Great video. I’ve had my EarStudio m100 for a while and I love it. I’ve worn the finish of it in places. Had my eye on the qudelix for a while and you just pushed me over the edge. Thanks. Now I just wish some desk top dacs would have the same functionality
I prefer the BTR5. Without success I tried & tried to find a Qudelix profile or settings for my headphones: Sony MH1c, Hifiman 4xx and Teufel Aureol Real. (Sony MH1 IEMs without "c" don't work because the Qudelix 5k does not support the old CTIA cable standard.) I gave up. The Qudelix is now my backup. If you like a clean slightly boosted sound out of the box, the BTR5 is difficult to beat. Thanks to some commentators for the idea of using a usb connected Fiio or Qudelix as independent mic source for video production. I'll try that. Recharging the BTR5 still works amazingly fast even after 2 years. Yes the glass case construction of the Fiios is, ammhh , dumb. Is heavy and too fragile for what the device is designed to be used. Mine has a ding, but fortunately still works. My BTR3K however is broken.
Q5K users: don't forget, there is a browser extension for chrome, so you can access all your settings in the browser instead of messing with your phone's app. This obviously only works if you're (USB) connected to your PC.
Wish I'd a known that a year ago, the Q5k app works with android v8 and up. Yet another feature shows up for free. This little amp is invaluable to me, works with my planars as well as everything else. It's the swiss army knife of pocket amps, literally. I compared to the BTR5 and kept the Q5k.
If the clip is really important to you, don't overlook the BTR5. Its removable clip feels a bit fragile, but can fit on the BTR5 4 different ways. That's a bigger deal than you might think at first: you can wear it jack up, jack down, and with the buttons on either side.
@abhitejvelore I've had my BTR3K in its clip since September 11 2020 and can attest to its sturdiness so I'm sad to hear the BTR5 clip breaks easy . I was thinking to get the BTR5 OR BTR7
@@DroidLocks6971 I'd recommend the qudelix 5k, much better app, sturdy construction. It's not premium like with glass and all, but it's very sturdy and has great range.
I would recommend the qudelix 5k especially for gamers since it supports mic inline on usb mode (just like a sound card but way more functionality and performance) and also can take calls on my pc without taking my pc38x. It just do everything.
I've been trying to get people to go for the qudelix over the btr5 for over a year now. I'm glad that they're finally getting the recognition that they deserve.
Not sure how the others work but I love how it sets itself up. I have it connected to my PC USB but also have it setup via bluetooth on my phone on LDAC. If I'm playing something on the PC, it plays through, but then if I want to switch to my phone, the bluetooth automatically kicks on. It's nice
Qudelix 5K is essentially a sequel to the es100 mk2. It was created by the developer that creator the es100 after they parted ways with Radsone to create their own company, Qudelix.
Now if only TWS IEMs actually had PEQs in their mobile apps. As I think said on the last stream, we *know* the SoCs used in the TWS products have PEQ functionality built into their DSPs. Just expose it to the user already!
Shanling UP4 has the build of the BTR 5 and a wheel for controls, plus it has a dual dac boost mode that gets you a little more power in single-ended mode. the boost mode drives my Argons and my HD600s surprisingly well. highly recommended.
I wish Fiio would implement a parametric eq in their app, that would be a huge selling point. I own the btr3k and it's fine, but the stock eq functionality is pretty limited
I wish fiio would allow more than one user eq setting on all their devices. I find very little excuse for this on these high-priced DAPs and BT sources. Pioneer/Onkyo had it down perfectly with a linear-phase parametric EQ and unlimited user presets
The Qudelix 5K is one of the few items that I will instantly buy again if it should break, especially for this price. Great hard and software (the app). This should be the industry standard for wireless audio.
Bought the BTR5 a few months back and the Qudelix 5k just arrived. It's a night and day comparison for me. Qudelix seems to be more feature rich, and the app has ton of config options for gearheads. Sound feels more immersive and rich, regardless of whether I'm using it as a USB or BT DAC/amp. And not really sure how, but the 5k seems to be more power efficient.
