Qudelix-5K Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amp

[peder2tm]

Does the Qudelix 5k support wired headsets with mic with the unbalanced 4-pole connector? I would like to use it as a "gaming" dac for my Beyerdynamix MMX300 gen2.
My understanding from reading their material is that it has it's own mic built in, but is it possible to use the mic of the headset instead?

 

[mysiak]

Does the Qudelix 5k support wired headsets with mic with the unbalanced 4-pole connector? I would like to use it as a "gaming" dac for my Beyerdynamix MMX300 gen2.
My understanding from reading their material is that it has it's own mic built in, but is it possible to use the mic of the headset instead?

Yes, it's possible, you can configure mic settings in the app as in the attached screenshot. You can browse through most of the settings even if you don't have DAC connected + their manual is very helpful.

 

[TK33]

If the output mode (unbalanced/balanced) is set to AUTO, my device somehow detects a balanced connector even if the unbalanced output is actually connected, which, of course, results in distorted playback. Manually setting the correct output fixed the problem. Could there be dirt within, or what could the issue be here?

Is your firmware the most recent? i know one of the previous firmware updates fixed a bug with incorrect QX over detection. Maybe this is a similar or related issue. If this is happening after the latest update, I would post on the official Qudelix forum.

 

[Kaval]

I received my K5 today.

So far used it with LDAC BT with my phone and tablet. Impressed with its SQ.

The Q app contains a wide rage of equalizer options and tons of auto eq presets.

My guess is that many of you might have spent time while experimenting with these EQ settings and finalized a few settings.

I would greatly appreciate if you could share a few of these settings.

My headphones are Hifiman Deva.

My music genre: Vocal Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Classical.

Thanks in advance

 

[ririt]

is there someone around able to share his/her experience with the qudelix 5k connected to an Headphone amp to get more power for demanding headphones?

 

[Jimbob54]

I received my K5 today.

So far used it with LDAC BT with my phone and tablet. Impressed with its SQ.

The Q app contains a wide rage of equalizer options and tons of auto eq presets.

My guess is that many of you might have spent time while experimenting with these EQ settings and finalized a few settings.

I would greatly appreciate if you could share a few of these settings.

My headphones are Hifiman Deva.

My music genre: Vocal Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Classical.

Thanks in advance

I would start by plugging these eq settings and then adjusting the settings (especially bass) to taste. https://www.dropbox.com/s/x5ix9sybuc9rznm/Hifiman Deva (wired).pdf?dl=0

 

[Kaval]

I would start by plugging these eq settings and then adjusting the settings (especially bass) to taste. https://www.dropbox.com/s/x5ix9sybuc9rznm/Hifiman Deva (wired).pdf?dl=0

Thanks for your help and the link.

I plugged these eq settings. But the overall volume got reduced by more than half.

 

[Jimbob54]

Thanks for your help and the link.

I plugged these eq settings. But the overall volume got reduced by more than half.

Yup, 2 low shelves of 5 dB each mean you need 10 dB of reduction. You could lose up to 5db between those 2 shelves and reduce the preamp accordingly before you hit that 5db high shelf. That will get your volume back some. Experiment with how much of each you lose but still keep the bass levels you like.

 

[Atanasi]

is there someone around able to share his/her experience with the qudelix 5k connected to an Headphone amp to get more power for demanding headphones?

I have connected a 5K to an Atom, not to get more power but just for the volume knob. Actually, Amir's measurement indicates that 5K has the best performance at 0.4 V, so I used that.

I used a 3.5 mm jack cable to connect the devices, and I had to manually switch the 5K to unbalanced output mode in order to get correct playback. As I wrote earlier, the automatic output detection did not work.

 

[Kaval]

Below is a short review of Qudelix 5K based on my initial observations:

Qudelix 5K is a nice USB and BT DAC-headphone Amplifier device. I have used it via both BT and USB.

I also own the almost similar priced BTR5 but when it comes to BT range, Q5K wins hands down vs BTR5. Maybe this has to do with the newer Qualcomm BT chip used inside Q5K but the range is unmatchable.

