FiiO Q3 - Better than a dongle, but how it is vs. the Q5S and BTR-5?

Thanks to FiiO for sending me a Q3 for review. You'd think that the portable DAC/amp is dead, but I often get asked about using the BTR-5 as a USB DAC. The new Q3 might be a better option.
Errors etc.: I meant to say "AKM 4462" when I mentioned the DAC. Also, when I picked up IEMs to show in the video, I picked up the FH7 instead of the FH3, but my impressions apply to both.
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#FiiO #Q3 #BTR-5 #Q5S

[@Currawong]

A couple of errors: I meant to say "AKM 4462" when I mentioned the DAC. Also, when I picked up IEMs to show in the video, I picked up the FH7 by accident instead of the FH3 as they were both sitting on the foam block on my desk, but my impressions apply to both.

[@miguelyarce2012]

I thought... what a beautiful fh3!

[@svenkik72]

I've purchased the btr 5 and a pair of fd1's and i'm loving it

[@SuperZedd]

Good to see 4.4mm balanced output.

[@jikenj]

I've been using the Fiio e18 for almost 5 years now and just recently purchased the BTR5 very happy with their performance. Thanks for the great upload keep it up!!

[@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow]

hows the delay/latency when it comes to videos or gaming?

[@bltzcstrnx]

@@Y0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0ow it supports aptX low latency. So if your phone or BT source support it, you can have less than 50ms latency.

[@tichyzishh3379]

I love my Q5s. It was definitely worth the purchase.

[@davidbcg286]

Love the BTR5 I use it as Bluetooth and USB DAC every day. Convenience and good sound with affordable gear (Koss Porta Pro, NiceHK buds, AKG k371, Philips SP9500...)

[@autoexec5367]

Been a long time lurker on head-fi (~2010-2012) and I always see and value your posts back then. Just got back to the hobby and I was surprised to see you here in youtube! Love your reviews! You seem kinda snob from old canjam pictures. Nice to see and hear you speak here! Love your reviews keep it up! - Joseph

[@Currawong]

Cheers!

[@leoluck68]

I appreciate your reviews. Please keep up the good work. Best of luck... Leo

[@Currawong]

Thanks, will do!

[@JwLinberg7788]

i thought about buying Q3 for my notebook , then i go order Xduoo XD-05 Basic .... yet arrived, hopefully is a big upgrade for my fiio E10k. (since u mentioned is no the output is not powerful enough only 300mw, then is a relief for me) Always love ur channel , Currawong👍✨

[@Currawong]

Thanks!

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

Excellent review, thanks for the comparisons with other fiio products. Do you have any plans to review the new Sennheiser HD560S?

[@baatnguyen1468]

Thanks for your review. It's really helpful.

[@Currawong]

You're welcome!

[@hayesjohnny]

Great review as always!

[@Currawong]

Thanks again!

[@DroidLocks6971]

On Sept. 11 2020 I purchased my BTR3K it and it's clip case are still going strong . I Skipped Getting The BTR5 . On March 9 2023 I finally took the plunge and got the BTR7 And WOW It's A Bluetooth LDAC Codec Beast But In Wired DAC Mode Is Where The BTR7 Really Shines . I Am Hard Pressed To Tell The Difference Over My Hidizs S9 Pro DAC AMP DONGLE And BTR7 When In Wired DAC Mode Of BTR7.

[@bn6244]

i bought the Q3 as a solution to replacing/adding to my car stereo which doesn't have a sub. noticed the the front speakers had decent mid with slightly bright high end. in comes a Sony XG500 and the Q3. this completely changed the listening experience in my car. i don't do audiophile jargon so overall plenty of clean tight bass. full mids and nice highs. since the cars sound was naturally on the high end the car volume knob is used to bring that aspect of the sound to be more and less pronounced which is very convenient as recordings can vary from song to song. the bass has so much flexibility going up or down there is much room to adjust to taste. was just looking for a cheap solution to not have to overhaul the car stereo which i calculated to be over 2k and got a great outcome with the Q3 and XG500 combo. beyond happy that i took a chance on the Q3. it's the first DAC amp i've experienced and am now a believer.

[@garyschwartz1837]

Currawong: Great video. How does this compare to the HIP DAC from IFI. Which gets better sound? Currently using DT 880's from beyerdynamics.

