the mojo is an overhyped thick sound dac amp that melts frequencies from low to mid and cost an arm and a leg. But still, that's an opinion. Q5s vs M11... is hard stuff but I would buy the Q5S since that isn't software related so it doesn't age. Yet again my opinion.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I own a Mojo. I decided on the q5s and currently waiting for AM3D amp. It's a better decision. I use my V30 as player. 👍
heavily depends on input you fed them with. To my ears, Mojo fed by Coax input sounds gloriously dynamics, black background and inoffensive frequency response but star of the show must be its decadent midrange and depth(layerings) that are unmatched in its price category.
I feel like the Fiio product is suited to people who want to buy a thing and it come with everything they need and they can use straight away. I get the impression many people have taken the Mojo home and had a very different experience.
Thansks for the review, Musicality yess, i agree that a better sound stage and 3d feel is quite important, even when comparing flac to an mp3 the mp3 could shine more, just simply to the kind of imaging the dac gives you.
Cool and detailed reviews! Think i watched every dac review and it's getting harder and harder to decide 😅 I'm looking for a dac/amp combo neutral/flat as possible for mixing dawless setup so sonarworks or headphone calibration is not an option. With tight budget narrowed to the SX4 or LCD1 with a q5s, nx4, ha-4se, ifixcan. Thanks and regards from Barcelona
Thank you for another excellent review that gave me the information I wanted. I have the q5 and an upgrade to q5s for my use would not be better for me. I do appreciate the q5 for the ability to run off auxiliary power via a dedicated usb connection which the q5s does not easily do as the q5. Due to a vision disability most dedicated music players running android seem not to be able to play dedicated spoken word books and lecturers that occupy 3/4 of my listening. Foe anyone who share a similar need like mine, the fiio q5 is being sold for under $300 and will be a lower cost alternative.
It should be noted that the amplifier chips driving the balanced output are different than the ones on the single ended port in the M11. Theoretically, the 3.5mm port will never sound as good as the balanced, even at the same volume levels. I only use the balanced port so I don't really know.
@@Currawong just wondering, when you said that if someone had wireless headphones they don't need a DAC/AMP... What did you mean exactly? I have a Galaxy Note 9 and wireless heaphones and was looking to get the Chord Mojo because you said they are being discounted and it's a great unit. Will i hear any difference? Are you saying i would be wasting my money?.... Cheers.
Thanks. Great review. I was looking at the xDSD and the 4.4 balanced on the Q5s as well as the LDAP did the trick for me. Now I’m debating getting the Q5s with the AM3D. I do have the 4.4 balanced cables for my IEM’s as well as the 2.5 balanced. Is the THX module worth the extra $50?
John Davis Hey John, you sound like a very knowledgeable person in audio topics. I just bought the Fiio Q5S and I like it, but the sheer power of the balanced and unbalanced channels is not blowing me away. The 3.5 mm output gives me a better sound quality and power than the balanced options. Could you please tell me if that also happens to you, or any other comments you might have about it? I have Fiios' Kunlun E12 and the sound is more robust in comparison, although slightly less detailed. Thank you!
Thank you for the review and comparison with the ifi xDSD. I own the xDSD and invested in 3.5TRRS adapters and custom cables for iems and over Ears. I use the xDSD most of the time with the Focal Elegia at the office and now get the Massdrop THX AAA 789 amp. I plan on using the xDSD as DAC with line out to the THX AAA 789 and wonder if another stationary balanced DAC would be an upgrade over the xDSD. I like the soundsignature from the ifi DAC with Burr Browns. Would a SMSL SU-8 or balanced Grace DAC be an upgrade? Like you told us the ifi DAC is more musical than the Q5s. I don't want a sidegrade or even downgrade in musicality. Plan on getting the Hifiman Ananda or ZMF Aeolus this year and sell my 660s+DT1990 Pro. Thanks in advance! M
I haven't tried those DACs, so I can't be sure. I don't think balanced output is that important -- I'm more of the opinion that it has been over-hyped. With some caveats that it is a bit transport-sensitive (ie: don't use long, cheap optical cables for example) the Chord Mojo is my preferred upgrade if you don't need Bluetooth.
@@Currawong thank you for your opion - yes the hype train... I´m with you on this. Last year I bought the Chord Mojo used and compared it to the xDSD. Soundwise I prefered the Mojo a bit, but functions won with the ifi and I sold the Mojo, because I had not the budget for both units. The Mojo is discontinued, from what I read the last days and you can get them new now for 350 Euro in germany ... and used for bit over 300. So this really could be worth a look for others. I will keep my xDSD for now - use it with short original ifi OTG cables with Tablet/cellphone or the original blue USB cable with PC or notebook. I own high grade short optical cables if needed.