Does the 5k also support NFC? I personally really like the simplicity of connecting it just by holding it against my phone, without having to mess with pairing, turning Bluetooth on etc.
@@Balazsnyikov_Cz it's still useful because i had a bt speaker and when i held my phone against the nfc thing it automatically turned on the speaker, activated Bluetooth on my phone and had a connection instantly. That's what I like about NFC connection
I also use my Q5k as my on-the-go usb-dac with my laptop. Bought an aftermarket 2.5 balanced cable for my trusted HD600s and off we go. I found the buttons hard to use at first, but after a few months you get used to them, and now i can operate them blindly. So yeah, I like my qudelix.
Yea I owned the fiio but the eq was what made me switch to the q5k,also the range was bad. My bro wanted high quality bluetooth too so that was the final decision. I use 3 different eq settings for my car and 2 other headphones cuz like resolve I'm treble sensitive. Nice that you covered bluetooth products since most people cant take there audio setup outside.
I just bought fiio Btr5 but some features i doesn't like it 1) whenever we connect type c to mobile the multifunction buttons can't work, & 2) is too much bulky for hanging kindly request you please suggest me which one Dac better? ifi go blu, q5k or continue with btr5?
I've been daily driving the BTR5 for about two years. Cycling to work, at home on my laptop, as a Bluetooth for my hifi. It sounds and works great. I tend to use the 2.5 balanced output. There is a noticable difference in volume and sound quality. It's been out in the rain, out with me drinking and survived everything.
Same here I've had mine for 2 years now and it works fantastic. I wish the EQ was more extensive and worked with LDAC though that's my only complaint about it.
Qudelix is also really nice because they keep adding features through firmware updates. They also have a nice mic interface which also is useable on USB. And ow yeah.. the range... (And agree the buttons suck..)
how sucky we talking here, throw across room, Stamp on it and set it on fire or well that's a little Awkward? I like the buttons on my btr5, I changed the vol buttons to be double click for next and prev track, hold to Inc or Dec vol is slow though
@@adrianmorrish8494 the feel is not that great and buttons are symmetrical on both sides, only separated by led color, if the led is on. This might cause you to pause the song instead of rasing the volume. But i kinda thing the buttons are the worst thing of the device, but not a deal breaker unless you're very sensitive to this button feal
@@hyedefinition1080 i don't have people complaining yet and sometimes is on my desk, about a meter. I believe the Qualcomm chip handels the mic and they are pretty good at making you understandable. But it absolutely not studio quality.
big reviewers like this, why don't they just email the companies for the pronunciation? I've done it before and they reply in a day or better... looking at you thieaudio 🤗
So the Qudelix and it's presets are in a way like GPS and preset routes for popular destinations for someone. You can automatically use a GPS' preset routes, but they don't help one develop a sense of direction.
I don't miss having a "better" eq on the btr5, I just use wavelet or poweramp which also work when I'm using my bt headphones. The btr5 has a little leathertte case you can get to protect it. I don't know what pants people are wearing when they complain about size, I can fit a small children my pants pocket 😄 ps sorry ladies I know you don't get proper pockets in your clothes.
Thanks Andrew! This was a very helpful and well timed review for Christmas. I wanna give my mom a starter audio setup, but being blind, she won’t get much use from all the EQ and app features. Now to select a midfi headphone to pair with the iFi 😁
6xx maybe or one of the other Sennheisers if they also have the 3 raised dots on bottom of head band for left side, that way you mom will always be able to easily identify the correct way around.