I am using it with my phone, tablet and laptop and it works fine. In terms of sound signature, I found it a bit smoother and creamier than BTR5 which is more analytical. I am using Hifiman Deva headphones and it runs them with adequate power in both balanced and unbalanced modes. The battery life is also good and it can charge directly from the laptop too. I have not tested its mic so can’t comment on that.

Unlike BTR5 which has a nice display to do settings, Q5K only has physical buttons. BUT, Q5K has got a wonderful app that allows you to select a wide range of settings.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no other similarly priced and similar featured device that has such an accomplishing app. In fact, I was a bit intimidated by looking at so many features listed in the app, but once you use them, you understand their importance and relevance.

What was new to me in the app was the 10-band Parametric Equalizer that I have never used before. Audio professionals may use this kind of equalizer. It is a refined way to deal with music frequencies. You may have to experiment a lot to understand how PE works but efforts are worthwhile. Some patience is required.

One drawback is the location of physical buttons on Qudelix 5K. Maybe in the next edition, the manufacturer could change their location as I often press them together.

This is the company’s first product and so far I am impressed by it. I expect some further improvements in the physical design and DAC section in the coming days.

 

[ririt]

I have connected a 5K to an Atom, not to get more power but just for the volume knob. Actually, Amir's measurement indicates that 5K has the best performance at 0.4 V, so I used that.

I used a 3.5 mm jack cable to connect the devices, and I had to manually switch the 5K to unbalanced output mode in order to get correct playback. As I wrote earlier, the automatic output detection did not work.

Thanks Atanasi! Did you compare the sound quality from 5K when set-up at 0.4V instead of 2V? From a final power output perspective 0.4V is a significant limitation.

 

[Atanasi]

Did you compare the sound quality from 5K when set-up at 0.4V instead of 2V?

No. In my case 0.4 V was enough power, so I chose the SINAD sweet spot.

 

[ririt]

No. In my case 0.4 V was enough power, so I chose the SINAD sweet spot.

Ok I will certainly give a try to this way, I will see how much output I need

 

[mrbungle]

Got me some semi-wireless Aryas . It's pushing this little fella for sure, but get's loud at 90% balanced volume. Sounds fine to my non-golden ears.

 

[fbfranco]

Noob question: are there specific setting(s) for using the Qudelix as DAC only with an external amp?
I couldn't find a "DAC only" mode in settings.
Thanks!

Still trying to figure out the best possible settings as a DAC Only. Amir mentioned best SINAD @0.4V output in High Power mode.
Manual states that Normal mode is preferred to High due to lower noise floor.
What is the best combination for SINAD and Dynamic Range when plugged in an external amp through unbalanced? Normal or High? Maximum output or 0.4v?
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jimbob54]

Still trying to figure out the best possible settings as a DAC Only. Amir mentioned best SINAD @0.4V output in High Power mode.
Manual states that Normal mode is preferred to High due to lower noise floor.
What is the best combination for SINAD and Dynamic Range when plugged in an external amp through unbalanced? Normal or High? Maximum output or 0.4v?
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

Listen and tell us.

 

[fbfranco]

Listen and tell us.

Understand this forum is more for technical discussions than subjective impressions. If I claim anything subjective here I'll probably be questioned about scientifical evidence.
So if anyone can help with constructive comments, that would be great.

 

[Jimbob54]

Understand this forum is more for technical discussions than subjective impressions. If I claim anything subjective here I'll probably be questioned about scientifical evidence.
So if anyone can help with constructive comments, that would be great.

Constructive comment #1- supply more info about your chain.

 

[mysiak]

Just in case someone missed this info - Qudelix released Chrome extension to control 5k directly from the PC over USB connection. DSP/EQ tab is missing at the moment, but should be added shortly. You will need to update FW of 5k to v1.12.0 to support this feature.

Link to extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/qudelix/phaodiidhofhdmfkjiacigibgikhfafn?hl=en

 

[maverickronin]

Just in case someone missed this info - Qudelix released Chrome extension to control 5k directly from the PC over USB connection. DSP/EQ tab is missing at the moment, but should be added shortly. You will need to update FW of 5k to v1.12.0 to support this feature.

Link to extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/qudelix/phaodiidhofhdmfkjiacigibgikhfafn?hl=en

This is very good news.

Hopefully I'll soon be able to use my 5K without having to dig out my work phone.