QLS Hifi MUB1

The QLS HiFi MUB1 is a Bluetooth DAC/amp that has flown under the radar for some, but its rise to popularity has been epic. With a limited initial release that quickly sold out, it’s clear that this device caught the attention of those in the know.
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Having spent over six months with this amp/DAC, one reviewer’s insights are particularly noteworthy. Now, a year and a half since its release, this little powerhouse has become a reliable companion for those looking for portable high-fidelity sound. https://qlshifi.com/?id=233

I quote him here:

“ In fact, the HiFi player category is, to some extent, somewhat anti-historical. The elimination of MP3 and the continuous shrinking of market share in recent years are the best evidence. The reason why it has continued to this day is largely because people's living conditions have improved and they want to spend a little money to improve their quality of life. If future players want to stand out and become a popular device for ordinary music lovers, Bluetooth is the best entry point. I believe that with the advancement of technology and the full popularization of streaming media, the day will come when the sound quality of Bluetooth is comparable to that of wired ones. At that time, will you still choose the bulky bricks?”

First Impressions & Build History

The MUB1 is not just another Bluetooth DAC/amp; its story adds to its allure. It may not boast flashy marketing, but its reputation has been built through solid performance and design. Initially, I needed a dependable Bluetooth DAC/amp that could serve as a backup for my HiBy R4—especially after the disastrous failure at a recent CanJam. Desperate for something reliable, I searched the market and finally came across the MUB1, which came highly recommended by one of my subscribers.

Build Quality and Design

While many Bluetooth DAC/amps, like the Quidelix 5K, fall short in build quality, the MUB1 delivers a more substantial feel. It strikes a balance between being portable and feeling robust. It’s not so small that it’s forgettable, nor too large to become cumbersome. The case included with the MUB1 is another thoughtful touch—it’s simple, well-designed, and protects the device without being obtrusive. It’s clear that attention to detail went into the design, and this level of care extends to the usability as well. For those who are particular about tactile feel, the MUB1 won’t disappoint.

The form factor is ideal for on-the-go use. It’s sleek enough to be pocketable yet offers a solid, premium feel. One of its key features is that all input/output ports are aligned on the same side—a subtle but important design choice. It streamlines cable management, making the setup less cluttered and easier to use. Some may take time to adjust, but once you do, it’s difficult to go back to devices with haphazard port placement.

Connectivity and User Experience

Linking the MUB1 to your phone via Bluetooth is as seamless as it gets—quick, easy, and stable. With support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC, it ensures minimal loss of sound quality over Bluetooth. The USB-C ports for charging and data transfer are separated, which I found to be incredibly convenient. You can enable or disable charging through the software menu, allowing you to use external power without constantly draining or charging the battery.

While some might see the lack of a screen as a downside, I found it refreshing. It keeps the device focused on performance, not gimmicks. The MUB1 has a straightforward user interface that’s easy to navigate, with functional filters and gain settings that offer flexibility without overwhelming you with too many options.

Sound Performance

Now to the core of the matter: how does the MUB1 sound? In short, it’s fantastic and it delivers a sound that’s more musical than analytical. The overall sound signature is balanced, uncolored, and very satisfying across genres.

Bass: Deep, rich, and well-controlled. The MUB1 handles bass with authority, providing weight without sacrificing clarity. It avoids the bloated sound that many portable DAC/amps struggle with, particularly in Bluetooth mode.

Mids: The midrange is full and smooth, offering a natural tone that complements vocals and instruments beautifully. This is especially noticeable with acoustic or vocal-centric tracks, where the MUB1 excels at reproducing detail without sounding clinical.

Treble: High frequencies are clean and extend well without being harsh. The treble isn’t overly bright, making it easier on the ears for extended listening sessions.

I found myself going towards the NOS (non-oversampling) filter, which provided a more organic sound. The gain settings allow you to tailor the sound to your preferences, with the “Super” gain option delivering a bolder, more dynamic sound, while the lower gain settings offer a cleaner, more laid-back presentation.

