DAC performance of QCC5125 BT chipset

[bachatero]

I recently got an LDAC Bluetooth receiver from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5X52XPZ Unfortunately, despite how popular the 1Miis are on AZ, only one model (not mine) has an ASR review.

This receiver of mine uses a QCC5125 chip for everything. Also unfortunately, you can't easily find performance data for the QCC5125's DAC. But through some magic I now know that the QCC5125 has two options: Class-D with a typ. 87dB SINAD and Class-AB with 90dB typ. SINAD. That's for a reference model with probably no losses elsewhere.

So, what I'm asking is if it's likely that this little BT receiver has worse performance than the QCC5125 advertises. If so, then that would put it firmly in the "poor" section of the Big DAC SINAD Chart.

 

[bachatero]

Are there no other engineers here? I'll posit that we can assume the implementation is very nonideal and the actual performance is a lot lower.

 

[zeropoint]

An alternative for a slightly lower price is the https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-JadeAudio-BR13-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B0CJFCB5H7 using the same Qualcomm QCC5125, but featuring a ES9018K2M DAC and TPA1882 op-amp. It would be interesting to see this tested.

 

[bachatero]

The Xduoo XQ50 Pro 2 has a very similar setup to the Fiio:

XDUOO XQ50 PRO 2 Bluetooth Receiver Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the XDUOO XQ50 PRO 2 BT receiver and DAC. It was kindly donated by an overseas member and costs US $89. As you can instantly see, XQ50 Pro 2 has this wonderfully informative display that shows the codec in use (LDAC), sample rate (missing a zero as...

www.audiosciencereview.com

But surprisingly, it did very poorly (relatively) despite the ES9018K2M's potential performance. That's sus and indicative of some poor engineering.

 

[Boltman92124]

An alternative for a slightly lower price is the https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-JadeAudio-BR13-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B0CJFCB5H7 using the same Qualcomm QCC5125, but featuring a ES9018K2M DAC and TPA1882 op-amp. It would be interesting to see this tested.

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I picked up a BR13 last week. So far, so good. The instructions and FiiO control app are a joke though. You don't need the app to use the unit. All functions are fine except I'm not getting a frequency lock out of the coax. It's described as In/Out. But nothing in the 2 page instructions how that works. Aside from that, it has surprisingly good sound for $60. Works with both AptX and LDAC for my Samsung. Has USB input too! I made sure to max the volume to 60 and just use it's line out. Basically a DAC with Bluetooth. I also read somewhere it uses the ESS9018 chip. It's pretty tiny.

 

[Stereodude]

I picked up a BR13 last week. So far, so good. The instructions and FiiO control app are a joke though. You don't need the app to use the unit. All functions are fine except I'm not getting a frequency lock out of the coax. It's described as In/Out. But nothing in the 2 page instructions how that works. Aside from that, it has surprisingly good sound for $60. Works with both AptX and LDAC for my Samsung. Has USB input too! I made sure to max the volume to 60 and just use it's line out. Basically a DAC with Bluetooth. I also read somewhere it uses the ESS9018 chip. It's pretty tiny.

Doesn't the BR13 resample everything? The product page is somewhat confusing.

I ordered one of these to check it out: https://www.aoyint.com/english/product/mr280

 

[Boltman92124]

Doesn't the BR13 resample everything? The product page is somewhat confusing.

I ordered one of these to check it out: https://www.aoyint.com/english/product/mr280

It seems to display the correct sampling frequency(nice feature for $60 unit) based on the files I sent it from JRiver. 44.1 for instance. In the app (which I don't use, the buttons work fine), it does have a upsampling feature which you can enable or not. At any rate, it's an easy way to add streaming for old geezers like me! LDAC was a feature I wanted. Still haven't figured out why I'm not getting a dig connection from the coax in/out though. USB works well. Just using the built in DAC is fine for now. Sounds good.

That Ayino unit looks good too. How much?

 

[Stereodude]

It seems to display the correct sampling frequency based on the files I sent it from JRiver. 44.1 for instance. In the app (which I don't use, the buttons work fine), it does have a upsampling feature which you can enable or not. At any rate, it's an easy way to add streaming for old geezers like me! LDAC was a feature I wanted. Still haven't figured out why I'm not getting a dig connection from the coax in/out though. USB works well. Just using the built in DAC is fine for now. Sounds good.