Try the Sony MDR-1AM2. Great gateway headphone into Hifi, price is ok, build quality and presentation oozes high end, light, compact, can take it on the go, easy to drive and has the kind of mainstream tuning and solid performance that will wow most people just getting into hifi sound. Super versatile too, great for both music and movies and non fatiguing, can wear them for hours. There are cheaper and possibly better from a purist standpoint (like the Drop 58X, 6XX, etc.), but the quality of the sound of those is perhaps too subtle for the beginner to appreciate from the start. The Sony’s just have the complete package plus the wow factor sound for the newbie. It’s what got me started on my journey (actually the original, the 1A, since replaced by the M2). My 2 cents. Best of luck!
@@adrianmorrish8494 I decided the 650s and the iFi. I hope it’s efficient enough driver to reach sufficient sound level outta the little guy, but the iFi could bring it to a safe level for her so she can still hear some surroundings, being so open back. I hope that model has the Braille, that’d be a brilliant touch!
@@benjamincraig7198 yes it will drive them but get your mom a balanced cable as the single ended stock cable into the 3.5 port will be lacking power. If it doesn’t have the 3 raised dots get some of those tiny self adhesive round plastic feet u can get to stop things sliding on a slippery worktop and put one of those on. Sure your mom will love the present 👌🎄🌲🎄
@@adrianmorrish8494 Thanks for such a kind and thoughtful response. I've been thinking more and more, testing out the 650s on various sources (Iphone, Fiio M11, XA-10, and computer). They are about as efficient or slightly less than my HD800S. She needs to be able to hear, so I wouldn't want her to listen so loud anyways. Anyway, the upgrade potential here is immense. I think DMS has talked about how high impedance headphones have more scaling with better and better sources while having less THD. Not sure if this is true, but they seem to open up so so so much on a desktop amp. They do come with the 3 dots on the left cup, so no need for this cleaver work-around, but I may do this for some of my own headphones. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
The GoBlue has a very warm signature, very lively/fun sounding, boomier with the bass boost, but I ended up returning it in favor of the Qudelix which I had compared it with side by side. The dual sabre dac implementation on the Qudelix was very refined, neutral, more detailed and incisive sounding, and I found that preferable ultimately. It is obviously the better value at half the price, but I was willing to keep the iFi at double price if it had won me over on sound. It might have been a nice alternative sound signature to have in my dap collection but another reason I returned it was because it couldn't be used wired with my iPhone (this device draws too much power). So for me, it wasn't worth keeping when I had the Qudelix. But don't let my experience dissuade from trying it out yourself as the device is really well made and it does have a fun sound.
@@veritas2022 Qudelix has a clip on it which is convenient. There's a $15 rubber magsafe wallet on amazon that you can tuck the qudelix5k into, which I personally use with it. That makes it perfectly portable and ergonomically nice to use. I use that at home and portably along with my Khadas Tea.
@@veritas2022 that's a really weird way to say lol that's like saying do you take your phone out or your wallet or your keys on the go 💀 like it's a really small portable device the size of gum can be used on the go or home 😂 I've been doing that for 5 years with no issues
I have both the ES100 Mk1 and Qudelix 5K. I enjoy both. The ES100 is a bit warmer overall because of the AK4452-3 chip (so it works a bit better with brighter iems), but the Qudelix can often sound a bit more detailed. I tend to listen to both equally. Where I find the Qudelix really outperforms the ES100 is in Bluetooth range. I listen using LDAC from my smartphone and have found that the Qudelix performs better (with no dropouts, over a larger distance) than the ES100. I can leave my phone outside my apartment (when downloading music via my neighbors WiFi) and go inside to cook or use the washroom, without any sound dropouts or disconnection. My ES100 will often stop playing or stutter when I move away from my phone and when I temporarily move indoors. It struggles to stay connected through doors and walls. Another advantage of the Qudelix compared to the others mentioned. I've read and watched numerous reviews on all the others mentioned in this review and it's often been mentioned that the Qudelix has the better Bluetooth range of them all.
Funny is that we spent 30 years without EQ ( those who were using were considered crazy) and all Of a sudden, EQ is absolutely a no brainer feature. How can someone live without EQ?…
Haha, please speak for yourself, EQ for home audio and car audio were highly popular during the 80's and 90's.It was after fully digital sound cards show up in early 2000's that most audio manufacturers forgot about manual EQ's. I personally never stopped using EQ's.
