Qudelix 5K Review - Hands on - See the app in Action

[@Reeeepicheep]

The dual sabre dac implementation in this unit is better than any other dongle dac I’ve heard. Better than the iFi Hip Dac or GoBlu, better than the Hidisz S9 Pro, better than the dual sabre dac inside the AP80Pro player… The next step above this is the new R2R Cayin Ru-6 at over double the price. So Qudelix 5K is the dongle dap to get even if you don’t need bluetooth. Added bonus of EQ in the app, if you’re into that.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Great info. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@ibassnote]

I’ve been wanting to get into a dac and finally chose this as my entry point. I do like the sound and think it’s a great unit. Plus, it shows you why you need a portable dac to get the most out of your gear…

[@TheVeganVicar]

You've sold me!

[@bonsai03449]

Thanks for posting this. Super helpful for 1st-time user looking to get up and running. Looks like you've covered all the basics.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@koreancook]

I use this in my 2010 Rav4. Went from non-JBL to JBL audio. Consider this before upgrading head unit, amp.

[@hackinghifi4247]

That’s really cool! How does it work in a car setup?

[@peupeuguy310]

@@hackinghifi4247i would like to know as well !

[@infedelin]

If I may say, that's a beautiful table.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Thanks! It's actually an adhesive wallpaper for counters. I use it on a plastic table and it looks great. It's available on Amazon it's labeled as Chichome blue gold marble wallpaper. It's about $40 for a good side roll.

[@infedelin]

@@hackinghifi4247 thank you.

[@informedchoice2249]

Isn't it. I'd not considered it.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

I bought it because some of the YT videos are so low in volume I need a boost. This does it just fine!

[@hackinghifi4247]

Awesome!

[@fiddlix]

Thank you for this content. I love this little device. Sounds fantastic and excellent Bluetooth. The app is just fantastic. Well worth learning.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching.

[@mattshift50]

Great review! Would you still say this is the best option for that price bracket? I’ve just entered the world of iem’s so looking for a dac/ Bluetooth

[@hackinghifi4247]

You can start with an apple dongle, they sound great if you don’t need wireless and eq. For eq it’s a great option especially for iPhone where you can’t get it in app.

[@matsudakodo]

Make sure you use LDAC Bluetooth to avoid losing anything to compression.

[@justinspirational]

Thanks for a great review.. when plugged into a phone via usb for maximum quality will it still run off its own in built battery or will it drain the phone's battery using the phone's power instead and charge itself off the phone? (I hope it doesn't drain my phone's battery and still uses it's own battery independently).. thanks

[@hackinghifi4247]

You can set it either way I’m pretty sure. I believe there’s an option to turn off charging.

[@Yos115]

I just ordered it as soon as I saw these are preset headphones on the EQ

[@hackinghifi4247]

I know it's the coolest feature! Just remember when you load it to save it into a slot so you don't have to go back and find it every time.

[@maze400]

I was looking for a way to turn my Grado SR80's and Sennheiser HD650's into wireless. I ordered this little gem this morning after I heard about the LUT of cons and saw mine were on there... My Etymotic IE headphones are on there too.... Can not wait to try this out.... Glad you showed how to save the LUT's to the custom slots.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Sure thing man! At first I was like damn this would be great if you could save them… 😃

[@getoutsidenow420]

You inpressed by it?

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@getoutsidenow420 not sure what you’re asking

[@maze400]

@@getoutsidenow420 Honestly, I was but eh not so much anymore.

[@SpunzZmok3s]

@@maze400 how come? what did you expect of it that it didnt perform?

[@carljohnson7268]

Thanks was thinking of getting one a these for ages I have lots of good iems/Headphones but know I'm not getting the best out them even sent back very good ones because it seems I needed 1 of these but like U say no one's ever really done a video which shows what you did so thanks a lot gonna order 1 now does it have say I've just got some dt990s does it have any saved ones because I'm not great at EQ etc cheers mate from across the pond in Liverpool thanks again Carl

[@hackinghifi4247]

Thanks for watching! Yes it has a saved database of headphones and you can save them in a slot as well for easy access. So you should be able to load the 990 preset and go from there.

[@Congable]

can it drive a 250 ohm headphones? dt770 pro 250 ohms specifically

[@hackinghifi4247]

Not sure, they do great with the 80 ohm though.

[@rtcmb1]

Yes

[@markallen6317]

No disagreement - plugged in (USB OTG C to Lightening) gives one better fidelity but nothing's more convenient than Bluetooth

[@hackinghifi4247]

yup thats true! I especially like it for using the device for calls/music listening for when I'm doing work from home with a headphone or iem with a mic.

