[courierdriver]

I appreciate all the comments, guys. Thank you to all who have posted their opinions on the differences...especially on the sound signature of both the 5K and ES100. Personally, I like the AKM Velvet Sound dac chips in the ES100 (as well as the AKM 4490 in my Fiio Q1MK2). When I read from others that the 5K can sound fatiguing, that makes me rethink that purchase. I love my ES100 because it's NOT fatiguing and I can listen to it for 2 to 4 hours on end. Based on what others have been saying about the 5K, I'm not sure that I would like that type of bright and forward sound with the majority of the iems I currently enjoy.

 

[peter123]

Got some nice 50 cm cables from XINHS today to use with the Quedelix:

 

[slex]

Just bought this bag for 5K, its also works as signal blocker.

 

[Mouseman]

I appreciate all the comments, guys. Thank you to all who have posted their opinions on the differences...especially on the sound signature of both the 5K and ES100. Personally, I like the AKM Velvet Sound dac chips in the ES100 (as well as the AKM 4490 in my Fiio Q1MK2). When I read from others that the 5K can sound fatiguing, that makes me rethink that purchase. I love my ES100 because it's NOT fatiguing and I can listen to it for 2 to 4 hours on end. Based on what others have been saying about the 5K, I'm not sure that I would like that type of bright and forward sound with the majority of the iems I currently enjoy.

Hmm....I'm not sure I've seen the 5k described as fatiguing, and as an owner of both, I wouldn't agree with that characterization. IMHO, The 5k has better detail retrieval, and if there's some aspect of the stock sound that someone doesn't like, the PEQ is more than capable of tweaking it. I listen all day long and I've never had issues, although I will admit I have EQ profiles for most of my IEMs (but mostly because I'm a hopeless bass head and love some boost there). Of course YMMV.

 

[arbiter76]

Hmm....I'm not sure I've seen the 5k described as fatiguing, and as an owner of both, I wouldn't agree with that characterization. IMHO, The 5k has better detail retrieval, and if there's some aspect of the stock sound that someone doesn't like, the PEQ is more than capable of tweaking it. I listen all day long and I've never had issues, although I will admit I have EQ profiles for most of my IEMs (but mostly because I'm a hopeless bass head and love some boost there). Of course YMMV.

I agree. A little bright but not fatiguing. The mids are the most in your face. I do think the Q5K has better detail retrieval. I am still putting my 5k through it's paces and it's growing on me, but I think mostly because better reception, easier to control and form factor. I will probably EQ a little later. I already know I like the smoother sound of the AKM in the es100. I also like the ESS smoother sound "signature" from my LG V20 better but the 5k is pulls a lot more detail retrieval and is more powerful. If I grabbed the 5k mistakenly for some reason rather than the es100 I wouldn't be mad. The better bluetooth reception is very noticeable. I've rarely had a stutter. The static when changing volume is also very noticeable. Honestly, if somebody asked me if they could only purchase one the es100 velvet sound is one of the very few things that trumps the 5k (imo). The 5k has a lot going for it and the usual $20 premium is worth it still. I don't regret the purchase at all.

 

[szore]

My new Q5K is out for delivery!

 

[szore]

I'm coming from the BTR5....

 

[DBaldock9]

I'm coming from the BTR5....

I actually prefer the button layout on the BTR5.
And, I like the sound of the Bass from the ES100.

 

[MisterMudd]

My new Q5K is out for delivery!

Huzzah!

 

[szore]

I read the Q5K has better LDAC connection than BTR5 so I'm curious... reviewer also liked the DAC tuning better on the Q...

 

[OspreyAndy]

I am not sure if this has been asked before, sorry if this is a repeat.

Does 5K offer an option for Line Out to feed to another amp? because I am looking for highly compact LDAC capable companion for my Shure KSE1200. The pairing of KSE1200 + Cayin N6ii DAP as you would imagine is quite hefty and thick. So having some option for very compact LDAC receiver that will then feed analogue lineout to my KSE1200 energizer would be nice

 

[TK33]

I actually prefer the button layout on the BTR5.
And, I like the sound of the Bass from the ES100.

Buttons on the 5K are definitely a weak point and probably my only complaint. Otherwise, the 5K was probably one of the best purchases I have made and worth every penny to me.

As for 5K vs. ES100 sound signature, it definitely sounds like personal preferences at play here, assuming the person (not necessarily you personally) does not care about PEQ functionality.

I personally find the ES100 to sound a bit congested and used it for convenience when traveling more than enjoyment of the sound it produced. Don't get me wrong, it was not bad by any means but I found I didn't really enjoy the sound/presentation and found the 5K to be more open and detailed but that seems to be my personal preference. I feel the same way about my other AK4490 based DAC/amps that I have (NAD D3045 --> KEF Q100 speakers for desktop setup and Grace Design m900). Also depends on the headphones/IEMs you are using...definitely with my Shure IEMs (the SE846 which is known for rolled off treble) but not so with my Aeon 2 Closed Noire --> m900. Obviously highly subjective and my own opinion and don't really expect others to agree.

 

[TK33]

I read the Q5K has better LDAC connection than BTR5 so I'm curious... reviewer also liked the DAC tuning better on the Q...

5K can also EQ over LDAC. Not sure if that was ever fixed on the BTR5 since I stopped following that device once the 5K came out.

 

[szore]

5K can also EQ over LDAC. Not sure if that was ever fixed on the BTR5 since I stopped following that device once the 5K came out.

I'm not an EQ guy.... I'm not a BT guy either, I'm just curious about the technology....

 

[jsmiller58]

I'm not an EQ guy.... I'm not a BT guy either, I'm just curious about the technology....

5K Bluetooth connection is much stronger/reliable than that on the BTR5. As a result you will be able to maintain a higher bandwidth LDAC connection with the 5K under many conditions, particularly where the 5K or the BTR5 are not physically next to the transmitter.