BTR5 has a lot better build quality, easier to use controls, a display, NFC pairing, microphone with noise cancellation, detachable clip, we are not all EQ haters, some of us just don't feel we need to use it.
Still rocking my battered little triangular PONO with balanced dual 3.5mm headphones setup. Love the little thing. Currently using shureSE846,,HD700,FOCAL ELEGIA and LCD X(2021).
Haha, still rocking my LG v20 and v60, with various wireless and wired headphones. Excellent LG music app and even better USB audio music app with morphit headphone profiles and eq. Would love to eventually get one these though.
I bought the Q. It’s my first outboard DAC. It took me a minute to figure out how to get it functioning to my tastes. But once I did I spent an hour comparing the sound to my straight iPhone with various types of music. My IEMs are custom UE designed for stage but the Crin UE settings worked nicely. EQing is also fun, just playing with frequencies and learning where things sit in a track. In general, the Q5k gives spaciousness and detail. It’s funny because I do like what my iPhone does with bass guitars, there is a tightness that is very pleasing. I couldn’t replicate it with the Q5K. But no matter, the sound and flexibility of using the Q5k is a big upgrade and educational in the bargain. I do not like the buttons at all and the get hit when I try to put it in my pocket, annoying. Perhaps there’s a lock I’m unaware of, I still have a lot to learn about the unit. Bluetooth sounds good though I did get the cables to plug everything in. Lots more to explore but I can recommend the Q5k for someone just getting in to this DAC world or a pro who wants a tiny DAC to throw in their luggage.
How about soundstage? Im deciding between 5k and btr7, Is the soundstage much better deeper in btr7 ? I want to feel better soundstage after i buy one of them
When the batteries inevitably loose their functionality are there replacements available and if so how difficult are they to replace? Replacing of the batteries is the only thing that keeps me from buying one of these.
Might consider again, I find no hiss at all, listening with 64Audio U12T and Focal Clear MG. Balanced and straight. Rumors are that there was a problem with some early units. I have had mine a week, and I cannot elicit any hiss at all.
Great review! I love the BTR5 as I don’t care about EQ, but like the fact I can pair to both my iPhone and iPad and switch source by pressing play! I also like that I can run it off usb-c for lossless if I’m chilling on my sofa with my HD6XX or Elegia.
I would totally get the btr5 as I also don't care about EQ, but I do about BT range and I've read the Qudelix wins here. I have the Qudelix for a year so far so good, very satisfied but looking for a second device as back up. Is the btr5 BT connectivity bad?
The clip is absolutely essential to me. I have Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro that has an Fiio BTR3 clipped onto the headband, connected with a 15cm cable that just fits perfectly snuggly. Most people don't even see the Fioo, it just looks like wireless headphones. Prefect uninvasive conversion. Now I want to buy Beyerdynamic DT7000proX and I was debating whether I should get Fiio BTR7 or Qudelix 5K for it, and because of the form factor I'm leaning towards Qudelix. That's also how I found your video, by looking up comparisons between these 2. And you gave me some more options to consider and then reinforced my leanings towards Qudelix :D
These are pretty neat but if you don’t need EQ then I don’t see how a $10 Apple dongle wouldn’t do the job. I honestly don’t think most people (myself included) can tell the difference between lossless and 320kpbs, especially listening to music casually on the go
For me it's the ability to power more demanding headphones properly and having a smaller, lighter device connected to the cable is much more convenient, plus the eq. No hate to the apple dongle but after using one of these i would never go back.
