As title says. With the level of similarity in hardware and impressive level of power from the BTR5, is there a point in getting the Q5s over it? Does anyone have/heard both units and can comment on the sound signature?
Fiio BTR5 vs Q5S?
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ThatStKildaGuy
Previously known as ScuseMe
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I have both. I think that they are more different than similar. Yeah they are DAC/AMPs with bluetooth made by Fiio. But the Q5s is huge compared to the BTR5. The Q5s has two main advantage over the BTR5:
1. Has Optical/Coax input and line out.
2. Can change the amp module.
The BTR5 has over the Q5s:
1. Smaller.
2. Cheaper.
3. More handsome (IMO).
I haven't had the BTR5 enough, but the Q5s gets hot, really hot. The BTR5 feels like a peeble, because is made mostly of glass, which can be a con if durability is a concern. I found that the stock amp (AM3E) of the Q5s is really feeble with it's single ended ouput, but to my suprise the BTR5 has enough omph in the single ended. I can get my HD600 to decent levels on high gain at 35/60 volume on the BTR5. On the Q5s that would be like 12 o'clock on high gain also, due note that the pot on the Q5s only goes up to 4:30, so not a lot of headroom with high impedance headphones. But work ok as USB DACs.
For 110 USD you cannot go wrong with the BTR5 unless you need optical/coax or the module thing, plus the screen is pretty cute and kinda useful.
1. Has Optical/Coax input and line out.
2. Can change the amp module.
The BTR5 has over the Q5s:
1. Smaller.
2. Cheaper.
3. More handsome (IMO).
I haven't had the BTR5 enough, but the Q5s gets hot, really hot. The BTR5 feels like a peeble, because is made mostly of glass, which can be a con if durability is a concern. I found that the stock amp (AM3E) of the Q5s is really feeble with it's single ended ouput, but to my suprise the BTR5 has enough omph in the single ended. I can get my HD600 to decent levels on high gain at 35/60 volume on the BTR5. On the Q5s that would be like 12 o'clock on high gain also, due note that the pot on the Q5s only goes up to 4:30, so not a lot of headroom with high impedance headphones. But work ok as USB DACs.
For 110 USD you cannot go wrong with the BTR5 unless you need optical/coax or the module thing, plus the screen is pretty cute and kinda useful.
Johnfg465vd
500+ Head-Fier
I have the BTR5 and while it's a very good sounding device, I find the overall sound quality when using Headphones is not quite as good as my desktop Setup (iFi Zen DAC & CAN). Would I benefit from getting the Q5s (or the new Q5s TC)? If so how? My headphones are Meze 99, Sundara & HD 58X. Also, is there any difference in overall sound quality when using IEM's? Thanks in advanceI have both. I think that they are more different than similar. Yeah they are DAC/AMPs with bluetooth made by Fiio. But the Q5s is huge compared to the BTR5. The Q5s has two main advantage over the BTR5:
1. Has Optical/Coax input and line out.
2. Can change the amp module.
The BTR5 has over the Q5s:
1. Smaller.
2. Cheaper.
3. More handsome (IMO).
I haven't had the BTR5 enough, but the Q5s gets hot, really hot. The BTR5 feels like a peeble, because is made mostly of glass, which can be a con if durability is a concern. I found that the stock amp (AM3E) of the Q5s is really feeble with it's single ended ouput, but to my suprise the BTR5 has enough omph in the single ended. I can get my HD600 to decent levels on high gain at 35/60 volume on the BTR5. On the Q5s that would be like 12 o'clock on high gain also, due note that the pot on the Q5s only goes up to 4:30, so not a lot of headroom with high impedance headphones. But work ok as USB DACs.
For 110 USD you cannot go wrong with the BTR5 unless you need optical/coax or the module thing, plus the screen is pretty cute and kinda useful.
I actually haven´t used my Q5s in a long time, have you tried your BTR5 in balanced mode? I think for headphones you need more power, I have a pair of HD600 and HE400i which would be close to the Sundara and HD58X and I just bought a balanced cable for the Senns to play them from the BTR5, if you don´t want to go the balanced route, you can get something like a Topping NX4 which has more power and I quite like it better than the Q5s.
Johnfg465vd
500+ Head-Fier
I've since purchased a used Chord Mojo and like it a lot. Thanks for the suggestions though. I did try BTR5 in balanced with Meze 99 Balanced Cable, small improvement compared to SE but ultimately found better upgrade with Mojo.
almost all portable AMPs have inferior quality to desktop AMPs even if they cost more, I own a Fiio A5 that does 800mW output power and it's nothing compared to every desktop AMP I tried also any bluetooth codec will take a big bite out of detail and mostly resolution.... if you want a amazing sounding portable AMP and don't care about prices or sizes get a desktop amp that has portable capabilities like many iFi amp's and just hook up a bluetooth receiver to it, my Fiio A5 runs with a dedicated bluetooth receiver hooked up to it since it comes with those bands anyway I just used those.
Johnfg465vd
500+ Head-Fier
I'm using Chord Mojo with a slightly modified xDuoo 05BL Pro module now. Happy with it
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