This was a very thorough review! The power output section was very much appreciated. Quick question, is it possible to determine the latency of this since it seems to lack aptx-ll. I would honestly perfer these over the FiiO BTR5 in every way except for the lack of aptx-ll which I would need for movies, etc.

Thank you for your kind comments.
You can read about latency here:
https://www.qudelix.com/blogs/5k-dac-amp/sony-ldac

What a fantastic review!!! chapeau to you. It looks like this gadget will be my next and final audio purchase of the year.
I wish it came with a short and flexible USB-C to USB-C cable, though.

Thank you very much for your comment. Words like yours help me move forward.
It's not a bad suggestion either, what you say about the cable. But, in general, this product has a spectacular quality/price ratio.

Very interesting review. It could confirm me that best is not to go over +1 or 2 Db with it
Actually, I bought it a few weeks ago, and started to use it with a Sony IER-Z1R (40 Ohms) which can fall a bit short in some situations (if I limit to a max of 4V and 0Db to avoid any distortion).

For the fun I tried to connect a small external tube amp (Oriolus BA300s) and results are just excellent too, which can be a way at the office to keep a good sound with clear and powerful low frequencies and connect the Qudelix 5G to my smartphone (for Qobuz) and my Office phone (DECT) for working. PEQ is also rather efficient to support some small adjustments (Based on autoEQ project).
Of course without the external amp (Oriolus), it's already rather powerful and very good even with IEM like the Sony IER-Z1R.
Unfortunately, it can't be charged (via USB-C) while listening without some background noise.. and when USB is disconnected from the Qudelix, BT looses all connections too.

It is clear that if the impedance is less than 32 Ohms, it will be convenient to move away from the maximums, depending on the gain mode. This is due to a limitation of the current circuit, which is not able to provide so much flow for low impedances. On the other hand, it is normal. Even my measurements provide more power than stated, which is a good thing. Let no one think that this does not happen with other amplifiers, you can look for it in other forums.
You must also understand that my measurement tools are quite limited and that they only intend to give an idea of reality.

Incredible review. Thanks!

@meringo, thank you very much for your words. However, the review of the comrade @Zelda, was on the cover of Head-Fi.org and mine never came out. I must understand that his review is better, so read his review too, it's very interesting.
Greetings.

hi, would 5k be worth it for $170? i really like the look companion app.

Too bad it has low sample rate and it does not handle dsd, otherwise I would get it. Maybe the next version.

@cmarsili, Many of us hope so, but they seem to have a different idea:

https://www.qudelix.com/blogs/t71/qudelix-t71

Hi,
If we connect both Qudelix 5k & iBasso DC-05 to a laptop or a smartphone along with a iem say Aria or tin t3+ with 3.5mm jack only which will sound better? If bluetooth and equilizer is not considered/ not used. Which one will u pick for really good sound output alone?
And does connecting iem with 2.5mm jack with qudelix 5k cause burn in in of dynamic driver because it's output voltage is high 3.5v?
Thanks

Bro have to say ur review was really really awesome. U explained each and every aspect. U better start a youtube channel bro just for audiophiles alone

Thanks for your words.
I would always choose the Qudelix 5k, because I don't have the iBasso DC-05 and I have never been able to test it.
Qudelix has a fantastic APP that allows you to control a huge number of parameters, including gain.

Finally, I don't think I'll ever open a youtube channel, although I did post some reviews on a friend's channel years ago.
I like writing and talking is not the same thing. Besides, I want to continue writing in English, even if it is a translation of my reviews in Spanish. My spoken English is pretty lousy and although I think video reviews would be lighter, I wouldn't be able to go into as much depth or as much detail as I do in writing. Although, I recognise that it is not always easy to describe the sound without falling into monotony.
That's why I trust that the products I analyse produce enough excitement or passion to generate in me the necessary inspiration to write.
On the other hand, my review of this Qudelix 5k is one of the most visited on my blog.

Hmm yeah bro ur right.
Have u tried Tripowin Olina?

Sorry, I have not been lucky enough to try it.

I know they have different usecases but do you think it's an upgrade over budget daps like hiby R3 Pro and Shanling Q1 in term of sq?