Hi there. Appreciate your excellent review. I am in the market for a Portable Dac-amp for “wired use” with my phone. I will be describing my requirements in detail. Seeking your guidance in helping me decide. So, here goes: Which of the dacs, currently in the market, offer the "widest & deepest soundstage & class-leading Imaging" in its stock state, that is, with all the extras like bass boost or features like 3d+ turned off? Extras like Bluetooth, EQ, filters, bass boost frankly don't matter much to me. My primary requirements: A wide and deep (desktop setup rivaling soundstage), precise imaging & instrument separation, layering, timing & dynamics, a good amount of detail retrieval to name a few. So basically I’m concerned with purely the sound aspect. Not very particular about a neutral or warm sound signature, as long as the above-mentioned criteria are met. My current Headphones - AKG K712 Pro (62 Ohm - However, they do tend to benefit from more power, so don’t just go on their low ohm rating). More power will always be appreciated, so as to get covered against future headphone upgrades. Also, reliability plays a major role, as would be using it for at least 6 to 7 years, if not more. I have already heard the Mojo, & although its a great product in its own right, I didn’t fall in love with it. Sounded a little closed off to me. Can stretch upto max 400$ Your suggestions, keeping in mind the above mentioned criteria, would be really helpful. Looking forward to it. Take Care & stay safe :)
Plus, any of the supposedly "better" Q5s amp modules fit perfectly on the Q5. So unless you're a BT freak, then it's either £300 for the Q5s or £100 for the module.. 🤷♂️
Very interesting and instructive video, thanks a lot! I'm looking for a portable DAC/Amp (or standalone portable amp to combine with a DAP) which can drive my Hifiman Arya quite decently. Do you think the Q5/Q5s (balanced) or even the Mojo could do it?
I remember the Arya uses a HE1000 driver, and the HE1000s sounded best out of a full-sized amp. That isn't to say that portable gear wont drive it (and in the case of anything balanced, you'd seriously want to use the balanced outputs) but it will only do OK if you don't listen too loud. If you want to turn the volume up, you're going to start to run into the amp's limitations. That's really the key here -- how loud you listen.
@@Currawong I'm not a very loud volume listener, so not a problem there. I understand I will not reach the driving level of a desktop gear with a (cheaper) portable amp, but I just wanted to know if that kind of portable amps (Q5/Q5s/Mojo/xDSD) worth the buy or not to drive the Arya properly. Thanks!
@@Currawong Great, thanks again! I'll maybe look towards a DAP combo with the iFi XCan amp, which is significantly more powerful than the Q5/Q5s... Will try it balanced for best results.
Hey! How did you find the Q5s bluetooth (LDAC) sound quality vs xDSD aptx? Considering ifi states they have built the bluetooth integration from the ground up to clean up the jitter and stuff
You said the mojo is king in its price range, but have you listened to the IFI Micro BL? What are your thought. I compared the 2 and preferred the latter soundwise...
what if you plug in a higher output amp? like a 1 or 2 watt amp for ca audio type headphones like DJ headphones with loud output or for enough power to drive non-dynamic headphones?
Awesome review I agree that the xdsd does sound more musical vs the fiio Q5 and Q5S that is why I got it for a portable amp/dac for easy listening. I was wondering thoug what your views are on the xdsd and CA Cascade pairing for a sort of portable/packable setup
The Cascades are easy to drive -- their aim was portability, so definitely a suitable combo, especially if you have an iPhone, as you can use the CCK directly with the xDSD.
@@Currawong thanks for the response! (using android though) I will definitely try the cascades been looking for a good portable (around ear) setup for travel. (outside of typical noise canceling hp choices) Otg/cck functionality really is a great add on feature for the xdsd.
Currawong Thanks for the Reply Sir. FiiO M11 Pro with THX Tech was Launched at Canjam London with an Expected Release Date of Oct’ 19. Expected Price is $749.
I actually want less. If I wasn't reviewing gear, I'd probably only have a very simple desktop rig with a couple of pairs of high-end headphones, and the speaker system.
Can anyone comment whether the issue with persistence of non-charging mode mentioned in the description still exists as of September, 2020? If your intent is to use the Q5s with other mobile devices as the source, do you still need to connect to it with the app and enable non-charging mode after every Q5s power cycle if you don’t want your source device’s battery drained?
I'd bet on the Q5S being better, but that's something I hope to try sometime. I think with the Mojo, either your brain clicks with the corrected timing/depth cues in Rob Watts' software, or it doesn't.
