Qudelix 5K Reference DAC AMP

Product Information

Qudelix released a pair of wired IEMs called the QX-over. By having two ES9219C audio chips on board the 5K, Qudelix used the four separate audio outputs to create a digitally filtered active IEM system. Judging by the published impressions, while technically interesting, the QX-over didn’t really deliver sound-wise. Technical Specifications

I've seem from people that own both the qudelix and competition (BTR5), that que 5K presents way better range. App - Full disclosure: I'm a noob when it comes to EQ'ing so I've mostly left this portion of the app alone, although I have played around with it to test to capabilities - I could see how having both graphical and parametric EQ would be extremely useful, more so than say the basic adjustments offered on the Fiio BTR5 (from what I can tell). There are a wealth of EQ presets from Crinacle, Oratory1990, and rtings, although I'm unlikely to use them. Aside from the EQ functionality, there is a ton of detail for pretty much every option. The Battery life graph is perhaps the most useful portion of the app for me so far. So ever since I’ve been into high quality audio and headphones, I’d have to sit around my laptop and be hooked up to my Schiit Magni/Modi for the best audio experience. This is mainly due to the fact that I can EQ off my Mac, but not my iPhone, and because my phone doesn’t provide enough power to use USB DACs. However, the Qudelix app is just insanely good in so many ways and constantly upgrading. The parametric EQ works even better than the one I’ve been using in SoundSource, and allows you to save 30 custom settings. Further, the app gives you an option to disable “charger control” which allows me to use my iPhone as a USB DAC, it doesn’t charge the 5k simultaneously but it does flatline the battery level, so you won’t gain or lose any battery life on the 5k as a USB DAC. In everyday use, the first hurdle is memorizing the button press commands and which button does what. After 10 days of using the Qudelix through a full work week and weekend, I feel like I've spent enough time with this unit to give some basic first impressions for those who might be considering the 5K:

I will go as far as to say that pairing the Qudelix 5K with naturally warm-sounding headphones can be too much. With the Moondrop Aria, I approached that line. The Monarch Mk1 are a better match and let me appreciate the detail retrieval of both devices. As seen in the app, one can expect up to 2VRMS SE and 4VRMS BAL out of the 5K. It’s a smart rating for a portable device, as battery power means limited voltage. The battery holds okay for my on-the-go needs, but don’t expect it to last an entire day without charging. Overall, the listening experience is very palatable with all headphones. The copious DSP options allow me to craft correction curves, which, in my opinion, make the greatest sonic improvement. I can effortlessly wrangle the Monarch’s treble peak and add the missing sparkle on the Arias. Sound - I don't claim to have the best ears so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but the sound signature is decidedly neutral to me. I don't notice a real difference between a simple USB C to 3.5mm dongle and this unit, however I do hit my comfortable listening level quite a bit sooner which makes sense (power increase). I was listening initially on AptX before figuring out how to get it to stay on LDAC - I can't personally say I noticed a difference, but LDAC is supposed to be higher quality...so I guess why not?

My only other critique is the inbuilt mic array is a bit weak. Maybe a software algorithm/optimization thing, but that would also be an appreciated area to improve. A few weeks ago I made the leap off of the True Wireless train by grabbing my first pair of wired IEM's (Fiio FH3's) and a Bluetooth DAC, the Qudelix 5K. It is apparent that Qudelix is busy improving the software, and I had more than five app and firmware updates in a few months. These are not just bug fixes – I bought the 5K due to its 10-band PEQ. Then one fine day, Qudelix doubled the number of PEQ bands via a firmware update. I have the BTR5, which is metal and glass, as well as the Qudelix. It has very poor range, compared to the Qudelix. It's fine, if you are right beside it, but Qudelix continues to work in the next room where the BTR5 starts to cut out. With Bluetooth, there are no noise complaints, although, with Apple devices, the AAC codec isn’t as detailed as LDAC but is still more than enjoyable. Qudelix 5K won’t win any awards for sharp looks, so all you need to do is listen!

In the manual, the four button positions are called: red upper, red lower, blue upper, and blue lower, respectively. Initially, it was a bit of a problem to figure out which is which, as the indicator LEDs light up only when you press something. For high-sensitivity IEMs, the amplifier noise figure is the most important. The high-sensitivity IEM is so sensitive that it translates every electrical noise or thermal drift into audible acoustic sound, usually white noise. It isn’t too far off to call the Qudelix 5K the least sexy Bluetooth DAC/amp out there. And if we look past the unassuming looks or the pedestrian tactile presentation, the specs are also merely okay. The DSP settings in the app are where the magic happens and where the biggest value of the Qudelix 5K is found.

Mentioning a person that on purpose instills excessive and extreme force to purposely damage electronics, just for views and money....not at all a realistic or real world scenario. No one bends their phones like that, and certainly not a small form factor device like this DAC can even bend as such. In the “EQUALIZER” tab, you can find either the parametric or graphic equalizer, depending on what you’ve chosen. For the PEQ, either 20 bands can be configured – which are the same for both channels – or 10 bands for each channel separately. Insane! On the other hands, the high-impedance headphones require a higher power amplifier. Those headphones usually have low sensitivity, and they are free from the white noise affected by the amplifier noise characteristics. Instead, they need higher power from the amplifier output to deliver enough loudness and headroom. 10-Band PEQ/GEQ (64-bit double precision)

I also appreciate the light weight of the Qudelix, which is much less noticeable clipped to my shirt. The BTR5 really pulls down and is annoying. One can turn down the system gain if any digital boosting is present to avoid clipping. The “QX-feed” enables crossfeed, which I find inoffensive, if a little simplistic, compared to more advanced solutions on the market. Best to experiment with what works best here. In the DSP settings lies the main strength of the Qudelix 5K – total control over tone shaping EDIT- I stand corrected- @unplugged is correct. Priority only matters when there is music playing on the BT device and USB devices. Regardless of priority settings if the USB connection is the only one live with music into the 5k- that is what will play unless you start playing on the BT connected device too. This is a limitation USB Audio Class 1.0. On the upside – it ensures that the 5K requires no drivers and will run on almost anything with a USB port. I’d be lying if I said I bought the Qudelix 5K without reservation. My previous encounters with ESS chip-based DACs have been less than pleasant. I expected stringent highs and the meme “hi-end” sound that instantly wows with detail but fatigues in minutes.