I already have the Bttr 5 and it is powerful enough to drive my go to portable headphones which are the Sony Z7-M2 and Grado 325 . The IFI Go Blue would be an upgrade option if it were powerful enough to drive my more difficult to drive Headphones unfortunately it is not . So until one is offered with a Watt or more I'm sticking with my BTR 5. Actually the IFI xDSD Gryphon might be my next upgrade that addresses my Bluetooth and power needs
I have the BTR5 and I use it at work with decentish IEMs. It has a built in speaker so I end up (in my opinion) getting better sound quality than most BT headphones.
Any LG phone with the quad DAC should be able to power them so long as they don't exceed 600 ohms. I think these devices tend to cap out at around 300 ohms but I have never personally tried the exact combination you're talking about.
I don't care about EQ but bt range. My Qudelix works good on that, and get sound quality. I wanted to buy a back up, second device but it seems anything else has bad connectivity compared. I might just get a second Qudelix if that
I am so buying the Qudelix after finding out it was made in my home country, Rep. of Korea.. also what happened to Cowon? At least Astell and Kern are making name for themselves.
I ended up buying the Qudelix a couple months while the btr5 was out of stock and I would like to say I'm really happy with it overall except for the umm funky button setup. Also I nice think about the Qudelix is that it supports ps5 through USB.
Excellent and useful review, thanks! I like that you differentiated use cases so well. Will point out that the Ifi Blu Go supports AptX LL (Low Latency) whereas the Qudelix supports the lower latency support in AptX Adaptive which is not quite as low but may be sufficient depending on your particular configuration. This isn't mentioned anywhere in the otherwise extensive comments, so I thought I'd point it out as a differentiator. I need something to use with the Steam Deck for gaming in addition to other uses, so LL support is a major plus.
@@AT-vj2mz that's not accurate - not sure where you come up with 135ms as that's high. AptX LL has a 45ms target, and the new stuff that's being pushed by Qualcomm for 5.4 has a 25ms target I believe. BT can definitely be low latency for gaming, the Deck just can't do it right now.
@@gitv1ld targets are meaningless, rtings has real testing. Anything over 35 ms sounds like crap. Variable delay time on sound, sounds like crap. There's a reason gaming headphones have usb bluetooth sticks, because apt x low latency has garbage sound quality and isnt even good enough for a $50 razer headphone No one remotely competant at multi million dollar companies thinks its good enough. Not a single gaming company thinks its good enough, not even redragon who are so cheap they took a letter out of their name
@@gitv1ld the sheer ignorance of arguing real life performance is less important than test numbers. Eat shit, people who cant admit they are wrong are pathetic.
@@ObakuZenCenter oh dear what??? Don’t get me wrong, I am quite aware that my $200 IEMs sound much better than anything TWS, but I’m afraid that the sound gets degraded by Bluetooth. I use TWS only for video, audiobooks and when I’m cooking. Even for calls I prefer cheep IEMs with a mic. I guess I’m gonna get that Q5K and try it out.
@@RadoDaniThe Bluetooth is optional, just an additional feature. You don't have to use it if you don't like it. It only interferes in your chain if you want it to.
Got the FIIO BTR5-2021 ordered today for $129. The Qudelix 5K was not available on Amazon. On eBay it was going for $338. Doubtful it is worth nearly 3X the FIIO. Was able to test drive my nephew's "regular" BTR5 and found it perfect for my need which is mainly to offer good Bluetooth sound in a car that does not have Bluetooth via a 3.5mm input jack. I can even use LDAC. Will be nice to get more out of my Tidal subscription.
@@residentzero my car has a 3.5mm (1/8") stereo jack. I power the FiiO via my cigarette lighter jack using a USB adapter and cable. I turn up the volume on the FiiO to about 70 I think and then it matches the volume of the radio so I then control the volume using my car stereo. The FiiO can be set to automatically power on and off with the car when it senses power from the cigarette lighter via the USB adapter. Once I have the volume set on it, I never have to touch the FiiO again. I merely leave it sitting in a pocket in the middle of my car's console. It automatically pairs with my cellphone. Sure has made a huge difference in the utility I get from my Tidal subscription. I download the files via wi-fi when at home and play them offline, so I'm not using any of my cellular data that way. I wish I had not fooled around for a couple years with those nearly useless FM transmitters and bought a FiiO or something similar a long time ago. There's no comparison in the sound quality.
i get distortion with the qudelix 5K when listening to highly dynamic orchestral music. anyone else have the same problems? is it a software or hardware (not enough power) issues? thanks
Bluetooth really sucks. Audio quality is quite good. I dont recommend to buy this item. Not worth for money. Before you buy just see some reviews first. Again for me i dont recommend to buy ifi go blu.