@@Currawong Just bought the Q5S, I need to get used to the sound. Let me say this. The Cobalt sound better but that is in wired option and with an app, that's streaming but perfect. But I LOVE the BT LDAC option... so much freedom. It's worth the hit in sound quality on the go. I do appreciate you answering here. None of the other reviewers toke the time to respond!
Hello, I recently bought Shure se425. I am a drummer so I wanted iem with good sound isolation. Also I wanted to use theese as my daily earphones. But I am really disappointed with the sound. Is it possible that the sound will drastically improve when I buy amp/dac? Will the dongle amp/dac work even though I already have 3.5 jack asside USB c? Or are my ears weird and am I not appreciating already great sound? Sorry for kinda noob questions and thanks for answers :)
Straight out of a phones jack will likely be less than impressive. Only really LG that I can recall have ever actually attempted to take sound seriously. They are reported to be pretty good. Though I doubt they will be comparable to a reasonable dedicated DAC/Amp or DAP. If you are trying a USB c dongle. Make sure it IS a miniature DAC/Amp, and not merely a pass through type passive wire. I doubt your ears will be that weird. You'll KNOW it when it sounds good. When you feel like you can look into the piano, or see the bass string twanging, and feel the air or space around the recording environment. Well chosen, that can be had for surprisingly reasonable outlay. A USB c type dongle tends to be looking around the forty quid mark, for something reputable like the Ibasso ones. They also do the only balanced one I have seen. However for only slightly more I think it would be a better bet to go for something like Fiio's BTR1 or BTR3. The relatively small outlay would make me go right for BTR3. Wired or BTooth to it from your phone. slightly larger, if that term can even reasonably given the diminutive size. Larger battery, that takes the pressure off your phones battery, which would power a dongle. Nothing is for free, the energy always has to come from somewhere. You should be able to find one, maybe even on Amazon for south of sixty quid. So for an extra fifteen twenty buff. It just seems to make more sense than a dongle. You are getting much more for ya cash. There is also now a bigger brother the BTR5. Looks splendid, but good luck trying to find one yet. They are as rare as Dodo Jizz at the moment.
I have tried ifi ican, liquid platinum, but none beats ifi BL. I just ordered Poly mojo, but I don’t hold high expectations for its Bluetooth sound quality in that I heard even the Hugo’s sound degraded a lot through Bluetooth. Is that true?
The Poly is wireless, not BT as far as I know, so no sound degradation. Once you get it, give it a couple of weeks of use first, so your brain can adapt to the corrected timing information in the music. Then see how you feel vs. the BL.
Currawong Thanks for the reply! Great channel btw. Very informative and well done. Another reviewer suggested that the Monolith THX portable will convert the analog to digital and back basically to use the internal DAC on that unit. Any thoughts on this? Cheers!
That's good, as I want to use in a desktop application, not portable. One other thing.. I assume there is some type of safety so the batteries do not over charge?
No, you cannot. Unbalanced wires going into a balanced output is bad juju. I'll admit I'm not fully familiar with the engineering, but it has something to do with power delivery, and can lead to shorting something out. However, a balanced cable and headphones can plug in just fine to unbalanced outputs.
It's too bad they didn't they didn't use the THX module as the stock amp for this device. My math is pretty much the same as yours, which in my case is to wait for the M11pro.
Hi, thank you very much for the nice review. I didn´t quite understand the thing you said about wireless headphones. If I hear music with such headphones, I would not need the Q5S?
@@axlpam No dude. Everything wireless has its on dac to make the music. You can Bluetooth to the Q5s but to keep getting that Q5s sound quality from it, there has to be with wire connection to either ear headphones or speakers.
@@Currawong Yes, I have contacted Walmart where I bought it from and they are going to contact the Seller to get me out another one. I just don't know what happened to it, One Minute I'm listening to it and then turned it off. An hour has passed and it powered it back up and saw the lights, but the Bluetooth light didn't come one, so I tried to pair it again, but there is no Bluetooth Signal coming from the device, I believe that the Bluetooth Radio in the device has burned out. I cannot believe that this device just failed me from owning it since Nov/2020. Just 6 months. I do have the FiiO A3 model that works well and I'm keeping that one which is the Wired Version. I always buy insurance on all my Electronics, because you never know when they will break on you without notice.
To me, this is not really a review but a sort of comparison. You are just comparing some technical specs and some other forum reviews that sustain your personal biases _(no offense)_ to make some comparisons, but no real personal listening criticism _(which often are also biased but in the purpose of this kind of review)._ Just numbers and some general evidences.
