QLS Hifi MUB1

Review Of The Quloos MUB1​

Introduction​

Quloos, a Chinese firm also known as ShenZhen QLS Electronic Technology Co., Ltd, is devoted to offering high-end digital audio player research and development and has created a line of digital audio players. The firm also has an interest in various audio accessories such as audio power purifier filters and Analog to SPDIF converters. They have developed devices such as QA662, QP02, and QU02, and are commonly known as MC01 and MC01, but the most recent one that I was able to get my hands on is their new Bluetooth DAC/AMP known as the MUB1 for review, but before we get into the sound, I would want to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

**Since this unit tour was organised by the grateful people at ConceptKart, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to this device as “MUB1”
*Finally, I will only evaluate the MUB1 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Quloos MUB1 is equipped with four CS43198 chips from Cirrus Logic, which provide exceptional specifications, including a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 132dB and incredibly low Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of 0.0001%. The device offers unique functionalities that cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts, including a Nos mode and an eight-channel Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) design. These features allow the MUB1 to support high-resolution audio formats, such as PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and Direct Stream Digital (DSD) resolution up to 256. The MUB1 also boasts advanced technology like a low jitter range, an independent power supply system, and a four-stage HiFi structure. Its construction with premium components like Panasonic Electrolytic Capacitors, Wurth Alloy Inductor, and BUF634, commonly used for desktop AMPs, are implemented efficiently.

Below is an image providing other technical specifications:

Design And Aesthetics​

The MUB1 has the feel of a little square slab of metal with rounded corners, which appears small for a DAP but not for a dongle dac, hence I do not consider it a real dongle DAC/AMP. The device is made of silver aluminum and features a black front with a screen in its middle. Even being such a little device, it has a surprising number of functionality. Also, considering its appearance and body dimensions, I believe it resembles a power bank or utility gadget. Below are the device's technical specs.

Usage ​

First, I'd want to discuss the clicking sound it produces when it turns on or when the options it gives change since it sounds the most pleasant and minimalistic. Despite its larger size compared to other pocketable DAC/AMPs, the device is rather practical and easy to use or take out of pockets. Though the plastic cover made it difficult to operate the button, it was otherwise functional. With all of the capabilities, I could utilize the gain, filter, and volume, but it was simple to go through all of the settings. Using it simply at high gain was sufficient to drive hard-to-drive IEMs such as my Prestige LTD and Crimson. The positioning of the output ports below the device was a good idea since it made it simpler to control both the device connected to the source and the device itself, but I usually used it with Bluetooth, which was rather efficient for me and my usage preferences.

Sound Impressions ​

IEMs​

Thieaudio Prestige LTD

Prestige LTD is the very reason I am now able to find the truth in my musical dreams; I have never heard another IEM that ploughs your ears with faith in each note, no matter how those notes should sound and nurtures your senses with dynamics and presentation as if I were hearing reality. Previously, I owned the Monarch MKII, which established what one would expect, but once the prestige's magic began to flourish, I knew I could explore so much more with it, especially when it came to the air and presence of each nuance the notes were able to grasp over and tingled my senses. To summarise the prestige's response sounds as if the Monarch MKII were given steroids and enhanced the upper frequencies in all directions with better authoritative flow in the lower response. The response is neutral with sub bass boost, similar to the Monarch MKII, with the exception that the notes are airier and more revealing than any other IEM before this era. However, the thinner notes and excessive clarity provide obnoxious features that expose bad mixing and recordings, which were highly obvious when heard on my V6 but smoothed out on my WM1A, indicating source dependence.

While listening to LTD with MUB1, the response seemed more controlled and mature, with better control over the treble energy, which sounded somewhat more bodied and tonally warmer. The stage is large enough to provide a better holographic reaction, and the image has improved, resulting in a more engaging response. The voices are slightly soft, and the instruments seem rounded, but the wide and airy response is not impaired. Another thing that stood out was that the female voices, which were capable of showing air and realistic features in the high octaves, faded, and the instruments were somewhat limited in their ability to expose maximum clarity. The bass did not appear to be significantly altered, and it retained its punch and weight within the mix.

