[Pasopati]

Will be having mine this Saturday. Will surely write my impressions before I begin (and these will be most likely like dx90 vs qls qa360; the question I always seeked the answer for)

Great! Im curious myself, since i have dx90. Looking forward for comparation..dont forget to use lurker firmware mod..

 

[Tamirci]

My initials (vs dx90)
HP: NAD Viso HP50
Tracks: Mainly avant-garde metal (Diablo Swing Orchestra) and psychadelic rock (Camel)
 
Having had dx90 since its release you can guess how was I deeply accustomed to its sound q. Now using hp50, which a too revealing, and dx90's hiss at gain 2 and 3 became obvious.
Now comes the rough differences:
 
1. Obviously: SIZE. While dx90 has some old fashioned looks QA is not that large if encountered alone in the nature
2. Connectivity: Dx90 had many options. HP, Line, Coax were its -outs. QA has hp, analog, optical (3.5mm), IR out, 5v power out.
3. Sound: dx90 was almost bright and clear. QA is neutral to its bones. And clearer. Bonus: Tried dubstep: Fuller and more "realistic" as computer generated sound could be. And fiercier especially in the bass drop phases. Plus basses hit harder at chords. Bonus2: Röyksopp - Only This Moment: Backing vocal is obvious. Music got elevated into something else with QA Bonus3: Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane (FLAC - almost crystal clear now) Bonus4: Gorillaz - Feel Good INC (Flac): Wow. Was wondering how more this device could get better?! Now listening almost a brand new song than the same song I am listening for nearly a decade.
 
These recordings are done out of the QA. Will try using a hybrid Schiit Vali clone tomorrow. And a dedicated tube amp Monday.
 
ps: Couldnt get to vol 250 at dx90. Can never listen at 150 with this one. 70 does it.
ps2: QA is buttoned like ancient devices. No iphone class touch screen.

 

[bahamot]

  Hi, bahamot, where did you get the information?

From their official forums (in Chinese though):
http://www.qlshifi.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardid=2&Id=4785&page=2

 

[kenz]

Thanks for the interesting impression, Tamirci.
 
Am wondering if we can have more impressions to come?
Some earlier impressions mention by others says QA360 is preferred over the Hifiman HM901 and DX100, 2 of the most highly praised daps in headfi. While others couldn't agree with the vocal presentation.
 
Seems to have great potential, however, it's difficult to get a bearing of how the QA360 performs based on the available impressions so far.
 
Besides DX90, also hope to see more comparisons with Fiio X5, AK100ii, AK120ii and Calyx M, to have a better view of the QA360 performance

 

[Tamirci]

Thanks. Now laid mine to burnin (was at 50 hours) and will update at like 150 hours. And for that other daps, we'll have a local hp gathering this 23. Will surely drop a line or two if I find chance to audition them.
 
But first of all gonna copy and format my microsd that I was using with dx90 and hope for the best Would hate to buy a new sd card.

 

[oncdoc]

Does this player play native DSD? also DxD.. 128 bit? converted to PCM at some point or no? 
 
Pros and cons vs AK100 if some one out there owns both?
 
Thanks .. new to music. 

 

[oncdoc]

Ok, how about why FLAC not supported? or is it with the latest upgrade ? if so is it to the highest FLAC standard?

 

[pekingduck]

FLAC is certainly supported. There's an alternative firmware that only plays WAV but that's totally optional.

 

[Sagitis]

I heard qa360 cant play 24bit 192kbit flac

 

[VCMan]

  I heard qa360 cant play 24bit 192kbit flac

It's true. And flac 24/96 as well. Flac files limited to 24/48 only.
But it plays wavs up to 24/192, DSD and SACD.iso instead.

 

[oncdoc]

How is one supposed to easily make sacd iso?

 

[VCMan]

http://rutracker.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=1755
Have a look.


 

 

[MikePortnoy]

An interesting comparison..

 

[AmberOzL]

An interesting comparison..

QA360 is no slouch, keeping the price low, performance high. I seriously like that device. Also 901 needs to learn about how to be a durable and though from QA360

 

[shakur1996]

Amber, did you listen to QLS? If yes, how does it pair with 5ways?