[@earlybird3668]

I have the Fiio Q3. Your review is all over the place. Talking about multiple DAC/AMPS, headphones, and connections. I politely suggest your review is confusing, and not focused on the Q3, as opposed to talking about everything and the kitchen sink. My experience using the Q3 is this use: with my gaming PC, and with my Galaxy Note phone, both are very powerful, but are less than desired for high quality sound. The Q3 has been a noticeable upgrade in powerful beautiful sound when paired with: Sennheiser HD560S, IEM Pula PA02, and IEM Simgot EM6L. These are not HIFi these are entry into much higher quality sound, a new improved world where I would like to get an HD800S eventually, and higher end Amp, etc. The FiiO Q3 *is* quite a bang for the dollar value of wonderful sound upgrade. Your review I feel misses the point of this unit. It is not expensive, but it is very good at improving portable sound (headphones, IEM, laptops.)

[@siddhantdeepful]

I would be interested in your thought about semi-portable product also and how they pair with High end headphones and super sensitive IEMs like Xduoo-05 plus and the Ifi Micro iDSD BlackLable

[@MrWkendwarrior]

Q3 is a cost effective, thin profile device....perfect portability, sound is decent for casual listening and many IEMs. I still enjoy my M11 tethered to the Orioles BA300s tube amp....great sound...little richer bass, smoothe highs, live vocals and MIDS....imo M11 Pro did not offer tangible improvements in sound at dbl the price of my M11. Granted the Oreolus cost brought me into M11 Pro price territory....I just wanted the tube amp sound....and they together are too bulky to be on the go or fit in my pocket....paired w my P1, Shoer Tape....and hopefully their successors soon...the sound using both low def and hi def music files using DSD up convert option is sublime!

[@carlhil2]

About to send my BTR-5 back for the Q3. I don't use the BT option and the balanced outputs has more power than the one on the BTR-5 whilee having bigger battery..

[@chuckyfox9284]

You should review the E1DA 9038s. I don't have nearly as much experience with amps and dacs as you do, but from what I have actually heard it performs insanely good. The only Dac/Amps I feel comfortable comparing it to are the Fiio BTR5 and the Atom Stack. The headphone I used was the HD600 since it's the most revealing one I own. It easily outperforms the BTR5 in detail, dynamics, and just overall clarity. Compared to the Atom Stack it's a lot closer, but I'd still pick the E1DA. In my mind, that is a pretty insane value considering the Atom Stack is 200$ and a desktop unit. I'd really like to hear your take on it.

[@diegocarrington]

Would you have input on how this type of Amp/Dac compares to a solution like the Spectra X from Nextdrive? I just got the Spectra because of the awesome form factor (basically a dongle) with a dac / amp to vastly improve the audio directly from my phone but I'm curious to know if I'm missing anything on something like this Fiio.

[@almagcope3569]

Can i ask something, im planning to buy ath r70x. What is the cheapest decent amp dac for that?

[@pointsofhonesty]

I purchased the Q3 and Q5S....I liked the Q3 straight out of the box - it had a better depth to the sound, and clarity. I'm not sure why personally because I am new to this but going to give it some more time

[@ValerieFire]

^

[@ValerieFire]

@SchoolTerrorist Rest in piece Matt. Here lies matt buried deep with his comment lol

[@princesmith8008]

Lmao wtf is this thread 😭

[@conandrum74]

With the Q3 plugged to my phone, and a headset connected to the Q3, can I make phone calls? I do not mind if the mic used is the one on my phone, but I want to listen to the caller in my headset. What phones have you tried?

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Wish you also had ifi hip dac. It's the most direct comparison at the price. 😁

[@tpacalypse]

Agreed.

[@vonStalhein2]

@Weenie Hut Jr's huh?

[@Silent-1983]

Thank You! I got the new mode Fiio Q3 MQA, but sux, only on battery you can use it . Disappointed, that doesn't say ONLY on battery, you can use it on laptop or pc!

[@soumyajit92]

how does the sound compare to the ifi hip dac?

[@juliangst]

I wish it had more power for headphone use. The Xduoo xd05 basic has half a watt single ended and is even less expensive

[@charliebaker1427]

That one seems to be more expensive currently then the q3

[@JedidahBKennedy]

I have sony wh xm4,I prefer wired input over ldac,which one would recommend

[@pascaljean2333]

I would like your take on the HI-X65 headphones

[@h1a8]

I wonder how the new btr7 compares in sound to the qs5

[@snarfbot]

Hey just wanted to say between this and the newer btr15 I think this sounds slightly better on a pair of og aryas.

[@ivanvelez7668]

what if the source i want to listen to is analog such as a sampler, drum machine etc,.. especially when I want to make music on the go? these analog products does not have wifi ready or bluetooth capability.