I have no idea why no one mentions that the BTR5 is the only device with NFC. I really like the iFi Go Blu approach with just one button, but NFC is a killer feature for me (also unfortunately Qudelix 5K looks like shit)
Ifi imho is a braindead company, no clip and that physical knob probably provides wonderful surprises of accidental self volume adjustments in the pocket.
I got the BTR5 because I use poweramp and my own peq filters anyway so the quedlix benefits was lost on me anyway. Also, the quedlix wasn't (isn't?) Available in Sweden so therefore the BTR5 was it for me.
After my Hedd Type20 studio monitors, the Qudelix 5K is by far my best audio purchase till date. Nowadays I only ever buy gadgets that let me EQ. Even the Hedds are run through an RME Adi2Pro, with it's very useful parametric EQ abilities.
I enjoy the Qudelix 5k, I even bought one for my daughter, the thing feels like a tank, it's industrial in its feel (even the packaging is a simple brown box 😂) and yet amazing in functionality. With continuous firmware updates that keep adding more improvements and functionality.
When you say it feels like a tank that actually causes concern. A tank as in it's resilient or because it's "chunky"? Do you take it on the go with you when using iem's? or do you use it at home with headphones?
@@jesustsa1 I prefer the BTR5 for the buttons, battery life and base sound. Would still highly recommend Qudelix esp if you want to play with EQ etc. Can't lose either way tbh
How I would use these no reviewer has done a comparison on. Unfortunately, you've become the latest reviewer to ignore the mic quality on these. I would like one of these to use with my iems so I can listen to music and take phone calls when necessary without having to take out my iems. I believe this is one of the main purposes for small dac/amps with microphones. Unfortunately no reviewer seems to consider this function worth while. I've been watching reviews for months now, and I haven't found a single reviewer who comments on the mic quality. Sigh...
I wouldn't really try to put to much weight on the mic quality on any of these. All of them are running through Bluetooth and the quality will be marred by the Bluetooth standards really neglecting to improve the baseline 16khz mono ADPCM
I like my Radson ES100 for phone calls as you can adjust the mic level for phone calls in the app. Beware though, you only have access to that setting while on a phone call. Also, the Ambience feature works well enough but doesn’t stay on when the music stops. I asked Radson about updating it and they said they have no plans to do so. In fact, Radson hasn’t done a firmware update to the ES100 in over a year.
The 5k let's you use the inline mic if your iem has it. Not super clear with noisy environments but definitely a feature I was looking for from other dongles. The built-in mic is pretty unuseable if the unit is in motion or even holding it. The slightest touch on the case will be heard.
Funny thing with Q5k. I've owned for a year now and the buttons have kinda gotten worse feeling at some point. But now they're as good if not better than they were initially. Just a solid device all around.
I bought the BTR5 a while ago and really like it but now I'm thinking of buying the IFI GO BLU just for the bass boost, I don't really mess with EQ and I barely use the app although the app does have some cool features like limiting the BT codecs or enabling car mode (which turns the BTR5 on or off when it is connected to a power source). Other features I like about the BTR5 is the balanced input and the fact that it can act as a USB C DAC as well as a BT one.
You come up with a valid observation though, somedays one device sounds better than another. That is a real thing because I experience that phenomenon all the time. So I guess today saber sounds better then akm. Good help is what I hear tomorrow though
I own the BTR 5 and and I really hate that the EQ doesn't work with LDAC. I first owned the ES100, so I was used to that functionality. I bought the BTR 5 because it has more power (to drive my Final E5000s loud enough for the NYC subways) than the ES. I hope Fiio figures out how to make that work, or Radsone makes a more powerful unit.
