Quloos QA390

[jmills8]

How about this... My "Audio Corner" or as my wife call it the "Kids getaway Zone"....

From the left - Cowon P2, SP2000, R2R2000, Teac ha-p90sd, Calyx M...... and before with Cowon L, Cayin N6ii, Hiby R6 SS....

Looks like something I would have done alone in my room at 10 years of age.

 

[newtophones07]

Really? I have the HD800s here and i dont share the same conclusion. May i ask what cable do you use for the HD?
i have here the HD540 also ...

One thing to know - this unit has 5 different OS , im using PURE WAV and playing only WAV files.... this is like on the 361, so the benefit of the WAV files and inner architecture is HUGE... it is like CD transport and QLS know how to do this well.
i've put them here so anyone can download them from my Drive - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nKAnLk2vkLyXq2nDQTKv3G5eUInTR9YG?usp=sharing
the are present in the Chinese QLS forum.... so i did some google translate

So what does each version do differently (pure versus wav versus app)?

 

[ZigyS]

So what does each version do differently (pure versus wav versus app)?

Remind me to post in a week time - now that i have 2 QA390 it will be much easier to test and compare, just need to wait till the burn-in time finish. I usually do around 300 hours.
In general from the test i've done on the first unit - the sound changes for the better in all aspects, but since the firmware process take like 1-2 minutes i'll explain in more details with AB test vs the second unit.

 

[ZigyS]

So what does each version do differently (pure versus wav versus app)?

In general the idea to use WAV files is that they are not compressed as FLAC or other format. This eliminate the need for CPU process decompression that interfere and "degrade" the sound.
Imagine CD player - the laser read the data and transfer it directly to the DAC chip - nothing in the way.This is why most of the CD player sound better than any DAC/DAP.
With all the players that we have now we need to CPU for Display, Android and other stuff like decompress.... the WAV FW in the QLS reduce the CPU Hz to the minimum possible for controlling the unit and passing the WAV music data directly to DAC chip.
i think that there are some other twicks in the FW except the CPU clock - i dont have more info so i dont want to mislead.

 

[newtophones07]

In general the idea to use WAV files is that they are not compressed as FLAC or other format. This eliminate the need for CPU process decompression that interfere and "degrade" the sound.
Imagine CD player - the laser read the data and transfer it directly to the DAC chip - nothing in the way.This is why most of the CD player sound better than any DAC/DAP.
With all the players that we have now we need to CPU for Display, Android and other stuff like decompress.... the WAV FW in the QLS reduce the CPU Hz to the minimum possible for controlling the unit and passing the WAV music data directly to DAC chip.
i think that there are some other twicks in the FW except the CPU clock - i dont have more info so i dont want to mislead.

Makes sense. Having to convert all flac to wav, would be time consuming. Thanks for the feedback. What does the pure version do?

 

[ZigyS]

Makes sense. Having to convert all flac to wav, would be time consuming. Thanks for the feedback. What does the pure version do?

http://www.videosoftdev.com/free-audio-converter/download 10Gb in 2 minutes and convert the whole folder.
"What does the pure version do?" - i think mostly reduce further the CPU clock, will post in a week actual sound differences.

 

[Khronos]

How about this... My "Audio Corner" or as my wife call it the "Kids getaway Zone"....

From the left - Cowon P2, SP2000, R2R2000, Teac ha-p90sd, Calyx M...... and before with Cowon L, Cayin N6ii, Hiby R6 SS....

How does the R2R2KRed stack against the Quloos?
How dis it do against the Chord?
I'm trying to decide between the R2R2K w/ Flux FA10 and the QA390, and more or less know how much I would be missing if I went between those two and an Audio GD R27

Thanks!

 

[starck86]

I have opened the unit - the batteries are the best from Panasonic/Sanyo , they will LAST. I know this since im using the same batteries in my Emergency light that i manufacture. Today there are ways to keep the battery cycle prolong, those are 15/85$ or 20/80% variant of charging and discharging. those methods implemented in the battery protection circuits..... and from what i seen in the 390 they are quite comprehensive and very good.

Nice. Any chance you might be able to post photos of the insides?

How does the R2R2KRed stack against the Quloos?
How dis it do against the Chord?
I'm trying to decide between the R2R2K w/ Flux FA10 and the QA390, and more or less know how much I would be missing if I went between those two and an Audio GD R27

I’d also be interested in knowing this!


To be honest, I have since tried an eval unit of the 390 and returned it. I do not have the DACs you mentioned though.

390 worked well with IEMs, but at the end of the day I found the quality of the amp and DAC section to sacrifice a bit of detail and refinement for portability, connectivity, and battery, etc. It’s a solid af unit though and I’d love to see a second version (with a class a amp- or just better amp design?) and more refined DAC implementation. A little bit of sibilance (or harshness on the upper end?) was present when I was listening.

You really have to listen for it though.
Comparisons made for the above impression:

• qa390 vs. RNHP amp + Xiang Sheng DA-05BII DAC fully upgraded (the price of both would be roughly about the same minus portability local file playback, etc., so I thought that might be a good comparison)
• vs. N6ii And N6ii feeding the RNHP (all modules)
• I only tested with IEMs.
• Scratch that. I did test it as an external DAC feeding music to my amp and speakers and had the same impressions about the DAC.

So that’s my two cents. Hope that helps. I actually really love the build quality and all of that as well, I just wish it sounded a bit more...refined. Almost like they emphasized power output over SQ to me, but everyone’s different.

Now...If you need portability, connectivity (I mean look at this thing!! All DAC/Amps in this price range should start coming with this kind of stuff), and power, it’s worth looking at. For me, I’m still trying out separates and desktop stuff. It’s a really cool unit regardless.