Thanks for the feedback. I don't agree -- if I'm biased towards something, I'll say it. That being said, I'm not interested in sustaining my personal biases -- if anything, as time has gone on I've tended to become less biased (as evidenced by the wide variety of gear I use for personal listening). I try and present items from the perspective of "If you like X, then you'll like/dislike this product", or "If your usage case is X, then this product is [not] suitable.". Some of that is garnered from Head-Fi forum discussion, but I don't read or watch other peoples' reviews (for the most part anyway). If that makes the review a bit of "Here's a summary so you don't have to go through hundreds of pages of forum discussion and dozens of reviews." then I don't see that as a bad thing. The lack of personal commentary may be because I rarely to never use portable gear. I try and think from the perspective of people who do, and what would be good and bad for them.
@@Currawong Sorry if I misspoke, I was talking about cognitive bias (that are unconscious by definition) and not brands or methods to handle sound that you prefer. As you mentioned, you can only identify them when you are confronted to a situation that reveal them, like comparing things, since cognitive biases (if you have, and as anybody, you certainly have some), are "potentially equally" repercussed in the two situations (A vs B) if efforts are made to let apart your known biases. This is why I suggested more comparison VS simply describing gears or how sound is handled according to you. But I need to watch your review again as it seems that I've missed some of them :)
Like I said at the beginning, if you have wireless headphones (or earphones) you don't need a Q5s. This is for *wired* headphones and earphones that you want to use wirelessly and/or wired from a computer or smart phone.
the mojo is an overhyped thick sound dac amp that melts frequencies from low to mid and cost an arm and a leg. But still, that's an opinion.
Q5s vs M11... is hard stuff but I would buy the Q5S since that isn't software related so it doesn't age. Yet again my opinion.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I own a Mojo. I decided on the q5s and currently waiting for AM3D amp. It's a better decision. I use my V30 as player. 👍
heavily depends on input you fed them with. To my ears, Mojo fed by Coax input sounds gloriously dynamics, black background and inoffensive frequency response but star of the show must be its decadent midrange and depth(layerings) that are unmatched in its price category.
love your reviews, very informative! thank you
The skins you have on the fiio amp modules are cool.
I wasn't going to put them on initially, but in the end I did, and I don't regret it.
I bought this and couple it with a fiio a5 when Im using my hd 600 outside. Really good!
Great real life review!! Thanks
I feel like the Fiio product is suited to people who want to buy a thing and it come with everything they need and they can use straight away. I get the impression many people have taken the Mojo home and had a very different experience.
Thansks for the review, Musicality yess, i agree that a better sound stage and 3d feel is quite important, even when comparing flac to an mp3 the mp3 could shine more, just simply to the kind of imaging the dac gives you.
this with the new thxaaa module is going to endgame for this fiio.
Cool and detailed reviews! Think i watched every dac review and it's getting harder and harder to decide 😅 I'm looking for a dac/amp combo neutral/flat as possible for mixing dawless setup so sonarworks or headphone calibration is not an option. With tight budget narrowed to the SX4 or LCD1 with a q5s, nx4, ha-4se, ifixcan. Thanks and regards from Barcelona
Thank you for another excellent review that gave me the information I wanted.
I have the q5 and an upgrade to q5s for my use would not be better for me. I do appreciate the q5 for the ability to run off auxiliary power via a dedicated usb connection which the q5s does not easily do as the q5.
Due to a vision disability most dedicated music players running android seem not to be able to play dedicated spoken word books and lecturers that occupy 3/4 of my listening.
Foe anyone who share a similar need like mine, the fiio q5 is being sold for under $300 and will be a lower cost alternative.
It should be noted that the amplifier chips driving the balanced output are different than the ones on the single ended port in the M11. Theoretically, the 3.5mm port will never sound as good as the balanced, even at the same volume levels. I only use the balanced port so I don't really know.
Yup! The single ended does not put out as much power as the balanced :(
Great review
Thanks a lot t for comparison
great review, I will stick to my Oppo HA-2SE, btw, can you post a linjk to the portable tube amp you showed.
That tube amp is no longer made, unfortunately.
@@Currawong just wondering, when you said that if someone had wireless headphones they don't need a DAC/AMP... What did you mean exactly? I have a Galaxy Note 9 and wireless heaphones and was looking to get the Chord Mojo because you said they are being discounted and it's a great unit. Will i hear any difference? Are you saying i would be wasting my money?.... Cheers.
Is the Q5s still advisable now that BTR5 is available for much cheaper price?
It's much more powerful. Much more powerful. Use the btr5 if you're only planning to use iems
@@Foxtrot6624 is it much more powerful?