Symphonium Crimson

I have come across the Crimson IEMs and I have to say that they are a cut above my best-sounding IEM, the Prestige LTD. The Crimson provides an incredibly enjoyable experience, surpassing any other IEMs I have heard, whether they are top-of-the-line or not. The Crimson’s presentation is expressive yet smooth, with a balanced and warm response that accurately reproduces the quality of the notes while providing a playful presentation of the vocals and instruments. The newer BA IEMs can sound less metallic or artificial, but Symphoniom has gone above and beyond in this regard. I have previously thought that the Helios offered better detail retrieval than the Thieaudio Monarch MKII, but I preferred the Monarch MKII’s pleasing tonality, which became my favourite at the time. However, the Crimson has now generously offered everything I wanted and more, including the weight and impact of the bass, and the musicality in the presentation of the vocals and instruments in the upper frequencies while retaining a pleasing tonality.

During my listening experience with the Crimson and MUB1, I couldn’t help but notice how the response of the sound felt soft and rounded. While the detailed aspects of the notes were not as prominent, there was an improved grasp over the tonal quality which made the listening experience quite enjoyable. Another aspect that stood out was the spaciousness of the response, which allowed the vocals to sound open and free. Additionally, the treble felt extensive and airy, while the bass took a backseat in terms of power and impact, resulting in a sound that was warmer and more mellow than before. Overall, the listening experience was quite pleasant.

Thor Mjolnir MKII

Mjolnir is a very bassy set that has a lot of sub-bass emphasis. The treble and upper mid-range are also very forward in the mix. The upper treble has great extension as well. The bass is very punchy and boomy while acting fast. Mjolnir is a great V-shape-sounding IEM with a different approach to explosive bass that has better technicalities, especially in this price range. The stage is great with a nice surrounding stage and depth where the separation of each element sounds distant enough to procure space to breathe and distinguish themselves. The attack and decay of the driver capability are really quick and perform great. The vocals may feel lean and sparkly, but the warmth or the fuller experience is something that these lack. The bass response does vary from source to source whether I listen to a warm source or a neutral one, the bass becomes either overwhelming authoritative or both.



With this combo, the upper midrange and lower treble sounded more front, while the voices and instruments sounded leaner and forward, resulting in an open and energetic response. However, the bass felt more accurate and controlled. Finally, delivering an enthusiastic reaction with engaging voices and entertaining instrumental presentation improves the sound's detail and clarity.

Tin Hifi P1 Max II

Based on my recollection, the previous version of the P1 MAX II, the P1 Max, had a warm and neutral sound that produced a pleasing response with rounded notes and a safe response. However, the P1 Max II takes that safe tuning and adds more detailed aspects to the sound. Compared to its predecessor, the P1 Max II has a more balanced response with an emphasised mid-range. This results in a more engaging and lively sound. In today's world of Planar IEMs, many companies have started using this technology and released successful products. This has led to a highly competitive market, with each company striving to excel in their technology and tuning on planar drivers. Despite this, I believe that the P1 Max II stands out as a unique and intriguing IEM in the market.



while listening to P1 Max II with MUB1, the response sounds a little more weighted yet transparent with a more emphasised lower mid-range bringing a better tonally balanced response. The details and clarity are somewhat improved and the notes sound livelier. The bass impact has more oomph and meat in the mid-bass yet the impact is still light. The overall response is more enjoyable and natural sounding.

Kiwi Ears X Crinacle Singolo

The Singolo's tuning tends toward a naturally warm tone that becomes increasingly pleasurable to listen to with each second. The bass response is optimized to sound larger, bodied, and genuine. Whatever I said, it wouldn't have mattered if the technology that the corporation was pleased to deliver to us wasn't effective. But, after giving it a good amount of time to understand and find logic, the only thing I was able to understand was that the driver used is of high quality, as is the use of the K.A.A.R.S technology, which is the implementation of acoustic tuning from the back of the driver to accentuate the air pressure, allowing for a dip around 200Hz-400Hz without affecting the natural tone that resides in that region. The whole response sounds genuine, lively, and right in every manner conceivable. The only issue I have is with the treble, yet it is what makes the Singolo sound great.