Power and Usability

Despite its compact size, the MUB1 is a powerhouse. With up to 1100mW at 32Ω, it can drive most IEMs and headphones with ease, including power-hungry models like the Annihilator. I was impressed with how effortlessly it powered these demanding headphones without breaking a sweat.

There are some minor caveats. While the battery life is solid—offering around 10 hours of use—there was some noise when using the device while charging. But I did try it again another time and the noise did go away. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you plan to use it while plugged in. That said, this device feels more suited for semi-portable use cases—think travel, work, or casual listening in bed. I do feel you could use this as your one and only device without issue, as the quality of sound is so premium.

Final Thoughts

The QLS HiFi MUB1 is a versatile, well-built, and powerful Bluetooth DAC/amp that punches far above its weight class. It’s not the most feature-packed or visually stunning device, but it delivers where it counts: sound quality, portability, and reliability. If you need a high-quality Bluetooth DAC/amp for on-the-go use, the MUB1 is a fantastic option. It may not replace your desktop DAC/amp, but as a portable solution, it offers an impressive combination of performance and practicality.

For anyone who prioritizes sound over gimmicks, the MUB1 is a worthy companion on any audio journey.


I am releasing a Youtube Video of this at the same time if you prefer to watch.

I'd like to thank Conceptkart and gadgetgod for including me in this tour. All impressions shared in this review are based on my usage of the device. There was no influence, monetary or otherwise to write anything positive (or negative) about the device.

The Quloos MUB1 is a handy little pocketable Bluetooth dacamp from Chinese manufacturer Quloos featuring 4x CS43131 DAC chips. This is my first experience with a Quloos device and I must say that I'm very impressed with the kind of SQ they've managef to deliver with such a compact device.

Quloos has managed to get some impressive measurements like 132dB SNR with a THD+N of 0.0001%. Thankfully these measurements translate to a dead silent and dark background wherein the MUB1 beautifully projects the details of the quad Cirrus Logic DAC. The DAC is capable of handling upto 32 bit / 384 KHz PCM and Native DSD256 streams. The tiny unit manages to put out upto 1100mW per channel in balanced output and upto 410 mW @32ohms in single ended output.



The MUB1 comes with seperate power and data USB-C ports which in my opinion is a huge plus point for a portable dacamp. In terms of unput, we're limited to USB or Bluetooth. While it supports LDAC, it doesn't support Aptx Adaptive or LHDC / HWA. The unit has 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL ports capable of both PO and LO. There's one more 3.5mm port for SPDIF output, allowing one to use it as a DDC and benefit from its femtosecond clock.

The device has a metal body with all the buttons nearly aligned at one side and all the ports aligned to the bottom. The unit is surprisingly lightweight at just 142g. In terms of size, the device is somewhat close to the CMA18 portable and is definitely smaller than the likes of FiiO Q15 and iFi xDSD Gryphon. The unit comes with a silicon protective case, which is good. I'm tired of brands nickel and diming us for cases over and above what they charge for the product itself. The MUB1 has a minimalistic monochrome display that seems better suited for smaller BT dacamps (think FiiO BTR5/ BTR15). While it is adequate, a better display would certainly make the device look and feel more premium. Anyway, the display is functional and that's what matters at the end of the day.



In terms of sound, as I mentioned earlier, it has a pitch dark background and the dac is capable of some really good detail retrieval. The MUB1 has this feature called "Fine" which kind of refines the audio as the value is increased. This in particular is an interesting feature, although it does definitely make the music sound more processed / digital. There are a bunch of filters that one can explore and change based on their preferences or genre of music. For purists, the NOS mode will probably be the most preferred option. In terms of gain, it was able to drive most of the IEMs quite well in low gain. Even with sensitive IEMs like A&K Pathfinder, there was no hiss or bg noise audible. It was able to drive my SRH550DJ headphones in high gain (SE output) very well.

All in all, this is an excellent portable dacamp that provides premium sound in a sleek package. It has some versatility in terms of I/O thanks to the Bluetooth input and SPDIF output. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a Bluetooth dacamp with lots of power and asleek pocketable form factor.

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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 CS43131 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.