Thanks. Great review. I was looking at the xDSD and the 4.4 balanced on the Q5s as well as the LDAP did the trick for me. Now I’m debating getting the Q5s with the AM3D. I do have the 4.4 balanced cables for my IEM’s as well as the 2.5 balanced. Is the THX module worth the extra $50?
John Davis Hey John, you sound like a very knowledgeable person in audio topics. I just bought the Fiio Q5S and I like it, but the sheer power of the balanced and unbalanced channels is not blowing me away. The 3.5 mm output gives me a better sound quality and power than the balanced options. Could you please tell me if that also happens to you, or any other comments you might have about it? I have Fiios' Kunlun E12 and the sound is more robust in comparison, although slightly less detailed. Thank you!
cant get hold of the AM3D addon as it is sold out globally and there doesn't seem to be any production of it.
Thank you for the review and comparison with the ifi xDSD.
I own the xDSD and invested in 3.5TRRS adapters and custom cables for iems and over Ears. I use the xDSD most of the time with the Focal Elegia at the office and now get the Massdrop THX AAA 789 amp. I plan on using the xDSD as DAC with line out to the THX AAA 789 and wonder if another stationary balanced DAC would be an upgrade over the xDSD.
I like the soundsignature from the ifi DAC with Burr Browns.
Would a SMSL SU-8 or balanced Grace DAC be an upgrade? Like you told us the ifi DAC is more musical than the Q5s. I don't want a sidegrade or even downgrade in musicality.
Plan on getting the Hifiman Ananda or ZMF Aeolus this year and sell my 660s+DT1990 Pro.
Thanks in advance!
M
I haven't tried those DACs, so I can't be sure. I don't think balanced output is that important -- I'm more of the opinion that it has been over-hyped. With some caveats that it is a bit transport-sensitive (ie: don't use long, cheap optical cables for example) the Chord Mojo is my preferred upgrade if you don't need Bluetooth.
@@Currawong thank you for your opion - yes the hype train... I´m with you on this. Last year I bought the Chord Mojo used and compared it to the xDSD. Soundwise I prefered the Mojo a bit, but functions won with the ifi and I sold the Mojo, because I had not the budget for both units. The Mojo is discontinued, from what I read the last days and you can get them new now for 350 Euro in germany ... and used for bit over 300. So this really could be worth a look for others.
I will keep my xDSD for now - use it with short original ifi OTG cables with Tablet/cellphone or the original blue USB cable with PC or notebook. I own high grade short optical cables if needed.
Hi there. Appreciate your excellent review.
I am in the market for a Portable Dac-amp for “wired use” with my phone. I will be describing my requirements in detail. Seeking your guidance in helping me decide. So, here goes:
Which of the dacs, currently in the market, offer the "widest & deepest soundstage & class-leading Imaging" in its stock state, that is, with all the extras like bass boost or features like 3d+ turned off? Extras like Bluetooth, EQ, filters, bass boost frankly don't matter much to me.
My primary requirements: A wide and deep (desktop setup rivaling soundstage), precise imaging & instrument separation, layering, timing & dynamics, a good amount of detail retrieval to name a few. So basically I’m concerned with purely the sound aspect. Not very particular about a neutral or warm sound signature, as long as the above-mentioned criteria are met.
My current Headphones - AKG K712 Pro (62 Ohm - However, they do tend to benefit from more power, so don’t just go on their low ohm rating). More power will always be appreciated, so as to get covered against future headphone upgrades. Also, reliability plays a major role, as would be using it for at least 6 to 7 years, if not more.
I have already heard the Mojo, & although its a great product in its own right, I didn’t fall in love with it. Sounded a little closed off to me.
Can stretch upto max 400$
Your suggestions, keeping in mind the above mentioned criteria, would be really helpful. Looking forward to it. Take Care & stay safe :)
Your unicorn product unfortunately doesn't exist. :) That being said, save up some more and see how cheaply you can find an original Hugo.
@@Currawong True that. Whats your opinion on the iFi Micro Black label based on my criteria?
Never used one, sorry.
Just watched your review very nice. I have a question if I already have the Q5. Is it worth upgrading to the S ? Thanks in advance
Plus, any of the supposedly "better" Q5s amp modules fit perfectly on the Q5. So unless you're a BT freak, then it's either £300 for the Q5s or £100 for the module.. 🤷♂️
Very interesting and instructive video, thanks a lot! I'm looking for a portable DAC/Amp (or standalone portable amp to combine with a DAP) which can drive my Hifiman Arya quite decently. Do you think the Q5/Q5s (balanced) or even the Mojo could do it?