[@Farazao]

I see you think the q5s is a step up from the btr5, but I'm not so sure you know. I had a q5s and it seemed shy on bass and harsh on treble, with a horrible bass boost, while the btr5 seems to be far more balanced. Actually I'd say the btr5 has a far better pairing with the Sony mdr Z7 (balanced) which is a hp you have and can listen to it by yourself if you want to. Which leads me to: what amp module are you using on the q5s?

[@Currawong]

I have the AM3E on it. I think that more clarity can sometimes sound like less bass. It's the same thing between the FH3 and FH5 IEMs. The former is less technically good, with more smear in the sound, but it is more entertaining that way in some respects. I agree with you about pairing though -- if you find a good combination that you like, then the whole "what is better" question stops mattering really.

[@Farazao]

@@Currawong I see... that's really the standart amp. Well I couldn't really pick more detail with the q5s compared to the btr5, but I've never pluged Utopias on any of them, so there's that, maybe my bottleneck was on the hp side at the time. Thank's for the answer!

[@krisrudecki9477]

You can change the filter settings on the Q5s, mine was setup with a roll off from the factory which I didn’t like ... I like harsh and piercing highs, and changing the filter was what I needed to get the sound I was after. As for bass boost, yeah it’s a bit strange as it cuts the mids and highs as well. I don’t like it that much ... but you can set your own EQ via a mobile app (as well as change filters).

[@javtimestwo]

Do you have a review of the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter? If yes, I would like to see that and hear your feedback. This Apple dongle is only $9 and very underrated! Just my 2 cents :)

[@Currawong]

Not yet, but I have thought of doing one. Thanks for reminding me.

[@mrfrosty3]

I nearly bought the Q3, I was under the impression it had Bluetooth. Someone assured me that the Fiio BTR5 is awesome and it turns out they were correct. The volume from my phone's headphone socket is way too low for me, the device fixes that. I've bought a lot of tech this year and this gadget feels like the best value for money by a long way. If I'd known about the BTR5 earlier I would not have bought so many wireless headphones.

[@charliebaker1427]

Ok but a big point of wireless headphones is no cables to get caught on stuff so a bluetooth reciever media player connected to wired headphones doesn't stop that lol

[@jalapenopixar]

@@charliebaker1427 Is more of giving you the freedom of not having a cable attached to your phone and the BTR 5 clip onto your shirt. The Bluetooth sound is pretty good and if you plug it into your phone or PC it sounds even better. It has a build mic and all the control you need because IEMs all have that removed. So is a bridge from really casual to people starting to get into audio tech. Is a stepping stone to getting a better understanding going forward.

[@suvtropics]

@@charliebaker1427 true. When you're doing a lot of things tws or wireless headphones are the way to go. I use an xm4 for that, but it sounds like absolute trash. Even Mid tier iems sound better.

[@princesmith8008]

How is the Q3 compared to BTR5 in terms of sound quality only???

[@CrackNick]

Tangent question to this video, what's the shortcut to boot the Q5s and not have it charge via the USB while plugged to a phone or PC? It was mentioned at 1:37 in the video. Thanks in advance!

[@Currawong]

I could have been wrong, as you set it using the FiiO app while connected via Bluetooth normally. I might have been thinking of one of the other settings, as I can't find the info.

[@zindahoon]

Hi Currawong , is they other lightning to Usb cable will work from iPhone to Chord Mojo ? Can you please please please send a link for that cable , much appreciated.

[@Currawong]

You can get one at this link, or Google "Meenova Lightning to micro USB" www.aliexpress.com/item/32856542392.html. Use the short one, as the long one noticeably degrades SQ.

[@zindahoon]

Thanks a lot Currawong , well we are missing our Brit Gem 💎 to Japan 🇯🇵

[@HiFiGOAudio]

I am using the FiiO Q3 on a daily basis now, it's quite elegant and well-built. I am getting a crisp dark background with my IEMs and Headphones!! Great video like always :)

[@neitherlink6612]

Which IEMs are you using? Also, he makes a lot of emphasis on full sized headphones and the Q3 falling short when powering them, but I’m interested in IEMs only for portable use, is it good for that?

[@stefaniedc1128]

Do you know if there is a USB-C to Lightning cable version of the grey adaptor you showed? If so, where might I buy one?

[@Currawong]

Yes, there is. Search for "Meenova USB-C lightning cable". Its on AliExpress last I looked.

[@dc99yt]

There are two types of USB-C to lightning cables, one for fast PD charging (power going into lightning end), this one doesn’t work, the second one is OTG cable (Turns the iphone into a host device, Apple calls it the camera connection kit). You need the OTG cable, or a straight through cable is fine, as the Q3 has the camera connection kit built-in already.