What about the Shangling UP5? It also gets very good reviews. How would it compare to the Qudelix 5K? Thanks for the comparison and your insight in each of the devices
I just ordered the Qudelix 5k the day before after doing some reading on all of these online..... was afraid a little bit to watch your video that you would recommend something else, and that I'd have to cancel my order..... Thankfully you didn't!
Hei Andrew would you have any interest in making a review of hifi iem bluetooth adapters such as and considering that the FiiO UTWS5 have come to the market? thanks for this great review
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🎧 *The video compares four Bluetooth DAC & amp combos: Fiio BTR5, Qudelix 5K, iFi Go Blu, and Radsone ES100.* 07:57 🛠️ *Each device has unique build qualities - Radsone ES100 is plastic with a clip, iFi Go Blu has a brushed finish but lacks a clip, Qudelix 5K has sturdy plastic with a clip, Fiio BTR5 has a glass finish and a clip attachment.* 10:15 🔊 *The iFi Go Blu offers the most power and versatility with its 4.4mm balanced output, while others have 2.5mm balanced outputs.* 13:14 🎛️ *iFi Go Blu stands out with physical button controls and preset sound adjustments, lacking an app. Qudelix 5K and Radsone ES100 have apps with EQ functionality, while Fiio BTR5's app is less feature-rich but offers charge or Bluetooth priority.* 18:36 🎚️ *Qudelix 5K excels with a feature-rich app, including parametric EQ for precise adjustments, setting it apart from others in terms of customization.* 18:51 🎚️ *Customizable EQ: The Qudelix 5K offers an elegant and granular equalizer functionality, allowing manual adjustments for frequency, level, and filter types, surpassing other options in customization.* 19:33 🎧 *Auto EQ Presets: The Qudelix 5K stands out with built-in auto EQ presets based on community-driven data, including profiles from audio experts like Crin and Oratory, providing a convenient solution for headphone tuning.* 21:09 ⚠️ *Caution on Auto EQ: Despite the convenience, there's a risk of unit variation, potentially making sound worse with specific headphones. It's advised to use presets as a starting point and fine-tune based on personal listening experience.* 22:33 🎶 *Sound Preference Consideration: If you prefer more esoteric sound tunings and deviate from common targets, the benefits of the Qudelix 5K's advanced EQ functionalities may be less relevant, making other options like the iFi Go Blu more suitable.* 23:16 🏆 *Top Recommendations: The Qudelix 5K is highly recommended due to its competitive form factor and exceptional EQ functionality. While the FiiO BTR5 and Radsone ES100 are excellent, the Qudelix 5K is perceived as the standout choice among the three.* Made with HARPA AI
Really enjoyed your review, too many reviewers don't actually come to a logical conclusion and I liked how you showed those differentiating factors. My use case is when I'm walking around town I just want to use my nicer iems with my Pixel 6 that doesn't have a headphone jack. I think the iFi GO blu may be the way to go for simple just grab it and go - and I think the knob is pretty cool looking.
I switched from the BTR5 to the ifi a couple months back and am thrilled with the purchase. The firmware update procedure could be easier but otherwise it’s been flawless for me. I much prefer the xbass and xspace button over futzing with an eq, it sounds great and is more powerful, has 4.4 balanced output, and allows full volume and playback controls when in wired mode. That last one is a big deal for me actually, most devices offer that in Bluetooth mode but once you wire it in the playback controls don’t work…they do on the ifi.
GREAT review, detailed enough to get a good picture of what to go for.👍👍 Does anyone have a recommendation for which would work best with the 7Hz Timeless? Thanks...