[@matsudakodo]

Unless you have an Apple device, LDAC Bluetooth has a high enough bandwidth to be transparent

[@weswheel4834]

Thanks for the video. Did I mishear, or did you say at 07:30 that if you leave a review that they extend your warranty??

[@hackinghifi4247]

Yes I think there's three different places you can leave reviews and they'll extend the warranty. You can see the date change within the app so I know it worked. I think the one I did on Amazon gave me an extra 90 days. I think there was a card in the box but I'm not sure. You might reach out to them, I think you can get an extra year or so if you do all the ones they want you to do. Thanks for watching!

[@tuananhnguyen-ui1vi]

Thanks for posting here. I am a newbie with DAC/AMP. Just purchase Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphone and i read a lot of recommendation about Qudelix-5K. I just want to listen Lossless Music on Apple Music in my Iphone 13 Pro Max. Do the 5K help for my case? If yes, Bluetooth or USB Type-C connection, which will be better for audio quality? Thanks

[@hackinghifi4247]

Definitely use wired over wireless for lossless. Although I don’t think you’ll hear much difference as long as it’s wired. A regular apple dongle works great. But it doesn’t give you much power and your iPhone can’t do eq. The Qudelix will give you more power and an app for eq which makes it a good value. It can also be used as a dac amp for your desktop. Just make sure you buy a otg style cable to plug it into your phone or the wired won’t work.

[@tuananhnguyen-ui1vi]

⁠@@hackinghifi4247thanks a lot. I will get the Qudelix-5k today. Expect about great experience

[@Delaware_Dharma]

Thanks for going into some detail to explain the App/features. Your speech pace was better than the ones that sound like speed freaks! …which helps us to understand the points you made. Good job.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad I could help!

[@pt3sparky341]

Great app walkthrough. Thanks a bunch for posting.

[@hackinghifi4247]

You’re welcome! Glad I could help. Thanks for watching.

[@TheVeganVicar]

15:10 for my new Sennheiser IE300 earphones, whose left and right cable is reversed.

[@reklovjj]

Good review however 5K is a receiver not a transmitter which means you can’t listen to music over BT. If you know how please let us know as 5k support simply respond: 5K is a receiver not a transmitter over BT! Thanks

[@hackinghifi4247]

Sorry I may have used the wrong word in the video. To transmit you would need the source, this would only receive.

[@svldvc]

Thank you for this! Super helpful review

[@hackinghifi4247]

Sure thing! Glad I could help.

[@peupeuguy310]

what would a ps5 / senheiser setup look like brother?

[@hackinghifi4247]

For something like that I would probably use the Schiit Fulla or something like that. I use the mixamp for my Xbox.

[@peupeuguy310]

@@hackinghifi4247 the Fulla E ? 📝

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@peupeuguy310 yup I haven’t used that one but I use a schiit magni amp. I’m a big fan of the schiit products, good prices for high quality gear. I use the mixamp which is nice too but doesn’t pack much power. It’s the only one that you can use for Xbox though so I’m stuck with it. 😀

[@gokkunmeplease]

Just got mine today! i ordered it like 2 days ago wow!!

[@hackinghifi4247]

Hope you enjoy it! It's one of my favorite audio devices. If you don't need more than one input it's really all you need on the dac/amp side.

[@tx_reaper5973]

From where?

[@soulja617]

Hey I have a question, do I have to manually switch audio formats through the Qudelix app when I use Tidal and different songs pop up with different formats like 16 bit or 24 ???

[@hackinghifi4247]

No you can have it auto change I believe as long as you leave all the audio options open.

[@soulja617]

@@hackinghifi4247 ​​⁠Hmm well on the app it actually makes me select 1 when you go into the input section and select USB. It’s under the USB DAC FS.

[@soulja617]

@@hackinghifi4247 when I first used the app it already had 96 KHz selected

[@nsivaraj777]

Hi, can u tell which is better? Colorfly CDA m1 vs btr5 2021 vs ibasso DC05 vs Qudelix 5k among these which one has best audio output considering only usb connection and 3.5mm jack and same iem? Please rank them according to ur preference. Thanks.🙏

[@hackinghifi4247]

I haven't used all of them but I believe the biggest difference is the app, from everything I've seen the Qudelix has the best app and equalizer control makes a big difference.

