[CRUZMISL]

I recently purchased the new Q-DAC from Audiolab and was surprised to not find any discussion about it here on Head-Fi.
 
The Q-DAC is very similar to the highly regarded M-DAC. The main differences are the removal of the balanced XLR outputs and the halving of the optical and coax inputs. 
 
A different version of the ESS Sabre32 DAC chip is also used, the M-DAC uses the 9018 and the Q-DAC has the 9016.
 
The rotary knob is removed and the LCD display is smaller with less information on screen.
 
Personally, I did not need any of the extra features on the M-DAC so saved some money and went with the Q-DAC, which was already a stretch from what I was looking to spend. 
 
Onto some unboxing pictures:
 
 

 

 

 

 
I connect my Q-DAC to my computer via the asynchronous USB input and run my HE-400's directly from the Q-DAC's headphone output.
 
The sound quality from this source is fantastic. A major upgrade from the Auzentech Forte soundcard I was previously using.
 
Here is my Q-DAC stacked on top of my ancient Sony mini system next to my PC:
 

 

[reiserFS]

I have been interested in the Q-DAC for a while now, though the ESS9016 is a huge turnoff. Apparently it sounds much worse compared to the 9018 according to a few people.

 

[CRUZMISL]

I didn't test the M-DAC but I highly doubt it is much worse.
 
I trusted the advice given from the owner of Headphonic that they sound almost identical.

 

[reiserFS]

Interesting. Could you comment on the sound signature of the Q-DAC?
Quote:

I didn't test the M-DAC but I highly doubt it is much worse.
 
I trusted the advice given from the owner of Headphonic that they sound almost identical.

 

[CRUZMISL]

I can only compare to my old soundcard (Forte) and a FiiO E07K with my HE-400's and find it hard to describe what I am hearing, suffice to say that the Q-DAC is much better.
 
The E07K is warmer and the soundcard was more bright than the very balanced Q-DAC.
 
The simplest way for me to describe it is that it has improved everything the HE-400's can do from the my other sources. Whereas previously I only heard 80% of the headphones potential, i now get 99%.
 
Clarity, texture and detail are improved over all frequencies.
 
The integrated amp powers them sufficiently.

 

[zting]

Hi I am also in western australia. Went into headphonics yesterday looking for an dac and amp combo n the guy recommended me the q dac as well. However I am not too sure whether I should get one as base on review frok what hifi q dac is inferior in terms of sound quality to the m dac?

What is your opinion?

I might as well just get the matrix m stage combo for less abkut 530 vs 730 for the q dac...


I findit really shocking as well that no one mentions much on the q dac.I

 

[CRUZMISL]

I might as well just get the matrix m stage combo for less abkut 530 vs 730 for the q dac...
 

 
The DAC in the Matrix combo is not even close to performing at the Q-DAC level. Though the amp would be at least as good.
 
Overall I think the Q-DAC is a much better purchase. And the price is about to go up, if it hasn't already:
http://www.headphones.com.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7473

 

[zting]

At the end I have decided to wait for yulong d200 to be released at 490 usd which even supports dsd. Cannot wait for them to release.

How did u find the sound of the qdac? I am hesistant in buying one because as per whathifi the dac is not performing even at the price it is at. So yea...

 

[reiserFS]

Yulong D200? Where did you source that info from?
 
Quote:

At the end I have decided to wait for yulong d200 to be released at 490 usd which even supports dsd. Cannot wait for them to release.

How did u find the sound of the qdac? I am hesistant in buying one because as per whathifi the dac is not performing even at the price it is at. So yea...

 

[zting]

Hi ReiserFS, Some from this forum and other in the china forum linked.
 
The price was something i assumed as I was in contact with Tam Audio asking why the price of d100 mk2 increased when I was about to get it (luckily I did not), he mentioned that they increased the price (i am talking about their ebay shop) to anticipate future pricing of the replacement. Hence I am assuming they price should be thereabouts.
 
I also asked them whether it would be out as said in forum end of this year but apparently it will be released next year.
 
Hope this answers.

 

[CRUZMISL]

Not a lot of interest for this great device that I still love to use everyday.
 
Just came across this old article where the Q-DAC got a 5 star recommended verdict in a six way (blind) group test by Hi-Fi Choice:
http://www.avrevolution.com.au/SiteMedia/w3svc1114/Uploads/Documents/Audiolab%20Q-DAC%20Hi%20Fi%20Choice%20Group%20Test%20Winner%20-%20January_2014.pdf

 

[slawts]

I've just bought one of these for £149 and am stunned at its capability. I use a Fiio X3 as source through VTL and XTC amps and KEF Reference speakers. For the price it's astonishing and more listenable than my Naim CD5x. I haven't even tried the headphone socket yet. Remarkable!

 

[akshaysalkar]

I have purchased this, now at a step down price considering its 3 yrs old ; Though DACs tend to have expensive or even cheap pricing.
 
Here are its specs : 
 
Q-DAC specifications:

DAC: ESS Sabre32 9016
Resolution: 32 Bits
Digital Coaxial Input: 1

Digital Optical Input: 1

Digital USB Input: 1
Asynchronous USB Data: Yes
RCA Output: 1
Headphone Amplifier: Yes
Dimensions (WxHxD mm): 250 x 59 x 252
Pre Amplifier: Yes

 

 
I will test it to my R70x Audio Technica to see how it performs. 
 
 
Any suggestions for connecting it to some good amplfiers ? Yamaha, AudioDAC, or any other ones ?

 

[CRUZMISL]

  Any suggestions for connecting it to some good amplfiers ? Yamaha, AudioDAC, or any other ones ?

 
It already has it's own headphone amplifier.

 

[akshaysalkar]

   
It already has it's own headphone amplifier.

True. It has. (After quite some time of understanding it, ; Even the shop-owners have no clue, ... they just nodded a yes, with a confused state-of-mind) 

 

But I am referring to connect it to a external amplifier, so that I can then have it connected to speakers. (Analog Audio)