New Fosi Audio Q6 DAC - First Look

[Guddu]

- Matches aesthetically with Fosi V3 and somewhat with ZA3 as well.

 

[Jimster480]

Nice and simple, do we have any idea on the price?

 

[Guddu]

Nice and simple, do we have any idea on the price?

 

[Akronos]

Q6 USB DAC Bluetooth Headphone Amplifier Stereo Audio Amp

Enhance your audio experience with the Fosi Audio Q6 Bluetooth 5.0 Headphone Amplifier. Full balanced DAC, TPA6120 Amp, dual jacks & aptX-HD Transmission.

fosiaudio.com

About €100

 

[Guddu]

20% Discount coupon:

 

[Guddu]

From product page:

 

[Jimster480]

Might get one of these for my church, if they can't figure out switching the inputs on the D50 III.

 

[joqueval]

I've been able to test one, and it's a really good product for people looking for a pure DAC.
Looking forward to the ASR test.

 

[Joe Smith]

I have an evaluation unit and so far it's performing well...alas, don't have a subwoofer to test how that output works.

Small quibble, I would have preferred flush buttons to switch inputs, rather than the big front knob.

 

[Jimster480]

I've been able to test one, and it's a really good product for people looking for a pure DAC.
Looking forward to the ASR test.

We will see how it stacks up against the SMSL SU-1 and other lower priced DAC products

 

[early rejecter]

alas, don't have a subwoofer to test how that output works.

I don’t understand how that even would work — how is one supposed to keep the subwoofer volume at the proper level relative to the mains volume?

 

[joqueval]

I don’t understand how that even would work — how is one supposed to keep the subwoofer volume at the proper level relative to the mains volume?

I've tried the PC connection, where you adjust the main volume of the RCA and sub outputs.
If you use it as a pure DAC, you'll have to adjust the signal level separately on the RCA for the speakers and another level on the subwoofer.
I think the sub output is an extra, so you can set up a 2.1 system from your PC.

 

[early rejecter]

I think the sub output is an extra, so you can set up a 2.1 system from your PC.

Ah yeah that makes sense, thx.

 

[Zek]

The recommended PSU for the Q6 is 5V/2A which is demanding for a USB connection and I don't know how that can be achieved.
It would be better if there was a separate DC port and if there was an AC/DC adapter in the package.

 

[joqueval]

Hello.
I've been relying on a HUB for USB power for a few years now.
Even if you have only a few devices, it can be a source of interference.

I use three of these for different devices where I have DACs connected.
The 2.4A ports are for charging only.
The remaining ports on the HUB are 2A.

Hub USB 3.0 Portátil de 7 Puertos con 2 Puertos de Carga Inteligente

El hub de puertos USB, UH720, adiciona puertos sin la necesidad de cambiar equipos conectados. Sus 2 puertos USB extra que soportan 2.4A de salida están diseñados para cargas ultra rápidas. charging.

www.tp-link.com

A Redmi phone has powered it without issue. On an iPhone, for example, it shows on the screen that the device is consuming too much power (16 PRO).

 

[Joe Smith]

I've continued to use the evaluation unit Fosi sent me, no problems, it's working fine. Runs fine with my Lenovo desktop PC. There is a noticeable click when the audio input stops and the unit goes into some type of standby mode, and a slight click when it reactivated.

I think the main strength of the unit is, frankly, the compatible look with the V3 amp and P4 preamplifier. I can't hear any aural differences from my main DACs, the Schiit Modi 3 and JDS Labs Atom+, not would I have expected to.

Incidentally, I've swapped hard drives in my main PC and am running Linux Mint now in preparation for Windows10 going unsupported in October. I must say, I like it fine. Since my hardware and RAM level is good, I plan to use Mint and walk away from Windows for a while. Installation was quick and easy. Plan to do this with my wife's PC as well. Easy Effects application provides all of the DSP that I need for my near-field setup.

 

[Ismapics]

I don’t understand how that even would work — how is one supposed to keep the subwoofer volume at the proper level relative to the mains volume?

Same question, I guess if you are using a Computer, change volume in the digital domain. It's about the only thing I see without adding another piece of gear.

 

[Joe Smith]

Here's the short write-up I just put onto the Fosi product page:

I've been using the new Q6 DAC for about a month and a half and am very pleased with it. It looks great with the other Fosi small form-factor products (V3 and P4). It's nice to have the unit standby when no audio signal is present, or to have the option of turning it off entirely. Runs nicely off of the USB power from my PC. I use both the optical and USB connections - use the optical connection for a CD deck that I use as a disk transport. My other good DACs are the Schiit Modi 3 and JDS Labs Atom+, and the sound quality is the same. Fosi selected good components to use in the device. I feel all of these recent Fosi products are well designed and nicely executed, and provide great sound quality for very reasonable costs.

I hope Fosi does send in a Q6 to Amir, it will be interesting to see if SINAD holds up at 121.