[@aqwandrew6330]

What should i buy, chord mojo or fiio m11 pro if i'm looking for SQ? Thankyou

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No comment

[@TheKingofbliss]

Im using fiio q3 for a week now, and it’s good for IEM, (I use IER Z1R mainly). I bought Fiio Q3, mainly for it’s portability, the DAP (SA700) i use don’t have support for my streaming service (Vox), so i pair this with my iPod touch. I did tried using HD660s with balanced cable, even in high gain, you have to turn the volume all way up. Same issue with HD600 as well.

[@digitalnation2876]

that is a very bad setup.

[@TheKingofbliss]

@@digitalnation2876 Haha. But IER Z1R sounds really good with SA700. I wouldn’t recommend it for full-size headphones though.

[@mihirchitnis905]

What do you call the short usb type c to usb type c cable used to connect the android phone with the fiio q3 amp ? I want to buy a third party one since the one fiio provided is not of a good quality (any push to the cable disconnects it from the android phone ).

[@Currawong]

UBS C OTG cable.

[@mihirchitnis905]

@@Currawong Thanks.

[@ryanchristopher2810]

Great review but those iems are the fh7s not the fh3.

[@Currawong]

Thanks. Listening and shooting the video were done at two different times, and the IEMs were next to each other when I picked them up to make the video.

[@RickMa]

Just wondering if you have tried compare between bluetooth input and usb input, say from a phone, for the BTR5? Any significant difference?

[@stiggles98]

Depends; through LDAC, most cases I'd reckon you won't hear much difference. But if you're playing above CD quality, you'll want to use it wired, especially since it can Native DSD decoding. 🤟

[@Currawong]

DSD is a massive waste of space with gear at this level. All you get is slightly softer transients.

[@stiggles98]

@@Currawong Um. Transients? Also what do you mean by a waste of space? I figured running DSD decoding is just like having your Cessna in a commercial hanger. Technically unnecessary, but kind cool. 😂

[@rr88821]

will the external mic work? like the headset with microphone?

[@Currawong]

No. You can't use it that way.

[@pointsofhonesty]

what would you consider the best portable dac amp? money is not an issue

[@Currawong]

A Chord Hugo 2 + 2go. I'd hope that bulk is not an issue either though! If you want a more "tubey" sound and don't mind even greater weight, a Woo Audio WA8.

[@pointsofhonesty]

@@Currawong thanks so much, I don't mind a little bulk but i wanted to travel around with it - that seems like an awesome options !

[@simonwood2857]

Hi, I’m not sure on some of your facts .. the iems looks like fiio FH7 not FH3 and I thought the Q3 had an AK 4462

[@Currawong]

I had both on the desk when I shot the video, I just grabbed the other pair without realising.

[@gregwomack8162]

I have the FiiO q1 Mark 2. Is it worth spending the $150 to “upgrade to the FiiO q3? It does not bring any increase in power to the table. I use 2.5mm balanced output on the q1 Mark 2 with my FiiO fh7 iems that gives me about 240mw per channel. I don’t think the q3 has that much on tap using its balanced 2.5 out. Can anyone answer or advise on this, if you have both dac/amps I would appreciate the advice a whole lot!!

[@InDueTime25]

Okay so am I crazy for doing this? I have the Topping A70pro. I only have the Topping dx3 pro. I connected my Samsung tablet to the q3 through usb c and then connected the other end of the q3 to a 4.4mm to xlr y cable and plugged that into my amplifier. Does this sound crazy? It sounds better than using DX3 pro+ as a dac. Haven't seen anyone do this or talk about it yet.

[@Currawong]

If it sounds good to you, then you're not crazy.

[@S.M.A.Batista]

The best to use with a phone is the BTR5. Because it has a microphone.

[@Currawong]

Convenience and usability is definitely important.

[@yl9737]

it is perfect for people who just want to have a 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced on their computer,

[@charliebaker1427]

Or people who want to use the 4.4 balanced cables sennheiser puts with their headphones

[@luiscardenas2924]

Is there a way to connect this to Xbox controller to power my sundaras?

[@brothatwasepic]

I think you can plug it into the controller line out. Works for me

[@iKaGe01]

I personally owned a BTR5 for a week or so and then picked up a Quedlix 5K. Both don't sound as good as even the Dragonfly Red. If the Q3 sounds about on par as the BTR5/5K (same DAC) then it wouldn't be an upgrade. How much better is the Q5S?

[@carlhil2]

They use different Dac chips...

