Line output requirements

[rar133]

I have an Atom Amp and a couple of headphones( he400i + bayerdynamics custom studio) plus my studio monitors. all this was driven by the fiio k3

i wanted to buy the Fiio Q5s for 2 things.... 1. as my portable dac/amp as it can power both my headphones easily & 2. as my desktop solution to plug into the atom through the line out.

my question:
1. the specs say line out at 1.8vrms. is this enough to send enough signal for the atom amp? considering i will have a lot of headroom on the atom.
2. is it better to send the audio signal to the q5s through coax/optical or USB?
3. is the lineout on the q5s a line out or a pre out?

thanks in advance.

 

[solderdude]

I have an Atom Amp and a couple of headphones( he400i + beyerdynamics custom studio)

i wanted to buy the Fiio Q5s for 2 things.... 1. as my portable dac/amp as it can power both my headphones easily & 2. as my desktop solution to plug into the atom through the line out.

my question:
1. the specs say line out at 1.8vrms. is this enough to send enough signal for the atom amp? considering i will have a lot of headroom on the atom.

Yes, is fine.

2. is it better to send the audio signal to the q5s through coax/optical or USB?

When you hear strange noises that should not be there when connected via USB then try optical or when only optical or coax is available as a source.
Otherwise USB will be best.

3. is the lineout on the q5s a line out or a pre out?

It is the same thing when the volume is turned up in case the out function is pre-out.
Looking at the specs I would conclude that the line out is not a pre-out.

 

[rar133]

Yes, is fine.



When you hear strange noises that should not be there when connected via USB then try optical or when only optical or coax is available as a source.
Otherwise USB will be best.



It is the same thing when the volume is turned up in case the out function is pre-out.
Looking at the specs I would conclude that the line out is not a pre-out.

thanks!! so the 1.8vrms should not be a limiting factor then. in this case i might just get the q5s as my everyday dac (at least when i want my headphones). for my monitors i'll just connect to the pc as they are active.

do you think the M11 dap could serve the same function or would using a DAP for this purpose be over the top. i.e. using the DAP as a pure dac mode with line out ?

 

[solderdude]

If you also need a DAP the M11 will be good.
When you just need a DAC/amp and have no need for the player functionality the Q5S might be the most logical choice.

 

[rar133]

If you also need a DAP the M11 will be good.
When you just need a DAC/amp and have no need for the player functionality the Q5S might be the most logical choice.

Well honestly the main purpose is drive my he400i on mobile and 80% hooked up to the atom at home for the dac part. The DAP functionality could actually be a convenience factor, tidal on my bed with pc off and phone charging elsewhere
And the M11 has higher vrms on LO. Yep i think that if it can function as a desktop dac I'm buying it
(honestly, it's just im at my fiance during confinement with just the k3 and im bored. The M11 is the only thing i can order locally and get delivered at my door)

 

[solderdude]

The M11 = 0.7dB 'louder' on the line-out.