Glad it's working for you. It sounds like you're just using the analog outputs?

I mostly wanted Bluetooth with LDAC to Coax and optical SPDIF. The analog outputs came along with it. Not sure if they will be used, but I have them in case. I skipped the BR13 over the resampling confusion though maybe it doesn't actually do that for Bluetooth audio (but does for the digital input).

 

[ZolaIII]

The Qualcomm audio codec at it's best implementation in smartphones whose close to 100 dB SINAD and in mid 90's on average. All implementations up to date are class D tho it is class H ready in which case it would perform cuple dB more. On the other side without additional OPAMP's it won't reach desired 2 V unbalanced output even with H (voltage pump regulation but at best about 1 V) and they will probably have a small negative impact on performance.

 

[Boltman92124]

Glad it's working for you. It sounds like you're just using the analog outputs?

I mostly wanted Bluetooth with LDAC to Coax and optical SPDIF. The analog outputs came along with it. Not sure if they will be used, but I have them in case. I skipped the BR13 over the resampling confusion though maybe it doesn't actually do that for Bluetooth audio (but does for the digital input).

Right. LDAC resamples to 24/96. So all Bluetooth is lossy anyway. Does sound much better than old school BT though. Need to enable LDAC on the Samsung before each use which is a little wonky but no big deal. As for the analog outputs, it's a ESS9018 DAC so sound is pretty good IMO. Haven't tried the Toslink output but assuming that works well. Can also input Toslink. Pretty versatile for cheap $60 unit and you get a display to boot.

 

[Stereodude]

Right. LDAC resamples to 24/96. So all Bluetooth is lossy anyway. Does sound much better than old school BT though. Need to enable LDAC on the Samsung before each use which is a little wonky but no big deal. As for the analog outputs, it's a ESS9018 DAC so sound is pretty good IMO. Haven't tried the Toslink output but assuming that works well. Can also input Toslink. Pretty versatile for cheap $60 unit and you get a display to boot.

The MR280 arrived today. The sampling rate from the SPDIF output definitely changes. On my Android phone (Pixel 3a XL) I can change the BT sampling rate and bit depth for LDAC (with developer mode enabled). The phone defaults to LDAC with the MR280, but it works with AptX, AptX-HD, AAC, & SBC too (as expected).

Sampling Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
Bit depths: 16, 24, 32

The soundbar I plugged it into for quick testing doesn't like 88.2kHz or 96kHz but 48kHz and 44.1kHz work fine.

 

[WOLFAGRAM]

Doesn't the BR13 resample everything? The product page is somewhat confusing.

It does not upsample on Bluetooth. It upsamples on Toslink (optical), Coax and USB.

 

[Boltman92124]

It does not upsample on Bluetooth. It upsamples on Toslink (optical), Coax and USB.

I've really just assigned it Bluetooth duties. Doesn't play well with my older DAC (Adcom) using it's dig output. Doesn't sound as good either. But it does work with LDAC nicely and is great to add to a more vintage type system(like mine!). Plugs into the TV open USB for power too! Got enough 5v wall warts. Good value for $59.

 

[zeropoint]

A little pricier than the BR13 but maybe worth considering too, is the SMSL B2 (or similar B200).

SMSL B2 CS43131 DDC & DAC, Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless Receiver, USB/Bluetooth to Optical/Coaxial/RCA Digital-Digital Converter, Digital-Analog Converter, PCM24Bit/48kHz HiFi Converter, USB Bridge​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D41W8BKW

 

[WOLFAGRAM]

Hello folks.

Just got myself one of those Fiio BR13 receivers (59 Euros direct from Fiio-Shop Deutschland with postage).

+Quite decent packaging and cheap but usable (more than 1m long USB cable). It had even came with rubber protective caps on RCAs.
+Nice looking housing, readable display and tactile buttons.
+Good sound on BT from both my Smart-TV and my iPhone (both are BT 4.2, while the receiver itself is BT 5.1, so in theory might be better) for podcasts, music suffers a bit.
+Pairing straight out of the box and stable connection (that was not the case with my old BT Speakers and BT receiver).

-Slightest move of the USB power cable causes quiet but noticeable cracking in my (relatively transparent) speakers.
-Slightly quieter RCA output compared to my old BT receiver (no name) and even more quieter compared to my DVD/SACD line output.