[@nsivaraj777]

@@hackinghifi4247 thanks for the reply 😊

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@nsivaraj777 You're welcome!

[@christopherpaloma5628]

I think you read a audio science review about these Qudelix there conclusion about the DACs issue performance

[@nsivaraj777]

@@christopherpaloma5628 no bro.

[@d-west1]

i know a late comment, but would these work perfectly for the Sennheiser HD6XX? (wired)

[@hackinghifi4247]

Should power it just fine.

[@Pianist7137Gaming]

I have an issue trying to get it to connect via USB Dac on the rog phone 6, it randomly worked for one day and never again, sticks to bluetooth mode only even when plugged in.

[@hackinghifi4247]

I’d disable Bluetooth on your phone and see if it works wired that way. Within the app the area that shows connection you can manually change input I’d try that as well.

[@Pianist7137Gaming]

@@hackinghifi4247 without bluetooth it doesn't work at all. customer support said you have to select the connection from the mobile device, though my android device (asus rog 6) doesnt have any option for it. their instruction manual showcases a samsung.

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@Pianist7137Gaming did you install the application? You need that to control it. There’s a specific Qudelix app.

[@Pianist7137Gaming]

@@hackinghifi4247 yea i have the app, support said that the input (whether bluetooth or usb dac) is controlled by the device it's connected to, the qudelix does not have the ability to control the type of connection. They directed me to page 38 & 39 of the user manual.

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@Pianist7137Gaming that’s not true. The screen that shows you the input you can push the button to change it.

[@MIKEPARD]

Thanks the view of the app was really helpful

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@yspegel]

You know you can select a different codec over bluetooth?

[@hackinghifi4247]

Pretty sure on iPhone it’s aac only but I could be wrong!

[@yspegel]

@@hackinghifi4247 wasn't clear to me you were talking about iphone. I'm not familiar with iphone.

[@Pabula]

I feel the apple USB C to 3.5 used on iPad Pro volume is too low and music and movies are not to the level i wish to hear, specially in a plane. Wondering if you think the Qudelix 5K will help me have better volume from iPad Pro m1 to Audiotechnia M50x

[@hackinghifi4247]

Absolutely, the 5K has a battery and it's own power so you'll get significantly more power out of it. Also it should increase the sound of your headphone, if it's not loud enough you probably aren't getting the greatest performance out of the headphone either.

[@vinaysahu-he1zo]

How well it work with ios lighting cabel for lossless audio

[@hackinghifi4247]

Works great! Just make sure to get a otg style cable a regular one won’t work to an iPhone.

[@brandonburr4900]

Appreciate the the review. I love this little wonder! Anyone know by chance where to get a balanced cable for this to take advange of th3 higher power ? Thanks!

[@hackinghifi4247]

A balanced cable will depend on the device you’re using. Some have the ability to be used that way and some don’t. You’ll need to research the iem or headphone you have and see if balanced is an option. Thanks for watching!

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

I felt very interested about these devices after i noticed that my Sony WH XM4 sounded better connected to my LG G7 through a wire, than through Bluetooth and some EQ, i just couldn't get them to sound right through the Sony App, so i have been using wireless headphones wired, because they sound better like that, I'm using losless files of course, and i could tell the difference between 900 kbps and 1400kbps files of the same song. I hope this DAC / AMP is at least as good, hopefully better than the one that my old LG G7 has (LG used to be widely renounced for having great DACs in their phones) because i want to completely skip the Sony App, but i still want to have some EQ just in case.

[@hackinghifi4247]

It’s excellent I think you’ll enjoy using it. Thanks for watching!

[@profound369]

Where did you find 1440 kbps? The highest i could find is 320kbps

[@damnbrosky]

same quad dac like in LG G7 is used in another semi pro dac/amps and always sounds better than phone one, maybe coz software, maybe something else ... So probably any dac like quadelix will sound way better tan LG phone.

[@epicgamer496]

@@profound369 flac files are cd quality which can be over 1400kbps

[@epicgamer496]

how can you tell difference between 900 and 1400 thats so hard

[@BudgieFan101]

Hi. Is all this on their Android App? Thanks a lot!

[@hackinghifi4247]

I used their iOS app but I’m assuming it’s the same for both. Thanks!

[@4runnert1]

Excellent video, thanks man...

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad it helped!

[@alteans]

Got my old Fiio somewhere... Well at least I'm trying to watch yer show...Since this is also part of my job as an EE, don't know about the rest of the population.lol

[@hackinghifi4247]

Not sure what you mean but I appreciate you watching!

