The Qudelix-5K thread

[XTF1]

From a spec perspective, how is audio quality at USB 44.1KHz compared to BT?

CD bitrate is 1,411.2 kbps (16 bit x 44,100 kHz x 2 channels), AAC does support 24 bit / 96 kHZ, but limits the transfer rate to 250 kbps—quite a bit of compression.
On a lot of tracks, I’m not sure I could tell the difference between BT AAC and USB, but many, including most audiophiles, will tell you it’s easily audible.

 

[raduray]

I've had the Qudelix 5K for a week and it took a little while to get it to work with my iPhone 13 and Apple Music set to lossless streaming. Here are some findings that might help:

1. Streaming via Bluetooth worked fine out of the box.
2. Music via USB was problematic.
Took some time to find a lightning to USB cord that works. This one does: https://tinyurl.com/42kz3mvz
It turns out that setting USB DAC FS to 44.1/48/88.2/96 KHz does not work. Only 44.1 KHz setting works. So then, what's the advantage of iPhone to Qudelex via USV over Bluetooth?
3. Even though music streams via lightning to USB, still need Bluetooth connection for the iPhone Qudelix App to see the device.

Note that when I connect to my MacBook Pro, I can change USB DAC FS to 44.1/48/88.2/96 KHz. But if I then go connect the Qudelex to my iPhone it won't work again until I switch to 44.1.

Comments and suggestions, particularly about the sampling rate limitation would be welcome.

As others have suggested, it was indeed the Lightning to USB cable that was the culprit preventing the 44.1/48/88/96 setting from working. Today I received this one, https://tinyurl.com/3254p9hs , and it now work fine. Interestingly, when checking the input state, Apple Music on iPhone is only sending out 44.1Kz via the USB even though I've selected High Resolution while Streaming on WiFi in Settings.

 

[Hypops]

As others have suggested, it was indeed the Lightning to USB cable that was the culprit preventing the 44.1/48/88/96 setting from working. Today I received this one, https://tinyurl.com/3254p9hs , and it now work fine. Interestingly, when checking the input state, Apple Music on iPhone is only sending out 44.1Kz via the USB even though I've selected High Resolution while Streaming on WiFi in Settings.

Perhaps that’s particular to the file you’re streaming.

 

[raduray]

Perhaps that’s particular to the file you’re streaming.

Bingo! I was playing an old Rubinstein recording. Just tried a modern recording and am getting 96KHz 16bit PCM Lossless.

 

[XTF1]

As others have suggested, it was indeed the Lightning to USB cable that was the culprit

Although I love my iPhone, I won’t hesitate to say that Apple is the culprit!

I like music and audio gear… Apple has done about everything possible to convince me I’ll be better far away from their ecosystem !!!

 

[raduray]

Although I love my iPhone, I won’t hesitate to say that Apple is the culprit!

I like music and audio gear… Apple has done about everything possible to convince me I’ll be better far away from their ecosystem !!! A

I agree. Apple claims to be oriented toward content creators, but it sure makes it difficult for content consumers. Sometimes they take form over function too far. Their slogan should be "There's a dongle for that", but even then, that doesn't work so hot.

 

[WilcoRoger]

3.02 out

 

[speedingcheetah]

3.02 out

app says firmware 3.01 is the most current "Fix minor bugs"

app version is 3.0.2 (iOS)

 

[JASTRONG]

I didn’t have previously exported 20 band EQ profiles. But creating one in the Cr extension, exporting it, resetting EQ to flat, and re-importing it appears to work correctly.

V3.0 is different, especially the DSP section, but I have yet to identify a single feature that has been wiped out…

Maybe I missed it, but I can't seem to find the Crossfeed option anymore…?

 

[XTF1]

Maybe I missed it, but I can't seem to find the Crossfeed option anymore…?

It’s in the “USR EQ” screen or “20 BAND EQ” screen:

 

[JASTRONG]

…nevermind, I see it has been incorporated into USR EQ settings, and no longer a “global” option. I actually like that better, I suppose.

 

[JASTRONG]

It’s in the “USR EQ” screen or “20 BAND EQ” screen:

Thanks!

 

[Rextilleon]

As others have suggested, it was indeed the Lightning to USB cable that was the culprit preventing the 44.1/48/88/96 setting from working. Today I received this one, https://tinyurl.com/3254p9hs , and it now work fine. Interestingly, when checking the input state, Apple Music on iPhone is only sending out 44.1Kz via the USB even though I've selected High Resolution while Streaming on WiFi in Settings.

Bingo! I was playing an old Rubinstein recording. Just tried a modern recording and am getting 96KHz 16bit PCM Lossless.

LOL--its worth the lack of hi fidelity--Rubinstein is that good.

 

[WilcoRoger]

app says firmware 3.01 is the most current "Fix minor bugs"

app version is 3.0.2 (iOS)

iOS app version went to 3.0.3 and with it fw to 3.0.2 (!)

 

[lchr365]

Is the Q5K peq still superior to current Android system wide peq software?

Poweramp is much cheaper and easier to use. However it lacks the digital filters where you can find on 5k.