Cannot maintain TRS connection to Qudelix 5K

[CT Man]

I have been using Etymotic ER4SR 3.5mm TRS earphones with my Qudelix 5K DAC. I can no longer maintain a good stereo connection. Sometimes if I press hard on the plug I can hear audio, but that's lost once I release pressure. If I partially insert the plug in just the right place I can hear stereo, but that's unstable and I lose the connection with the slightest movement. I had the same problem testing a different pair of TRS earphones.

I tested the Qudelix with a cheap TRRS headset that I use for remote meetings and that worked fine. I tried all the online tricks for cleaning 3.5mm ports (compressed air, interdental picks, Q-Tip with rubbing alcohol) without success. Bottom line: TRRS plugs work with my Qudelix 5K, TRS plugs fail.

I've been looking for a TRS female to TRRS male adapter. The only ones I can find are wired for input from TRS microphones. Will this work for adapting TRRS stereo from Qudelix to TRS earphones?

Here's an example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9CJDVE

 

[Redacted]

The spring tangs in the DAC's socket are weak.
They may well make contact with some male 3.5mm plugs and not others, because there is a slight variation in profile and tolerances.
You could try a TRS-TRS 3.5 mm socket-to-plug extender, as it's possible the plug on that will work - at least for a time.
The only real fix is to open the unit up and check the socket - you may be able to bend the tangs to get better contact, or maybe replace it.

 

[CT Man]

FYI here's the response from Qudelix:

From: Support Qudelix <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2026 9:44 AM
Subject: Re: New customer message on August 27, 2026 at 12:27 am

To investigate the reported issue further, we need to inspect the device directly.

Please ship the unit to our service center in Korea.

Once we receive the device, we will examine it, repair it if necessary, and then return it to you at our expense via FedEx Express.

For your reference, many customers have successfully shipped their units using International Post Office Service.

Please note that online shipping quotations can be significantly higher, so we recommend visiting a local USPS office for more reasonable rates.

Please reply to this email, and we will provide you with the detailed shipping instructions.

 

[Redacted]

Is it still under warranty? If not, for $100 unit I'd open it up.

If shipped, I'd worry about all the tariffs and taxes on re-entry - I'd expect it to be fine, but there is endless scope for fools to mess with you...