I have btr5 2021, quedelix 5k. Both are great with the timeless. I'd have to give the edge to the q5k, especially if you are using 2.5 balanced. The bass SLAPS. It just has so much more energy and detail. Timeless/Q5K is my go everywhere, listen to all the genres, all day set up.
@@David_Watts You're welcome! I've had both for almost 2 months and devoted lots of time to both, carrying each as my only dac, indoors and outdoors, for a week or more and trying multiple headphones and iems. The Btr5 sounds smooth and a bit more like the audio is processed (but in a good way, I'm fond of it). The Q5 is better when you get to higher volume levels (but does distort near the top). To me, they sound completely different. Out of the box and for lower volume, the BTR5 just sounds amazing (plug in the USB c for a real treat). That being said the Q5 for taking out in the world, riding bikes and commuting... it can't be beat. To me, The final selling points of the Q5 over the Fiio: Lightweight, highly customizable with a great app, excellent Bluetooth that is able to maintain higher bitrate ldac in more scenarios. More voltage to the iems, higher energy sound. This one can kill your ears or your iems if you screw up. Timeless, 2.5, after market cable, Monster sound.
I have had the Radsone (Mk I) since 2019 way before i got into actual audiophile stuff recently. The app is feature rich BUT it hasn’t been supported in 3 years at least on Apple. The battery only charges up to 70% now but still lasts a good while.
Qudelix-5K looks impressive on paper and also has a very low price. Unfortunately, it's not available from either Qudelix or Amazon making it totally irrelevant. I ended purchasing a BTR5 2021 instead, I will still grab one Qudelix-5K when it comes back in stock, if any for comparison purposes. My main use is using as a USB-DAC in Linux via BT5 w/ LDAC and AptX-HD codecs w/TWS earbuds.
After careful consideration, I also decided to buy the new BTA30 Pro which as a USB DAC that works on Mac and Linux out-of-the-box will totally fit my needs. Will keep both. I have no preference towards any brand, Just happened that BTR5 2021 and BTA30 Pro were widely available from Amazon, Qudelix-5K and Shanling Up4 and Up5 were not available for purchase anywhere at the time of purchase.
@@wantondumpling yup i bought it on monday, it popped up on amazon the next day, thought better to have 2 anyways in case something happens to one of them. thanks
As 02-25-22. Qudelix 5K is back in stock, however didn't want to pay 30% importing fees via DHL, Luckily found it at my local audio store and OMG! Qudelix 5K device is unique. Here's the pro's vs BTR5 2021 and even against the mighty BTA30 Pro. PROS: - As a USB-DAC user on my tiny Linux machines around Radxa Zero2 and Odroid-N2+ running TwisterOS, it's currently the only product in the market that offers full PQ settings from the already impressive app for android and iOS devices, meaning you no longer need to use smartphones to able to use full EQ functionality, now available via Chrome browser plugin. Settings available on the app or via Chromium extension are in another ball park area compare to FIIO app for example. - Longer battery, which gives me a total of 13 hours vs 8 hours on the BTR5 2021. - 4.4mm balanced output - Latest Qualcomm QCC512x vs older CS8675 on BTR5 2021 - Only receiver BT device in the market capable of using EQ in LDAC mode, BTR5 2021 cannot do this. CONS: - No MQA - Only 24bit/96khz in USB/DAC Mode. BTR5 2021 does up to 24bit/192khz in USB/DAC mode.
Yeah it's been sporadically back in stock every couple of weeks. Even on the US Amazon store it was up for a few hours very briefly. Doesn't last very long there.
@@enjoshi-godrez8775 I just acquired a second Qudelix 5k. It is so affordable that I keep one at home and one for work. People out there spending $$$$ on DAPs, DACs and amps. Not really necessary ( unless you need more a more powerful amp). Yes, my RME ADI-2 sounds better to me, mainly because of the loudness feature, but when I connect my iPhpne 11 PRO & LCD-XC to the Qudelix 5K I am not missing much. 2021 LCD-XC + Qudelix 5K = magical.