I remember the Arya uses a HE1000 driver, and the HE1000s sounded best out of a full-sized amp. That isn't to say that portable gear wont drive it (and in the case of anything balanced, you'd seriously want to use the balanced outputs) but it will only do OK if you don't listen too loud. If you want to turn the volume up, you're going to start to run into the amp's limitations. That's really the key here -- how loud you listen.
@@Currawong I'm not a very loud volume listener, so not a problem there. I understand I will not reach the driving level of a desktop gear with a (cheaper) portable amp, but I just wanted to know if that kind of portable amps (Q5/Q5s/Mojo/xDSD) worth the buy or not to drive the Arya properly. Thanks!
They'll drive them basically OK. You've got me considering borrowing a pair to review now so I can give a more precise answer.
@@Currawong Great, thanks again! I'll maybe look towards a DAP combo with the iFi XCan amp, which is significantly more powerful than the Q5/Q5s... Will try it balanced for best results.
Did you buy an amp for hifiman arya? Please tell me. Also looking for one
Can that be useful for Grado GS3000e? Would that be worth?
Hey! How did you find the Q5s bluetooth (LDAC) sound quality vs xDSD aptx? Considering ifi states they have built the bluetooth integration from the ground up to clean up the jitter and stuff
Are these the preferred method if you're using a DAP as well?
Does the dap set up work with regular desktop amps?
I think that the fiio sounds better then the mojo, the mojo is warmer and it’s detail retrieval is not as good.
You said the mojo is king in its price range,
but have you listened to the IFI Micro BL?
What are your thought. I compared the 2 and preferred the latter soundwise...
I haven't tried the Micro BL, but I see that it's popular.
what if you plug in a higher output amp? like a 1 or 2 watt amp for ca audio type headphones like DJ headphones with loud output or for enough power to drive non-dynamic headphones?
Awesome review
I agree that the xdsd does sound more musical vs the fiio Q5 and Q5S that is why I got it for a portable amp/dac for easy listening. I was wondering thoug what your views are on the xdsd and CA Cascade pairing for a sort of portable/packable setup
The Cascades are easy to drive -- their aim was portability, so definitely a suitable combo, especially if you have an iPhone, as you can use the CCK directly with the xDSD.
@@Currawong thanks for the response! (using android though) I will definitely try the cascades been looking for a good portable (around ear) setup for travel. (outside of typical noise canceling hp choices)
Otg/cck functionality really is a great add on feature for the xdsd.
How about the DragonFly Cobalt?
That should be coming at some point.
FiiO Q5s with AM3D Module or M11 Pro?
Also, Any Views on Lusya MG3 Balanced Amplifier?
The M11 Pro doesn't exist yet!
Currawong Thanks for the Reply Sir.
FiiO M11 Pro with THX Tech was Launched at Canjam London with an Expected Release Date of Oct’ 19. Expected Price is $749.
How does the q5 compare to the AudioQuest Cobalt?
The Q5s has more features, and greater power output (from memory).
You do have sick audio obsession how much more do you want?
I actually want less. If I wasn't reviewing gear, I'd probably only have a very simple desktop rig with a couple of pairs of high-end headphones, and the speaker system.
@@Currawong If you could have 1 desktop rig, 1 portable rig and a speaker system, what would it be?
Can anyone comment whether the issue with persistence of non-charging mode mentioned in the description still exists as of September, 2020? If your intent is to use the Q5s with other mobile devices as the source, do you still need to connect to it with the app and enable non-charging mode after every Q5s power cycle if you don’t want your source device’s battery drained?
I want to use the Q5S as a Bluetooth DAC preamp to connect to powered monitors(speakers) via the 4.4mm balanced output, will it work?
Yes, definitely will. You just need to find an appropriate adaptor cable.
Completely off topic, but could I use the Polaris 2 with the Shure BT2 bluetooth cable?
how would the Q5S stack up vs the dragonfly cobalt? O well that has no BT. o btw mojo is kinda hyped up.
I'd bet on the Q5S being better, but that's something I hope to try sometime. I think with the Mojo, either your brain clicks with the corrected timing/depth cues in Rob Watts' software, or it doesn't.
@@Currawong Just bought the Q5S, I need to get used to the sound. Let me say this. The Cobalt sound better but that is in wired option and with an app, that's streaming but perfect.
But I LOVE the BT LDAC option... so much freedom. It's worth the hit in sound quality on the go. I do appreciate you answering here. None of the other reviewers toke the time to respond!
Hello, I recently bought Shure se425. I am a drummer so I wanted iem with good sound isolation. Also I wanted to use theese as my daily earphones. But I am really disappointed with the sound. Is it possible that the sound will drastically improve when I buy amp/dac? Will the dongle amp/dac work even though I already have 3.5 jack asside USB c? Or are my ears weird and am I not appreciating already great sound?