[@iKaGe01]

@@carlhil2 Of course but that isn't always the end picture. The Dragonfly red uses a slightly higher pro variant of the ESS Sabre compared with the BTR5/5K that use a more battery friendly choice

[@Lauren080508]

not as good as the Dragonfly Red?? old technology with very well know poor amplification power (not an opinion, just objective measurements) most nowadays most $100 DAC dongles runs around any dragonfly dongle including the cobalt which is worse even that the red. I have the BTR5 and when used as a DAC is great , with IEM as good as my SMLS SU-9

[@SuperZedd]

I liked connecting my Q1 mk2 to my Sony Walkman using the L27 cable from Fiio. How could I use the Q3 via the USB-C connector? Obviously an adaptor as Fiio suggest. Has anyone got a Walkman set-up with the Q3?

[@angzander8536]

Can I use the btr 5 for speaker instead of headphone?

[@Currawong]

Active speakers only.

[@sanonmars]

​@@CurrawongWhy cannot we use with Passive speakers through Amp or Avr? I won't as my new Yamaha Avr has Sabre Dac. But possible I think.

[@protik007sbk]

Is it good for hifiman sundara

[@Currawong]

No.

[@Lionspel]

Does the q3 usb c can be used as multi function charging as well as dac input when connected to a laptop? Like if it's switched to 'charge' mode, can it still use it's dac function? I use my laptop just at home and I'm connected always to power source so, it would must be nice if the q3 can continuously charge at the same time use it's dac, and not run out of battery in the middle of gaming or listening even though it has long battery life.

[@Currawong]

Yes, it will play and charge at the same time.

[@pascaljean2333]

Q5S has Bluetooth too, which makes it a choice over the Q3. Mojo has no Bluetooth. I have the Q5s with the elegia, very satisfied.

[@fazzxides8429]

If Q3’s performance is that close to the BTR5 which besides having a smaller form factor, also offers BT and a microphone, I’m not sure what particular benefits the Q3 brings to the table considering it is $40 more expensive than the BTR5?

[@MichaelAW17]

Agreed. Even better is the ES100 thats has a balanced output as well.

[@ronniethornton8548]

4.4 balanced and bass boost

[@dc99yt]

balanced headphones

[@Greenmachine305]

Has nothing on the Qudelix 5k.

[@raysrcsandtech]

Have the Q1mkII and got the Q3 and its not any better was hoping for a step up in something with the THX, so really I got it for the USB charge switch... Agreed I find the BTR5 better than the Q3, need some more time as its new but right now the Q1mkII sounds better than Q3 , I'm running mostly Senns HD 58x and HD600 don't do IEM. My source is M6 and M3 Pro and when at home iMac

[@neizvestniy4el]

I'm afraid of this, I had q1mark2 and I really liked its sound, but I sold it, and now I regret it, now I wanted to buy q3 in the hope that I would feel these emotions again. But you say they sound different? and q1mark2 is better?

[@DanielHanson343]

You do realize the BTR5 can be used also as a portable amp/dac plugged into your phone , don't have to use Bluetooth

[@Currawong]

Yes, I was comparing it via USB. Sorry if I didn't make that more clear.

[@nonenothing4412]

Does it drain battery? I can't use m5 because my phone charges it.

[@RickMa]

@@nonenothing4412 You can shut off the charging on BTR5, however I found using it via usb with balance output drains battery of itself pretty quick....

[@nonenothing4412]

@@RickMa good stuff, thanks a lot! I hope it doesn't have a delay like the m5 because I would love to also use this for gaming, but I have only audient id4 that works without latency

[@TheKingofbliss]

11:45 It uses AKM4462

[@Currawong]

Thanks. With so many different variations I get the numbers mixed up when speaking un-scripted.

[@TheKingofbliss]

@@Currawong Understood 😊

[@PoutouPtou11]

for me a portable Dac that get the input and the output at opposite sides is juste terrible, it's a mess in your pocket

[@user-jh6kx1fw9h]

Next we -seem to- need a review for some nail clippers.

[@barberismeable]

Fact: Shanling UA5 dongle sounds better than FiiO Q3. How do I know? Because I own both!

[@yahyagh1020]

The extremely short USB-C is a deal breaker for me, I'll have to hold my phone and the q3 all the time it's inconvenient. Should have made the USB-C longer or made it not directional so that it could be replaced easily!

[@dantesparda2049]

That's is FH5 not FH3

[@Currawong]

Actually, the FH7, which is also black. I had them on my desk at the same time for another reason, and accidentally picked them up while shooting the video instead of the FH3.

[@dc99yt]

I have the $10 Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle, the sound is much better than either the BTR5 or Q3. Don’r under estimate these tiny dongles.