MUSE HiFi M5 Ultra Tube Bluetooth DAC/Amp Review | vs M4, BTR7, & G5

[@TheVeganVicar]

Thanks again, Axel! Keep up the good work, both here and on the Gizaudio channel.

[@Atechreviews]

Thanks, will do!

[@Daniel-un6cy]

Just found your channel. Excellent job!

[@Atechreviews]

Thanks and welcome

[@Musicophile-p5l]

A part of me wants to get this, because it has tubes. But want to use it in transistor mode 😅

[@Atechreviews]

I found myself using it in transistor mode more than half the time because it sounded very detailed and impressive.

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

The Tube glow is sexy!! I love that they have independent data and charging ports.

[@TheVeganVicar]

My two main DAPs have independent data and charging ports too - excellent for listening whilst charging.

[@Atechreviews]

Yeah, that features is nice.

[@wongricky9095]

Another upcoming and similar product is Xduoo XD05T ... looks like more will come

[@Atechreviews]

That is great.

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

The MuseHiFi M4 is a freakn beast, just imagine this new version with dual JAN6418 NOS filled Vacuum Tubes and outstanding incredible sound that will come out of this!

[@Daniel-lq5qq]

Better than R2R DAC or kensei ifi ?

[@Atechreviews]

Yeah, the M5 Ultra is impressive.

[@Sforzabull]

I hope this one is solid. Muse Hifi makes some really attractive products, but both the M3 II and the M4 have functionality issues.

[@Atechreviews]

What functionality issues in the M4?

[@Sforzabull]

@Atechreviews Right and left are swapped on my 2.5mm output.

[@chinmayrasam]

How does it compare with the Cayin N3 Ultra which is another tube dap? Yes it's 200 bucks more expensive but still...

[@Atechreviews]

Essentially, the N3 Ultra is a full DAP with a microSD card slot and line outputs, but it doesn't have Bluetooth. The M5 Ultra, on the other hand, is more affordable, includes Bluetooth, and uses the same tubes as the N3 Ultra while using an ESS DAC chip. Ultimately, it depends on your use case and whether you need wireless functionality or a dedicated DAP.

[@chinmayrasam]

@@Atechreviews so from a pure sound perspective, both are the same?

[@Atechreviews]

@@chinmayrasam Similar.

[@c.k1523]

How is this compare to fiio q15 and ifi gryphon?

[@Atechreviews]

I don't have any of those devices, so I can't speak to their sound quality.

[@leondangelg]

New Fiio BTR17 is coming soon

[@Atechreviews]

Looking forward to that one.

[@chinmayrasam]

Is Muse M5 ultra a good pairing with the Mega5est, Oracle Mk3, and Pilgrim?

[@Atechreviews]

Yes.

[@chinmayrasam]

@@Atechreviews can you elaborate. I mean the Mega5est, oracle 3, and pilgrim are IEMs that already have a lush midrange. Will the tubes make it better or muddier?

[@Atechreviews]

@@chinmayrasam The tube mode of the M5 Ultra keeps everything clear and detailed without sounding muddy. It has a warm, smooth, and enjoyable listening experience. The tubes will make it sound a bit different in a good way. There's also a transistor mode that enhances detail and transparency while still maintaining a slight warmth.

[@dixter1652]

anyone know when the M5 Ultra will be going on sale... thanks

[@Atechreviews]

Probably soon.

[@wyles8961]

Today

[@dixter1652]

@@wyles8961 where ???

[@Hijynx87]

I love my btr7. Sounds great and it's versatile, but the battery life suuuuuuuuucks. I use battery saver mode though, so it doesn't fully charge and seems to stop at 60%...even though the app says it's supposed to stop at 80.

[@Atechreviews]

I really love my BTR7 as well, but the battery life is definitely on the shorter side, especially when using the balanced output. I get less than 4 hours with the BTR7 when using the balanced output. The Muse M5 Ultra, on the other hand, has a longer battery life thanks, though it comes with a bigger size as a trade-off.

[@hunteer963]

The case looks like a briefcase haha. Any expected price Axel??

[@Atechreviews]

$299

[@Yorozuya777]

can this be connected to dongle dac? (like the DAP + dongle dac combo)

[@Atechreviews]

It can connect to a DAP, phone, or PC via Bluetooth or USB-C, but not to a dongle, since that would need a line-out.

[@Yorozuya777]

@Atechreviews thanks!

[@scottpeterson2840]

Where do you buy this?

[@Atechreviews]

From their website.

