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Showing 1 of 24 conversations about:
RayF
22219
Aug 4, 2018
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If I'm reading the description right, this looks like it could be an inexpensive version of a FiiO Q5. That makes this a very interesting drop...
WILLxLOVE
164
Aug 5, 2018
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RayF That is exactly what I was thinking, but someone said there was no LDAC?
RayF
22219
Aug 5, 2018
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WILLxLOVEWell at this price you can't have it all--besides I thought LDAC was a Sony only thing? I'd love to see an updated Q5 with LDAC (or whatever's coming next)--that would make the decision easier, but this thing might tide one over until then, at an acceptable price.
WILLxLOVE
164
Aug 5, 2018
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RayF Yeah actually I was thinking LDAC was something different; so this is winning me over also. But at the same time that QC five looks really cute.
RayF
22219
Aug 5, 2018
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WILLxLOVENo contest in the style/build-quality departments for sure. The Q5 is often compared to the Oppo HA 2E (which I have, but it's now discontinued, and doesn't have BT). In sound quality, most reviews give the nod to the Oppo (which has made me reluctant to buy a Q5 even thought I kinda want one (the trade off is BT vs SQ). If the Q5 was best in both areas, I'd have one by now. This thing is down right homely by comparison, but, for the price, still looks interesting...
WILLxLOVE
164
Aug 5, 2018
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RayFAgreed. The Q5 is commonly compared to the HA2-SE, which I found out about too late. It still didn’t stop me from looking but the price gouging was real for those... which is how I found Fiio and consequently the Q5. I’ve read the Oppo has “slightly” better SQ and I’ve read the substantially cleaner and newer tech in the Q5 makes tracks sound better. In the end how somethings sounds is as individual as a fingerprint as long as it’s remotely comparable... so even with the mystique of the Oppo and it being at the top of its game with no real competition for a time, with the exacerbated features of the Q5 it’s really no competition for me personally, especially considering I can’t really get one anyway. But to your point at this price I’m finding a hard argument against getting this one right here also. .
TacoHerder
199
Aug 5, 2018
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RayFI own the Q5 and can agree with what people say about the sound. It just seems like the music is more recessed and cold. I often stack it with my E18 since that one has a nice warm full sound. I still love the Q5 though, but it still has me wanting another dac/amp. I swapped out the amp to the AM5, big improvement.
Steve007
24
Aug 5, 2018
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TacoHerderWhen you say you swaped out the amp for the AM5 did you use the stock amp with a balanced cable or 3.5mm. The improvement you noted was it a warmer sound or related to more power?
TacoHerder
199
Aug 6, 2018
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Steve007I used the 3.5mm only. I'm 90% deaf in my right ear with no ear canal. So I have no use for balanced music. The new amp gave me more bass pretty much. I need me some bass. It didn't seem to improve the warmness of the sound though.
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