[@Markus1925]

How's latency while watching KZbin?

[@hackinghifi4247]

I don’t have any trouble, once in a while Bluetooth will lose sync on any Bluetooth device I just rewind it a bit

[@Flakka-]

Thanks for the video, well made

[@hackinghifi4247]

Glad you liked it!

[@amanieux]

do you hear any sound quality difference between qu5k and a desktop dac

[@hackinghifi4247]

Hard to say, I think the schiit magni offers a more analog warm sound which I like a lot and it’s nice to know you have enough power for anything. But the Qudelix works great for anything I’ve thrown at it even planar headphones. For $100 you can basically buy it and be done with dacs and amps it you want to.

[@burnfilmz1611]

Yo can you please put the link in the description for the special cable to connect it wired directly to your phone I want to buy it

[@hackinghifi4247]

sure thing, I didn't realize I didn't link it! Here it is and I also added it to the description. Thanks for watching! www.amazon.com/iPhone-Adaptor-Amplifier-qudelix-Shanling/dp/B09KLXYQDH

[@ivryparadise1488]

Wait so since this device supports LDAC if I choose wired connection with iPhone which doesn’t support LDAC, but since connected to the DAC will I be able to use LDAC then ? also do different otg chords give better sound over another ?

[@hackinghifi4247]

As far as I know ldac is only wireless. When you plug in you’ll get the best sound so I wouldn’t worry about ldac. The cord only matters if you’re plugging into an iPhone then you’ll need one labeled otg. It’s digital so I don’t think the quality matters per se.

[@jungtarcph]

How does it compare to your desktop setup? I have a Schiit Fulla that I am not super impressed by. Not missing power, just fidelity and character

[@hackinghifi4247]

Hi Oscar, it's great especially for IEMs and lower powered headphones. For something that needs a bunch of power like the planar headphones I have I feel like you get a bit more fullness on my Schiit Magni but I haven't tried it using the balanced connection. I'm guessing if you use the balanced connection you'll get plenty of power for just about anything. If I remember right I think it doubles the available power. I'd recommend messing with eq if you're on pc, equalizer APO and Peace gui is a great way to play around with the sound you get, if you want a little more warmth it's pretty easy to add in.

[@sachinmajotra9665]

@@hackinghifi4247 will this be good for edition xs

[@KuroganeX3]

Hello am pretty new into Headphone stuff. Would you pick BTR7 or Qudelix 5K? I am planning to run it with DT 700 PRO X for now. As this headset will be with me on travel and at home. Most of the time till now i was using Sennheiser RS 175

[@hackinghifi4247]

I haven’t used that one but I don’t believe it comes with an equalizer which is a big deal for me. Being able to change how your headphones sound can be the difference between a good and great experience. That’s said the btr7 seems to have a lot more bells and whistles, if you don’t care about eq and want to have a display in the device etc nothing wrong with that but it does look like you pay extra for it.

[@KuroganeX3]

@@hackinghifi4247 btr7 has parametric EQ through their app. after last update (info from month ago) as far as I have seen online. As I am pretty new to it I am not sure.

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@KuroganeX3 you might check out the Reddit thread on it. Looks like it’s limited compared to what you get with the Qudelix. I searched btr7 eq on Google and a thread popped up.

[@KuroganeX3]

@@hackinghifi4247 Thank you will check it out.

[@KuroganeX3]

@@hackinghifi4247 well bad news wanted to buy Q5k but on their website I can pay only with PayPal which I refuse to make as they closed my account in past without explanation. So I guess I will order btr 7.. Its bit sad but can't be changed. Edit: found it on amazon will order it in few days.

[@perseus431]

What mw output is this in bluetooth mode? Its advertised next to IEMs, but will it drive something bigger?

[@hackinghifi4247]

I've had no trouble even driving planars with these. Plus you get way more power if you use the balanced output so if you can drive them that way you should be able to drive most headphones.

[@From_the_mil]

Is there a present for the Beyer DT 1990 Pro?

[@MarSkai]

Yes!

[@gesu1742]

Thanks for the review! Could you please recommend a cable to use it wired with a macbook pro?

[@hackinghifi4247]

it works great wired as well. Although with a Macbook you don't need it I believe unless you need more power. The macbook has a pretty good dac built in and equalizer support.

[@gesu1742]

@@hackinghifi4247 thank you for your reply!

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@gesu1742 sure thing glad I could help!

[@alistairstark9885]

If you pair this to your smart tv, will there be audio delay?

