FiiO Q1 vs. DacMagic XS with ATH-M50X

[ExtremeGamerBR]

Hi guys!
 
I'm going to buy an ATH-M50X and I will need a DAC/AMP. Here in Brazil, the prices are a little different. So, in the price range I am looking for, my two only options are Fiio Q1 and DacMagic XS (Q1 is +/- 50 dollars more cheap).
 
Well, as far I can see, with FiiO Q1 I will be able to drive my M50X with no problems with my LG G3. DacMagic XS I can't. With Q1 I can select my bass level. With XS I can't. But the XS can reproduce 24/192 samples rate, while Q1 "only" 24/96.
 
I don't really care about being capable of use a DAC/AMP with my G3 and the bass level feature, but it's nice. At the same time, I think that the XS is a better DAC/AMP, and supports 24/192. The question is: with my ATH-M50X, which one is the best option? In this case, the difference in quality will be noticeable?
 
Sorry for my poor english,
 
Thanks!

 

[cel4145]

The LG G3 measures to have fantastic audio quality: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g3-review-1086p7.php. So you don't need a DAC.

If the M50X is not loud enough and you need a headphone amp, a Fiio A3 will more than do the job. Used to be released as the E11K, so you might find some NIB models under that name.

 

[ExtremeGamerBR]

Thank you! But in relation to the common audio from a computer/laptop, a DAC in this price range of Q1/XS would not bring an improvement in the sound? I believe the amplifier either of these two could guide the M50X, right? From what I read it is a very undemanding headphone in this regard.

A3 is in a price range between Q1 and XS here, it does not have a DAC, which would be used on my computers, but has an amplifier of better quality?

The A3 amplifier would be able to drive headphones as HD 650 and others in this price zone? Because I think of it as my reference for future upgrades, if the A3 can drive this headphone, it would be good because I would not need an upgrade in future amplifiers.
 
I think I'm even more confused now hahaha.

 

[cel4145]

If the Q1 is a good bit cheaper, then it makes sense to go with it if you need a DAC to use with your computer. The A3s amplifier is a bit more powerful than the Q1, but not by leaps and bounds. Neither is going to be a great choice for something like the HD650s.

 

[ExtremeGamerBR]

If the Q1 is a good bit cheaper, then it makes sense to go with it if you need a DAC to use with your computer. The A3s amplifier is a bit more powerful than the Q1, but not by leaps and bounds. Neither is going to be a great choice for something like the HD650s.

So, if I use my M50Xs on my computer, which has an onboard sound card, I will have better results with a DAC/AMP (Q1) than just an AMP (A3), normally?

 

[cel4145]

Depends on your particular computers built in sound card. Might not notice any/much difference. Impossible to predict.

 

[ExtremeGamerBR]

Depends on your particular computers built in sound card. Might not notice any/much difference. Impossible to predict.

 
Oh, ok then. It is a difficult decision, I'll read a few reviews to make the best decision between Q1 and XS.

Thanks a lot for the help!

 

[cel4145]

The Q1 has a line input port. That means you can bypass the DAC and just use it as an amp. That might be handy if you want to use it with your phone and charge your phone at the same time. I also think the DacMagic XS will pull power from your phone, to run whereas the Q1 will be running off its internal battery.

And based upon the specs, the Q1 would appear to be a bit more powerful. Probably better for future headphone purchases.

So to me, the Q1 is the obvious choice if you want to use it with your phone at all.

 

[ExtremeGamerBR]

The Q1 has a line input port. That means you can bypass the DAC and just use it as an amp. That might be handy if you want to use it with your phone and charge your phone at the same time. I also think the DacMagic XS will pull power from your phone, to run whereas the Q1 will be running off its internal battery.

And based upon the specs, the Q1 would appear to be a bit more powerful. Probably better for future headphone purchases.

So to me, the Q1 is the obvious choice if you want to use it with your phone at all.

 
Yes, I will buy the Q1.
 
Is that reading the specs, I think the XS has a better quality DAC (24/192 etc) and because the price is almost double than the Q1 on Amazon, for example. But I think I am convinced that in my case, in view of the portability and cost-effective, Q1 does better.
 
My priority was always the sound on my computer/laptop, so my question revolved largely around whether it was worth paying $50 more for the XS and lose control of bass, but having a DAC theoretically better quality.
 
I appreciate the help, it was very enlightening!

 

[cel4145]

24/192 doesn't mean it's a better quality DAC. Just that it can play higher res music. Unless you get into paying money for the more expensive high res music, it offers no advantage for you. And high res music is not necessarily better than CD quality.