works in the balanced output.

@aqwandrew6330

3 жыл бұрын

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 i think qudelix is the best since i mainly used it for bluetooth only. The qudelix can play max at 24 bit 96 khz? Then its fine since my biggedt flac file are 24 bit 96khz, good battery life and double dac work also in unbalance on qudelix?

@aqwandrew6330

3 жыл бұрын

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 btw thanks for your input!

Gave it this a 👎 no mention of the devices range at what distance does it start to lose signal ?!!!

Anyone still wondering in 2023: I own both, and the Q5k is better in every regard, and it's not even close. The Fiio is good for using wired ear buds without having to have them plugged into your phone, and that's it. No amp and a very meh DAC. The Q5k is worth more than it costs and the Fiio was a waste of money, imo.

@castillo4141

Жыл бұрын

MQA is not possible with the 5K, I also own both, just something to take into consideration.

@WizeGuyDezignz

Жыл бұрын

There is so much wrong with your comment lmao. At least understand what you're talking about before you post.

?

I have a ES100 Mk.2 !!! Waiting a Qudelic 5 k from Amazon !!! And got a Campfile Audio Polaris 2!!! Don't want China's BTR5!!! From Hong Kong!!!!

@mDayShamangahabash

2 жыл бұрын

K.