Sorry for kinda noob questions and thanks for answers :)
Straight out of a phones jack will likely be less than impressive. Only really LG that I can recall have ever actually attempted to take sound seriously. They are reported to be pretty good. Though I doubt they will be comparable to a reasonable dedicated DAC/Amp or DAP.
If you are trying a USB c dongle. Make sure it IS a miniature DAC/Amp, and not merely a pass through type passive wire.
I doubt your ears will be that weird. You'll KNOW it when it sounds good. When you feel like you can look into the piano, or see the bass string twanging, and feel the air or space around the recording environment.
Well chosen, that can be had for surprisingly reasonable outlay.
A USB c type dongle tends to be looking around the forty quid mark, for something reputable like the Ibasso ones. They also do the only balanced one I have seen. However for only slightly more I think it would be a better bet to go for something like Fiio's BTR1 or BTR3. The relatively small outlay would make me go right for BTR3. Wired or BTooth to it from your phone. slightly larger, if that term can even reasonably given the diminutive size. Larger battery, that takes the pressure off your phones battery, which would power a dongle. Nothing is for free, the energy always has to come from somewhere.
You should be able to find one, maybe even on Amazon for south of sixty quid. So for an extra fifteen twenty buff. It just seems to make more sense than a dongle. You are getting much more for ya cash.
There is also now a bigger brother the BTR5. Looks splendid, but good luck trying to find one yet. They are as rare as Dodo Jizz at the moment.
@@rationalmartian thank you sir. I much appreciate your help :) I'll probably chooses between the BTRs.
I have tried ifi ican, liquid platinum, but none beats ifi BL. I just ordered Poly mojo, but I don’t hold high expectations for its Bluetooth sound quality in that I heard even the Hugo’s sound degraded a lot through Bluetooth. Is that true?
The Poly is wireless, not BT as far as I know, so no sound degradation. Once you get it, give it a couple of weeks of use first, so your brain can adapt to the corrected timing information in the music. Then see how you feel vs. the BL.
Does the Q5s DAC work if the analog input is used? Does the signal get processed by the Q5s DAC with analog input? Cheers!
No, because the signal is already analog.
Currawong Thanks for the reply! Great channel btw. Very informative and well done. Another reviewer suggested that the Monolith THX portable will convert the analog to digital and back basically to use the internal DAC on that unit. Any thoughts on this? Cheers!
So you can either Charge it or usb the USB for DAC purposes? Can't you do both at the same time?
You can do both at the same time. If it is plugged into a computer as a USB DAC, it'll stay charged last I tried it.
Will the q5s play and charge via usb to pc at the same time? What about the previous q5? Thanks in advance.
Yes, both will. I ran them this way.
That's good, as I want to use in a desktop application, not portable. One other thing.. I assume there is some type of safety so the batteries do not over charge?
It is very strange. on the Fiio website are the specs the same or even better comparing Q5S with M11. But you say the M11 sound better ...???
Specifications do not relate to sound quality.
Currawong thanks for the answering. That’s very interesting 🤔
What do you think about these ones vs nw-zx300? Waiting for your reply.
I don't have any experience with the NW-ZX300 unfortunately.
@@Currawong thank you
Can one connect a single ended unbalanced headphones into the balanced 2.5mm output?
No, you cannot. Unbalanced wires going into a balanced output is bad juju.
I'll admit I'm not fully familiar with the engineering, but it has something to do with power delivery, and can lead to shorting something out. However, a balanced cable and headphones can plug in just fine to unbalanced outputs.
How does this compare to Monolith Portable THX ?
What make you believe mojo is discontinued?
It's not. Seems that currency fluctuations have made it cheaper.
Does Q5s with the AM3D have a better power output than M11?
Pardon?
Will this be an upgrade over fiio e17?
It's too bad they didn't they didn't use the THX module as the stock amp for this device. My math is pretty much the same as yours, which in my case is to wait for the M11pro.
I want to ask you is i have 500 bucks
Which of the three is the best for sound?
I already have sony zx300 or should i go for iems
Depends what you have now. Decent IEMs (or headphones) are certainly important, especially ones that go well with the music you like.
Your Bluetooth pairing list makes me jealous. :)
My power bill wont though!
mojo xdsd q5s what is the best??plz
I'm not english speaker so i can't understand full video
Mojo는 1등, xDSD의 음질이 더 살아있는(?) 느낌이 나지만 Q5s는 입력 옵션이 더 많아요.
@@minjunkim2707 No
@@afistfulofpimples1745 Huh?