I have not tried to instal the app or to mess with user EQ pressets since it sounds neutral enough for me out of the box and my speakers are very linear. Preinstalled presets do make a big difference in a sense that it sounds highly "EQed" in my setting (there is only one passive ALPS Japan pot between the receiver and active monitors). Since I do not use it for other than youtube podcasts, I have also opted against optical cable between my TV and receiver for practical reasons. So, I have no comments on its DAC capabilities.

Overall I give it 4/5 (for the price). Without the price consideration, it would be 3/5. Finally, I have no buyers regret. I Would recommend it for non critical BT listening on a tight budget.

Looks nice though:

Cheers

 

[Boltman92124]

Hello folks.

Just got myself one of those Fiio BR13 receivers (59 Euros direct from Fiio-Shop Deutschland with postage).

+Quite decent packaging and cheap but usable (more than 1m long USB cable). It had even came with rubber protective caps on RCAs.
+Nice looking housing, readable display and tactile buttons.
+Good sound on BT from both my Smart-TV and my iPhone (both are BT 4.2, while the receiver itself is BT 5.1, so in theory might be better) for podcasts, music suffers a bit.
+Pairing straight out of the box and stable connection (that was not the case with my old BT Speakers and BT receiver).

-Slightest move of the USB power cable causes quiet but noticeable cracking in my (relatively transparent) speakers.
-Slightly quieter RCA output compared to my old BT receiver (no name) and even more quieter compared to my DVD/SACD line output.

I have not tried to instal the app or to mess with user EQ pressets since it sounds neutral enough for me out of the box and my speakers are very linear. Preinstalled presets do make a big difference in a sense that it sound highly "EQed" in my setting (there is only passive ALPS pot between the device and active monitors). Since I do not use it for other than youtube podcasts, I have also opted against optical cable between my TV and receiver for practical reasons. So, I have no comments on its DAC capabilities.

Overall I give it 4/5 (for the price). Without the price consideration, it would be 3/5. Finally, I have no buyers regret. I Would recommend it for non critical BT listening on a tight budget.

Looks nice though:
View attachment 396292


Cheers

Yeah I like it too, more than the much more money Topping DX3Pro in fact! LDAC or AptX can improve BT quality. The built in ES9018 DAC sounds pretty good too.

 

[Boltman92124]

Hello folks.

Just got myself one of those Fiio BR13 receivers (59 Euros direct from Fiio-Shop Deutschland with postage).

+Quite decent packaging and cheap but usable (more than 1m long USB cable). It had even came with rubber protective caps on RCAs.
+Nice looking housing, readable display and tactile buttons.
+Good sound on BT from both my Smart-TV and my iPhone (both are BT 4.2, while the receiver itself is BT 5.1, so in theory might be better) for podcasts, music suffers a bit.
+Pairing straight out of the box and stable connection (that was not the case with my old BT Speakers and BT receiver).

-Slightest move of the USB power cable causes quiet but noticeable cracking in my (relatively transparent) speakers.
-Slightly quieter RCA output compared to my old BT receiver (no name) and even more quieter compared to my DVD/SACD line output.

I have not tried to instal the app or to mess with user EQ pressets since it sounds neutral enough for me out of the box and my speakers are very linear. Preinstalled presets do make a big difference in a sense that it sounds highly "EQed" in my setting (there is only one passive ALPS Japan pot between the receiver and active monitors). Since I do not use it for other than youtube podcasts, I have also opted against optical cable between my TV and receiver for practical reasons. So, I have no comments on its DAC capabilities.

Overall I give it 4/5 (for the price). Without the price consideration, it would be 3/5. Finally, I have no buyers regret. I Would recommend it for non critical BT listening on a tight budget.

Looks nice though:
View attachment 396292


Cheers

I gave this thing a run through as a primary DAC after I read the high regard some folks have for the 9018K DAC. I connected my main CD player via coax, PC via USB and video toslink. BT as well of course. Honestly, it sounds as good as I remember the Topping I had before. It does have a brighter sound with lots of upfront detail. Bass not as strong as my vintage Burr Brown 1702 DAC though. it sounds better than the internal Sony CD player DAC as well. The Control App for Android is still trash but at least it worked sort of. Still no input switching from the app though. For $60 it's pretty nice indeed! Well made too for a little brick.