The Qudelix-5K thread

[Echoic]

That's some really good info!

 

[superuser1]

 

[DBaldock9]

Spent some time yesterday - checking & updating the firmware on my Q5K, ES100, and BTR5.
The other device I sometimes use as a BT Receiver/Amp, a Shanling M0, was already at the latest firmware.

 

[Haxion]

Quick question- is the 5k powerful enough to drive LCD-2C headphones with balanced output? Or would I want a portable amp as well?

 

[04gto]

Quick question- is the 5k powerful enough to drive LCD-2C headphones with balanced output? Or would I want a portable amp as well?

I use mine with my LCD/XC currently and I also used it with my LCD/2F. 5k will run yours easy.

 

[sawdin]

I am in the market for a small (e.g., shirt pocket size) dac/amp combination under $200. BT capabilities are a plus. I will use the unit with either the Audiosense DT 200 or Etymotic ER3SE. I would like something that could power HD Senn 650’s while I move about the house as well.


Based upon limited research, I think the best option is the Qudelix 5K, especially given my penchant to adjust the sound using equalization options. The iFi Go Blu has more power but has limited EQ options (and it costs about $90 more).

I’ve read claims that the 5K can power the 650’s, especially if using the 2.5mm balanced option (in addition, I use iems/phones at low to moderate volume).

Most comparisons between the 5K and FiiO BTR5 give the nod to the 5K, especially in terms of software.

Are there other options out there that make more sense than the 5K?

The main source will be streaming services using a Samsung Galaxy S22 that offers aptx HD and LDAC if using Bluetooth.

TIA!

 

[rlw6534]

I am in the market for a small (e.g., shirt pocket size) dac/amp combination under $200. BT capabilities are a plus. I will use the unit with either the Audiosense DT 200 or Etymotic ER3SE. I would like something that could power HD Senn 650’s while I move about the house as well.


Based upon limited research, I think the best option is the Qudelix 5K, especially given my penchant to adjust the sound using equalization options. The iFi Go Blu has more power but has limited EQ options (and it costs about $90 more).

I’ve read claims that the 5K can power the 650’s, especially if using the 2.5mm balanced option (in addition, I use iems/phones at low to moderate volume).

Most comparisons between the 5K and FiiO BTR5 give the nod to the 5K, especially in terms of software.

Are there other options out there that make more sense than the 5K?

The main source will be streaming services using a Samsung Galaxy S22 that offers aptx HD and LDAC if using Bluetooth.

TIA!

The Hiby R3 pro might be worth a look...

 

[BenF]

The Hiby R3 pro might be worth a look...

It doesn't sound as clean from the 3.5mm as Q5K

 

[3fifty]

I am in the market for a small (e.g., shirt pocket size) dac/amp combination under $200. BT capabilities are a plus. I will use the unit with either the Audiosense DT 200 or Etymotic ER3SE. I would like something that could power HD Senn 650’s while I move about the house as well.


Based upon limited research, I think the best option is the Qudelix 5K, especially given my penchant to adjust the sound using equalization options. The iFi Go Blu has more power but has limited EQ options (and it costs about $90 more).

I’ve read claims that the 5K can power the 650’s, especially if using the 2.5mm balanced option (in addition, I use iems/phones at low to moderate volume).

Most comparisons between the 5K and FiiO BTR5 give the nod to the 5K, especially in terms of software.

Are there other options out there that make more sense than the 5K?

The main source will be streaming services using a Samsung Galaxy S22 that offers aptx HD and LDAC if using Bluetooth.

TIA!

It can definitely run the HD650s. Using a crude spreadsheet I mostly copied from someone else to calculate loudness at various voltage inputs - the 5k will run the HD650s flat at ~109dB unbalanced (2V output), or a little over 115dB using the balanced out @ 4V. That's under 2 mins until hearing damage unbalanced, or less than 30s until hearing damage balanced. Unless you want to be deaf faster than that, I suppose...?

The Qudelix software is excellent. A lot of options, but most of it is set and forget. The PEQ is a godsend.

 

[sawdin]

Appreciate the replies.

Problem I have when at work streaming YouTube Music using Samsung Galaxy S22 and Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 is that even at the lowest volume setting it's often too loud. I believe the 5K will override Samsung volume and allow me to have greater control over "low" volume level. Is that correct?

 

[3fifty]

Appreciate the replies.

Problem I have when at work streaming YouTube Music using Samsung Galaxy S22 and Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0 is that even at the lowest volume setting it's often too loud. I believe the 5K will override Samsung volume and allow me to have greater control over "low" volume level. Is that correct?

You can use either volume control. Qudelix control is extremely fine -0.5dB steps. Just checked, it goes down to -66.5dB/447uV. My dt1990s first became barely audible at approx 25 steps up from that.

 

[lowrider007]

Using single ended output what does selecting 2v do? It doesn't seem to increase the volume, just trying it out now and I notice with the TinHiFi P1 Max it seems to improve the bass quantity and give a bit more body to the sound.

 

[04gto]

Using single ended output what does selecting 2v? It doesn't seem to increase the volume, just trying it out now and I notice with the TinHiFi P1 Max it seems to improve the bass quantity and give a bit more body to the sound.

When switching between one volt and two volt settings~ 'normal' & 'high' under 'output power', you add 6 db of additional gain on the volume tab.

 

[lowrider007]

When switching between one volt and two volt settings~ 'normal' & 'high' under 'output power', you add 6 db of additional gain on the volume tab.

Thanks.

That being the case when reading the following in a review,,

"P1 MAX is not that easy to drive and needs a powerful source with plenty of current delivery.."

What does that mean exactly and how do you achieve that? I'm guessing upping the voltage on the Qualex doesn't attain that as playing at the same volume it's still @ 150mv, what if you maxed out the volume @ 2v on the Qudelix and then controlled the volume on the phone instead, would that provide more 'current'?

 

[CactusPete23]

Using single ended output what does selecting 2v do? It doesn't seem to increase the volume, just trying it out now and I notice with the TinHiFi P1 Max it seems to improve the bass quantity and give a bit more body to the sound.

In case you do not know:
- It takes a 10dB increase in volume to sound twice as loud.
- It requires about 10 times the power to sound twice as loud.
So don't expect huge volume increases going from 1V to 2V output.