Does the M11 sound as good as the Mojo?
Not to me -- I don't find any AKM DACs sound quite as nice with instruments.
@@Currawong thank you for the reply!
Hi, thank you very much for the nice review.
I didn´t quite understand the thing you said about wireless headphones. If I hear music with such headphones, I would not need the Q5S?
Correct. Wireless headphones already have an amp built in.
@@Currawong and the music quality won't be better??!!
@@axlpam Dude it will be sound quality from your DAC already in the bluetooth headphones.
@@tichyzishh3379 so you mean that through the q5s the sound will be better regardless of the wireless speakers
@@axlpam No dude. Everything wireless has its on dac to make the music. You can Bluetooth to the Q5s but to keep getting that Q5s sound quality from it, there has to be with wire connection to either ear headphones or speakers.
Which has the strongest bass boost function ?
An EQ does. If you need more bass though, choosing headphones with stronger bass would be a better option.
@@Currawong would you say the campfire atlas are bass strong ?
Yes, definitely.
@@Currawong I have the Shure se846 , bass is good but do you think the atlas are better in the bass department . Thanks
Such a Dac makes a Dap obsolete? But you need to take two units on the road😒
My FiiO Q5s just stopped working today. Cannot get Blue Tooth working again, Just a piece of junk, only had it for 8 months and it died later today.
Have you contacted FiiO about it?
@@Currawong Yes, I have contacted Walmart where I bought it from and they are going to contact the Seller to get me out another one.
I just don't know what happened to it, One Minute I'm listening to it and then turned it off.
An hour has passed and it powered it back up and saw the lights, but the Bluetooth light didn't come one, so I tried to pair it again, but there is no Bluetooth Signal coming from the device, I believe that the Bluetooth Radio in the device has burned out.
I cannot believe that this device just failed me from owning it since Nov/2020. Just 6 months.
I do have the FiiO A3 model that works well and I'm keeping that one which is the Wired Version.
I always buy insurance on all my Electronics, because you never know when they will break on you without notice.
XDUOO XD-05 PLUS Sound comparison?
Valentin Ladin the fiio sounds better
Can the m11 push sennhesier HD 660s?
Yes.
Does it work on android too ??
To me, this is not really a review but a sort of comparison. You are just comparing some technical specs and some other forum reviews that sustain your personal biases _(no offense)_ to make some comparisons, but no real personal listening criticism _(which often are also biased but in the purpose of this kind of review)._ Just numbers and some general evidences.
Thanks for the feedback. I don't agree -- if I'm biased towards something, I'll say it. That being said, I'm not interested in sustaining my personal biases -- if anything, as time has gone on I've tended to become less biased (as evidenced by the wide variety of gear I use for personal listening). I try and present items from the perspective of "If you like X, then you'll like/dislike this product", or "If your usage case is X, then this product is [not] suitable.". Some of that is garnered from Head-Fi forum discussion, but I don't read or watch other peoples' reviews (for the most part anyway). If that makes the review a bit of "Here's a summary so you don't have to go through hundreds of pages of forum discussion and dozens of reviews." then I don't see that as a bad thing. The lack of personal commentary may be because I rarely to never use portable gear. I try and think from the perspective of people who do, and what would be good and bad for them.
@@Currawong Sorry if I misspoke, I was talking about cognitive bias (that are unconscious by definition) and not brands or methods to handle sound that you prefer.
As you mentioned, you can only identify them when you are confronted to a situation that reveal them, like comparing things, since cognitive biases (if you have, and as anybody, you certainly have some), are "potentially equally" repercussed in the two situations (A vs B) if efforts are made to let apart your known biases.
This is why I suggested more comparison VS simply describing gears or how sound is handled according to you.
But I need to watch your review again as it seems that I've missed some of them :)
is it possible to stream from an smartphone spotify youtube through this q5s?
Yes, just as it is any connected audio device.
Which is best, how about rank between. Mojo. Xdsd. Q5s
Did you watch the whole review?
Does airpods work with this?
Like I said at the beginning, if you have wireless headphones (or earphones) you don't need a Q5s. This is for *wired* headphones and earphones that you want to use wirelessly and/or wired from a computer or smart phone.
the DAC is the weakness on my phone I believe.
I saw a VPN logo on your Iphone screen, does your region need VPN?
No, thankfully. However watching some news reports or other material from the US or UK requires one.
Bad review, the q5s and the m11 both use the exact same ak4493 dac chip.
But everything else is different.
@@Currawong But he also never tried to connect it wired for the Q5s, big sound difference.
Ok cool but I wanted the google play store I want to download apps