[@hackinghifi4247]

That's a good question! Wired I'm pretty sure no but bluetooth there may be.

[@DanielCalatayudFerrandez]

does sound quality really improve if you use bluetooth directly to the phone compared to plugging your heaphones directly to the Qudelix 5k through the jack, but connecting the Qudelix to your phone through Bluetooth?

[@hackinghifi4247]

Well that’s two different things, wireless earbuds are one thing but using wired earbuds plugged into a wireless adapter is something else.

[@days_syruptalk]

Can you use it on a 2.1 system?

[@hackinghifi4247]

Anything that you can plug in with a single 3.5mm cable should work.

[@mrj2875]

My qudelix has arrived. I've selected harmon target for my headphones, but eq defaults to PEQ view. But i want to edit this in GEQ. When i select GEQ it removes the harmon target. How can i edit the harmon target for headphones in GEQ eq mode?

[@hackinghifi4247]

I believe once you save the profile you can see it in both but not sure I've never edited a preset before. Hope you are able to get it figured out!

[@mrj2875]

@@hackinghifi4247 ye that doesn't seem to work, only let's you edit on geq eq. If you get chance to try, let me know please

[@hackinghifi4247]

@@mrj2875 I had the same result as you unfortunately. If you want to move things around manually I'd recommend doing equalizer apo on pc and mess with the sliders there using the preset numbers to load it in. Then you can mess with the sliders on a pc. Once you have the new settings save those on your Qudelix. Have fun!

[@Xilfarth]

Great review. I want to pair this with the Meze Audio 99 Classics headphones and use them for mmorpg gaming. However, I'm a tech dummy and don't know if the Qudelix 5k's receiver has good delay. My friend says he always uses a 2.4ghz receiver when using wireless. Will this combo work?

[@hackinghifi4247]

thanks for watching! If you use it in wired mode you won't have any delay I would do that. Just plug it into your pc using a usb c to usb a cable I think it may come in the box but I could be wrong. In bluetooth mode I wouldn't use it for gaming.

[@ANiCKiN]

👍

[@hackinghifi4247]

Thanks

[@210195111]

Well explained.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Thanks!

[@zulesyak3028]

Hi, really informative stuff you show here about the qudelix. Can the custom EQ be saved in the dac itself? I want to use with my PS5. there in no qudelix app. So im hoping the EQ can set before wirelessly connect to PS5. Hope you understand what im trying todo here.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Yup whatever eq you save on it will work it’s saved locally on the device until you change it. Also as like as you’re connected to it through Bluetooth you’ll be able to make changes through your phone so you can still adjust it while it’s connected to the ps5 through the app on your phone. 😀 That’s assuming it works with a ps5 I haven’t tested that. I know on the Xbox the only thing that works is the astro mixamp.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Btw I can’t get the mic pass through to work on wired it only works for me as a Bluetooth headset if you’re planning on using the mic part with it.

[@anhiirr]

dont forget to touch that crossfeed from time to time in games like fifa/madden etc or racing games, or pve titles/hack n slashers/loot grinders.

[@soulja617]

How did you connect the Qudelix to the ps5 wirelessly ?? Did you turn on the “Host Volume Disregard” under the USB section?

[@pauliusb]

Life saver if you have crapple.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Exactly, only way to get equalizer

[@altodomino7859]

So this accepts usc (android) as an audio source? But I need to switch it out of charging mode in the app? Help me understand please

[@hackinghifi4247]

For Android you shouldn't need to do that but I haven't tested it to be sure. I think it's only an iOS device issue. You should just be able to plug it in USB C and go. But it will try and charge from your phone so I believe best to turn that feature off. But no big deal either way. I use the wired connection for a better listening experience, I have done a back and forth test and you can definitely tell the fidelity difference between the two. But sometimes Bluetooth is very convenient. I don't believe you need the OTG cable for android either, should just be a usb c to usb c cable. But again I haven't tested on Android so I'm not sure. Thanks for watching!

[@altodomino7859]

@@hackinghifi4247 I appreciate the reply. I agree: always have better sound with a wired connection vs. Bluetooth

[@theonlyegg]

Gotta turn off the iPhone keyboard sound.

[@hackinghifi4247]

Thanks for the tip

[@RaginYak]

Can these be used with phone without powering them on (wired ofcouse)?

[@hackinghifi4247]

Yes with an iPhone you can either have the integrated battery power it or set it so the phone recharges the battery while you’re using it. You’ll just need an otg cable rather than a regular style cable to connect it.