[@nazreenshah8001]

Is this better than hiby r4?

[@Atechreviews]

The M5 Ultra sounds warmer than the R4 and has better detail and separation, but it has less power output. I believe the sound quality of the M5 Ultra is superior, but since the R4 is a full DAP, it comes with its own set of advantages.

[@nazreenshah8001]

@@Atechreviews thanks for suggesting! I’m in torn btwn ibasso dx180,hiby r4 n this!😅. I’m also confused if this and dx180 which one is better since I prefer clean warmer sounds.

[@Atechreviews]

@@nazreenshah8001 The DX180 focuses on transparency and detail, while the M5 Ultra excels in Bluetooth connectivity, clean detail, and a warm, smooth tube sound. The Hiby R4 strikes a balance, serving as a fully functional DAP that leans slightly warm but delivers plenty of power, making it great for driving headphones.

[@AhmadGhaziA]

Full specifications?

[@Atechreviews]

I shared all the information I have. The manual doesn't include any specs, it only explains how to use the device, details the filters, and provides instructions on downloading the drivers, among other things.

[@AhmadGhaziA]

@@Atechreviews ah i see. Its interesting.

[@AronAddams7]

Are the tubes replaceable?

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

Yes they are the Jan6418 NOS filled vacuum tubes!

[@AronAddams7]

@@Trump-The-GREATEST I have never used tubes so I don't know what that means haha. Hope it's designed to function well if the tubes go bad/ break.

[@Atechreviews]

I'm not entirely sure, but to replace the tube, you’ll need to open the device. According to the manual, the tubes have a lifespan of several thousand hours. If they wear out, you can either switch to transistor mode or replace the tubes.

[@AronAddams7]

@@Atechreviews several thousand hours sounds more than enough for a Device usage lifetime.haha

[@Helmond2017]

Interesting, how much does it cost?

[@Rsalmond83]

Yes

[@Helmond2017]

@@Rsalmond83 yes?

[@Atechreviews]

$299

[@Helmond2017]

@@Atechreviews Thanks. With LDAC and tubes, I think the pricing is justified.

[@sagaman4785]

This vs the 7hz Artemis39?

[@Atechreviews]

I tried the 7Hz Artemis 39 once but I can't compare them from memory.

[@tylou4479]

Price?

[@Rsalmond83]

Yes

[@Atechreviews]

$299

[@tylou4479]

How does the ESS compare to a Burr Brown chip?

[@Atechreviews]

It's been a while since I last listened to a Burr Brown DAC, but the ESS DAC chip in the Muse M5 Ultra definitely stands out compared to a typical ESS chip. To my ears, it really does sound different from most ESS DACs I've tried. For example, there's no harshness, treble focus, or "glare." In transistor mode, the sound is quite similar to tube mode, but with a smooth detail presentation. It comes across as warm, smooth, open and natural, all while still delivering plenty of detail.

[@Hijynx87]

​@@AtechreviewsI know shanling daps are warm and my m3ultra uses ess. I suppose it's all about implementation.

[@lordlopes7777]

Looking at this,I think Muse Hifi should just stay making dacs. Can't belive something like this comes from the same company that made the Power and the ME 1

[@Atechreviews]

Why?

[@lordlopes7777]

@@Atechreviews Muse Hifi has not released a good iem yet,but their dac/amps are in a way good for what they're made for.

[@Atechreviews]

@@lordlopes7777 Ah, I understand. I've never tried any of their IEMs.

[@lordlopes7777]

@@Atechreviews I too never tried,and all the reviews really did save my money.

[@masterazlan6999]

Wut r bubblin' bout noobs, those r nano tubes bra n yes it's is led light not ha4 frm the nano tubes noobs..which diff frm real valves bra..stop with the shock absorbers bullshit cuz it's nano..n not real tubes so prob ha4..noobs2..Sounds..ha4 ESS sound bra with nano tubes..I'd preferred AKM or Rohm cuz ess not in my endgame list..Peace! Btw give a notes bra noobs..try r2r system..way better..Peace2!

[@guybrushtwood]

Like I know you’re speaking English, but trying to process what you’re waffling about hurts my head. How have you gotten by in life?

[@Atechreviews]

Thanks for sharing.

[@masterazlan6999]

​@@Atechreviews U r so polite! Kewl bra..Peace!

[@wiesolos]

​@@guybrushtwoodhe sells waffles

[@karolkedzierski5824]

WTF u didnt take your pills AGAIN!