Besides the fact that too much to read is not particularly suitable for younger generations who have coined the TLDNR “Too Long Do Not Read” and expect instant information as if it were always possible to get information in but a few words, and the fact that while Martin Colloms is a respectable...

I would also like to point out that the above adapter scheme is wrong and will most likely just introduce hum and noise. What is necessary is either an active component creating the opposite phase of the signal (phase splitter with unity gains) - or the optimal solution: a line transformer with...

I see some confusion here, and would like to help you understanding some amplification concepts. SE, just as the acronym says, is Single Ended. The cable would most often be RCA for two poles - signal and ground. Balanced means that the signal is transferred by cable via 3 poles: signal in...

Copying a file from one folder to another, or one device to the other is a copy and subject to a CRC (cyclic redundancy check). There will be no difference between 2 files if they have not been altered, or otherwise some error in copying occurs. The “digital” signal path from source to DAC does...

I envy people like you, who can’t hear the difference between cables. The asynchronous USB connection carries a digital signal similar to what the coaxial digital cable carries, plus 5V and power ground - if you cannot hear differences between USB cables, you cannot hear differences between...

I have just written a long post about a similar topic, and would not have replied to this one specifically had it not been for the opposite nature between the two - both leading in the same direction. Basically, this is about the "technical audiophile" against "music lover" - where actually in...

I understand your concern and general bias towards "audiophiles" and "audiophile reviewers". Like in any other field, there are extremes on either side. While there have been attempts to "standardize" definitions of sound quality, soundstaging, etc -- just try to remember the early Absolute...

In a previous post I have already made a simple calculation showing that based on DAC datasheet data higher sampling rates do increase power draw of the DAC chip, therefore have an effect on the battery life. Nevertheless, my simple calculation has shown this to be 12% more current draw on the...

I disagree on the USB connection: USB C would make it more difficult for users who insist on serious USB cables for their connections to the pc/mac. With the standard USB micro a regular OTG adapter (hardwired) can be used to convert to standard USB B and to connect a standard serious audio USB...

Thank you Brooko. You didn’t mention the headphones you used for the test, and the volume level you have set. It should probably last longer without headphones, as line output only...

For an objective approach sake, I've just checked out the Datasheet of the AKM4490EN (2 of these are the DAC section of the Q5) and found that there is a difference in power draw relative to the sampling frequency. The DAC chip draws an average current at DVDD as follows: 44.1k = 10mA 96k = 15mA...

Thank you for your quick reply. The mix of files I listen to does include some 16bit flac files, but I do not listen to lossy formats. From a DAC standpoint, there is no difference between a 16bit lossy and a 16bit lossless file, because it is receiving a PCM stream via coaxial digital input...

I have recently acquired the Q5 (new, unopened box), and am rather satisfied with the sound quality over headphones (standard and balanced) as well as over the line output. The sound quality over line output is definitely comparable to full-size DACs. The sound quality over headphones output is...