While listening to Singolo with MUB1, the overall response was distinct and resolved, with a significant emphasis in the mid-range region, which enhanced the voice impression and delivered a more clear, crisp, and transparent sound; the same can be said for the instruments, though the impact of the notes was not as powerful. The treble seemed more apparent, with better nuances, but the air and extension felt same. In comparison, the bass appeared less alive in the mix, but it was precise and well-controlled. The complexities were quickly disclosed, but their impact lacked the brilliance of the notes and their powerful presence.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

In the end, I discovered this tiny piece of hardware packed with a lot of capabilities and power, and it eventually offers a superb sound quality to listen to whether IEMs or headphones, because it is so powerful. The way it is tuned is really incredibly clear and precise, giving you a specific place to scowl on and live with the music you purchased this device for. Given that they truly represent a revolution, they definitely receive a ten out of ten recommendation.

Quloos - MUB1 - Quick Impressions​

Thanks to Concept Kart (https://conceptkart.com/products/quloos-mub1-bluetooth-portable-usb-dac-amp) and gadgetgod for the tour unit of the Quloos MUB1 portable dacamp.

As always, the views expressed in the review are mine only and are not influenced or compensated in any way by any one.

BUILD​

The review unit has been going around for a while now, and it has stood up to the abuse very well, so full marks for the build of the unit.

I have tried Quloos QA390 earlier (QA390 is a all in one desktop music player/DAP that can power the most demanding of headphones without any additional devices.
I havent tested them with Susvara, but everything else I threw at it, it drove it wonderfully!) and had the impression of a very beautifully balanced sound, with
excellent technicalities as well as balanced sound.

Hence the MUB1 also comes with those sort of expectations. The review unit came with a transparent silicone cover and nothing else. The unit has a small LCD (maybe monochrome led?)
display that is quite minimal in terms of readout.

The device has 2 USB C ports, one for charging only, and the other that does dual duty of charging as well as receiving digital data.

There is a 3.5mm output jack as well as a 4.4mm balanced out. The device also has a spdif/optical out, for DDC purposes. As the device also has a built in
femtosecond clock, this is a very good option for clean input to more sensitive devices.

The input is also BT enabled, for streaming from a source bt device such as a phone or streamer, and similar to the usecase of the BTR devices from FIIO.

USAGE/POWER IN THE REALWORLD​

To test the gain options (Low, Medium, High, Super), I tried mutliple transducers - sensitive iems, single DDs that scale, planars that are hard to drive, headphones that test the amp sections
and the MUB1 was able to drive them well.

For sensitive iems (some older micro drivers and BA iems), in the Low Gain mode, there was no hissing, excellent sound without noise in the background

* Single DDs were able to use the gain (High) very well, with excellent performance.

* Planars were driven well with top performance.

* Hard to drive headphones (vintage Sennheisers HD650) were driver very well in the Super gain mode.

Filters actually make a difference, similar to the QA390. NOS mode is very true to the original mastering, while fast and slow rolloff filters were very usable and produced perceptible change in the sound.
Fast rolloff provided for very quick decay, while there was adequate sustain with the slow rolloff filters, making the sound more analog.

COMPARISONS WITH QUESTYLE CMA18​

The CMA 18 in comparison, provides similar options, but run hotter. However, the CMA18 has an additional ADC mode which allows for recording audio.
Both have excellent performance overall and offer true high end value to discerning audiophiles looking for portable options.

CONCLUSION​

The MUB1 is an excellent portable dacamp that provides high end sound in a portable form. The device didnt heat up after a lot of usage even in a hot 38 celcius environment.