I’m with Khronos though - more comparisons would be helpful. I wish I had more comparisons to provide. Apologies for hijacking your post a little.

Anyone have comparisons as Khronos suggested?

 

[ZigyS]

Ther

Nice. Any chance you might be able to post photos of the insides?



I’d also be interested in knowing this!


To be honest, I have since tried an eval unit of the 390 and returned it. I do not have the DACs you mentioned though.

390 worked well with IEMs, but at the end of the day I found the quality of the amp and DAC section to sacrifice a bit of detail and refinement for portability, connectivity, and battery, etc. It’s a solid af unit though and I’d love to see a second version (with a class a amp- or just better amp design?) and more refined DAC implementation. A little bit of sibilance was present when I was listening. (Comparisons made vs. RNHP + Xiang Sheng DA-05BII fully upgraded; and vs. N6ii. I only tested with IEMs. Scratch that. I did test it as an external DAC feeding music to my amp and speakers and had the same impressions about the DAC). Hope that helps. And if it doesn’t my apologies.

If you need portability, connectivity (I mean look at this thing!! All DAC/Amps in this price range should start coming with this kind of stuff), and power, it’s worth looking at. For me, I’m still trying out separates and desktop stuff. It’s a really cool unit regardless.

I’m with Khronos though - more comparisons would be helpful. I wish I had more comparisons to provide.

There is a "Mellow" and "Bright" option in the menu - i use the first.
Zero sibilance with my gear - i use the KSE1500 with pure silver Litz6 interconnector.
Did you burn-in the unit for 200 hours?
Did you use it as USB PC - if yes any HQ usb cable and Isolator? Or as a player?
With IEM - original cable or aftermarket? if aftermarket ( there are many garbage cables) please try again with stock.

PM me so i can understand what are you doing wrong - I have here Calyx M class A, Teac 90 Class A, iHiFi1960 Class A - and the QA390 beat the down.

 

[starck86]

Ther

There is a "Mellow" and "Bright" option in the menu - i use the first.
Zero sibilance with my gear - i use the KSE1500 with pure silver Litz6 interconnector.
Did you burn-in the unit for 200 hours?
Did you use it as USB PC - if yes any HQ usb cable and Isolator? Or as a player?
With IEM - original cable or aftermarket? if aftermarket ( there are many garbage cables) please try again with stock.

PM me so i can understand what are you doing wrong - I have here Calyx M class A, Teac 90 Class A, iHiFi1960 Class A - and the QA390 beat the down.

Well don’t worry too much as I no longer have it. Interesting results on your end vs. mine though!

Burned it in for over 200 hr. USB cable used was KimberKable. IEMs were Dunu (all stock cables); models used: Dunu DK-4001; Dunu 17th anniversary edition.

Tried mellow and bright and all that

Tested the DAC separately (both optical and USB) and was able to reproduce the same sonic signature on external speakers (ADS L980). Idk maybe it’s in my head if I’m the only one then.

 

[ZigyS]

Well don’t worry too much as I no longer have it. Interesting results on your end vs. mine though!

Burned it in for over 200 hr. USB cable used was KimberKable. IEMs were Dunu (all stock cables); models used: Dunu DK-4001; Dunu 17th anniversary edition.

Tried mellow and bright and all that

Tested the DAC separately (both optical and USB) and was able to reproduce the same sonic signature on external speakers (ADS L980). Idk maybe it’s in my head if I’m the only one then.

Hmm - i know that the Pre-amp section is totally different circuit than the Headphones - therefore burn-in must be done to this part also as a pre-amp.
I dont use speakers but i will do this burn-in with external HP amp and then go to friend with HiFi HQ system to compare the Pre out.

 

[Boost3]

Nice. Any chance you might be able to post photos of the insides?



I’d also be interested in knowing this!


To be honest, I have since tried an eval unit of the 390 and returned it. I do not have the DACs you mentioned though.

390 worked well with IEMs, but at the end of the day I found the quality of the amp and DAC section to sacrifice a bit of detail and refinement for portability, connectivity, and battery, etc. It’s a solid af unit though and I’d love to see a second version (with a class a amp- or just better amp design?) and more refined DAC implementation. A little bit of sibilance (or harshness on the upper end?) was present when I was listening.

You really have to listen for it though.
Comparisons made for the above impression:

• qa390 vs. RNHP amp + Xiang Sheng DA-05BII DAC fully upgraded (the price of both would be roughly about the same minus portability local file playback, etc., so I thought that might be a good comparison)
• vs. N6ii And N6ii feeding the RNHP (all modules)
• I only tested with IEMs.
• Scratch that. I did test it as an external DAC feeding music to my amp and speakers and had the same impressions about the DAC.

So that’s my two cents. Hope that helps. I actually really love the build quality and all of that as well, I just wish it sounded a bit more...refined. Almost like they emphasized power output over SQ to me, but everyone’s different.

Now...If you need portability, connectivity (I mean look at this thing!! All DAC/Amps in this price range should start coming with this kind of stuff), and power, it’s worth looking at. For me, I’m still trying out separates and desktop stuff. It’s a really cool unit regardless.

I’m with Khronos though - more comparisons would be helpful. I wish I had more comparisons to provide. Apologies for hijacking your post a little.

Anyone have comparisons as Khronos suggested?

Maybe it changes the sound of the amplifier? removing restrictions
Developer Clark wrote about it http://www.qlshifi.com/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardid=2&Id=15636

 

[Whitigir]

This guy can also take external LPSU too ? What voltage ?

 

[technobear]

This guy can also take external LPSU too ? What voltage ?

It's in the first post (if you look closely enough).

 

[ZigyS]

I will post more stuff and comparisons - just been quite busy