New FiiO Q5S

[LaLaLard]

Opted not to also send the Q5 as frankly that would be redundant and I am sure most people are interested in the Q5s anyway. Not to mention, if the packet got lost I would lose both devices. Apparently the parcel arrived about 3 days ago according to the tracking so depending on Amir's schedule we might see some results soon enough. I'm patient though as I suspect he has several pieces of gear to test ahead of the Q5s.

I could definetely hear there's difference in line out of my Q5 compared to my RME ADI-2. I can't say if it's simply due to level difference (although I tried my best to match their output by microphone) but I can tell the difference. I suspect the maximum output of Q5's line out is somewhere between 1Vrms - 2Vrms, I can't say exactly cuz I don't have analyzer, but very likely less than 2.
In terms of whether to test Q5 I think you are right. I haven't heard Q5s but it is no where close to a big upgrade compared to Q5 so I don't think the line level has changed whatsoever. So if Q5s's line out isn't even that ideal (which is likely the case) why bother testing Q5.

 

[SRKRAM]

I'm interested to see the review of this, but micro USB is a complete deal breaker for me. I've vowed to only buy USB-C devices as I no longer want to have different cables and chargers around.

 

[A Surfer]

I'm interested to see the review of this, but micro USB is a complete deal breaker for me. I've vowed to only buy USB-C devices as I no longer want to have different cables and chargers around.

I find USB C feels flimsy and I do wonder about longevity. Frankly I find micro USB feels more secure, but I cannot say that this is based on anything other than handling the various cables, not on data from mechanical analysis of design.

 

[LaLaLard]

I find USB C feels flimsy and I do wonder about longevity. Frankly I find micro USB feels more secure, but I cannot say that this is based on anything other than handling the various cables, not on data from mechanical analysis of design.

it shouldn't as USB-C's mechanical design was done partly aiming to solve the durability issue Micro USB had. USB-C's strength should be better than Mini-USB, which I've never had one broken.

 

[A Surfer]

it shouldn't as USB-C's mechanical design was done partly aiming to solve the durability issue Micro USB had. USB-C's strength should be better than Mini-USB, which I've never had one broken.

You have never had micro USB break? Nor have I and I still don't feel that USB C connectors are anymore robust. Certainly not by feel, but I acknowledge that isn't an objective measure.

 

[SRKRAM]

In addition to durability issues, USB-C is more future-proof and convenient than micro USB; it's reversible and I use the same charger/cable for my phone and laptop, unless I use wireless charging. I won't buy a new device which requires me to go backwards and have a different cable to charge it. I don't know why a manufacturer would release a high-end-ish device with micro USB any more.

 

[Patrick1958]

since the introduction of usb c i already had to replace 2 cables, loose connections (hard drives) , never had to replace a ubs micro cables.

 

[LaLaLard]

You have never had micro USB break? Nor have I and I still don't feel that USB C connectors are anymore robust. Certainly not by feel, but I acknowledge that isn't an objective measure.

I've had 10+ Micro USB broken, not 1 Mini USB broken. Thats what I wrote above.

 

[Sinquito]

USB type C is way more convenient than Micro USB, that is certain. That's another reason why I like the BTR5 more. I've using the same USB C charging cable since 2017 on my S8 then S10 and now S20 without any issue.

 

[A Surfer]

I personally do not care about needing a few different cables. I would care if it were hard to obtain them, but mcro USB has always worked well enough for me. I do use USB C when available of course, but I can't say that I have a preference. I am glad that USB C seems so well liked.