I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/quloos-mub1-bluetooth-portable-usb-dac-amp

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

Introduction:
Quloos, formerly QLS HiFi, based in ShenZhen, China, specializes in high-end audio equipment. Their latest offering, the MUB1, is an all-in-one portable audio solution. Compact yet powerful, it functions as a USB DAC/Amp.

Physical Unit:

The MUB1 boasts a sleek aluminum alloy shell with glass panels, housing four high-performance 32-bit DAC chips and amp chips. It features a small OLED screen, hardware buttons for controls, and various output options, all packed into a pocket-friendly design.









Specifications:
Equipped with CS43131 decoding chips, the MUB1 supports high-resolution audio up to 32-Bit/384kHz PCM and Native DSD256. It offers multiple digital filters and a balanced headphone amp architecture with impressive power output.

Dynamic Range (Balanced/Single-ended)
132dB/126dB

Output Power (Balanced/Single-ended)

1100mW+1100mW@32Ω/250mW+250mW@300Ω

410mW+410mW@32Ω/65mW+65mW@300Ω

Battery life and usage:

The MUB1 boasts a 2500mAh battery that provides up to 10 hours of playback time. It features two USB Type-C ports, one for charging and another for digital input or power bank function. The device can charge other devices connected to it, making it a versatile companion for extended listening sessions on the go. Additionally, users can bypass the battery and power the MUB1 directly from the charging port, enhancing its long-term battery health and lifespan.

In real-world usage, the MUB1 delivers impressive battery performance. When using the 3.5mm single-ended output, it consistently provides approximately 9.5 to 10 hours of playback time at high gain. Similarly, with the 4.4mm balanced output, users can expect around 7.5 to 8 hours of playback time at high gain.





Sound:

I want to outright mention that this is the best implementation of CS43131 chips I’ve come across till date.

The MUB1 delivers a balanced and natural sound signature across the frequency range. Its bass is deep and controlled, midrange rich and detailed, and treble natural and crisp. The soundstage is spacious and immersive, akin to desktop devices.

Sound Performance in Bluetooth Mode:

The MUB1 surprises with its exceptional sound quality when connected via Bluetooth to compatible devices such as smartphones or tablets. Utilizing advanced codecs like LDAC, AptX HD, and AptX, the MUB1 maintains a level of sonic fidelity close to its performance in USB DAC mode. While some minor loss of dynamics and micro details may occur, the overall sonic experience remains impressive, surpassing many other Bluetooth devices in its class. Users can enjoy rich bass, transparent midrange, and smooth treble reproduction, making wireless listening a satisfying experience.

Sound Performance in USB DAC/AMP Mode:

When used as a USB DAC/AMP, the MUB1 showcases its full potential, delivering an outstanding audio performance that rivals desktop setups. With its quad CS43131 DAC configuration and meticulously designed balanced audio circuitry, the MUB1 offers exceptional clarity, detail retrieval, and tonal accuracy. The device handles various music genres with ease, delivering deep, controlled bass, natural and organic midrange, and refined, non-fatiguing treble. Its spacious soundstage and precise imaging further enhance the listening experience, providing users with a captivating and immersive sonic journey.

Tonality and Timbre:
With a realistic and organic timbre, the MUB1 excels in both instrument and vocal reproduction. It strikes a perfect balance between analytical and analog, providing vibrant and lifelike performances.

Bass:
The MUB1 impresses with its natural and powerful bass response, offering depth and impact across various music genres. It handles complex bass passages with texture and control, enhancing the listening experience.

Vocals:
From male to female vocals, the MUB1 excels in transparency and engagement. It reproduces voices with natural body and depth, making performances captivating and lively.

Treble:
The MUB1's treble performance is smooth and detailed, with a touch of warmth. It maintains clarity and definition throughout the frequency range, avoiding harshness or congestion.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Quloos MUB1 is a versatile and powerful portable audio solution that excels in sound quality, convenience, and functionality.