Qudelix 5K vs. ES100 vs. BTR5 Comparison

[@paulm5441]

Hi Brian, what microphone are you using? It sounds really reaily clear and crisp. Thank you!

[@carlosfontanez9804]

It seems for bluetooth the 5k is the best device at the moment. On the Qudelix website it mentions they have a partnership with Sony on their LDAC feature allowing you to adjust the Bluetooth connection over LDAC through their software, ie the equalizer or connection strength vs latency. The other devices don't have that option, however the btr5 does have a higher usb-dac bit rate. If your going to be solely using the Bluetooth function then the 5k or es100 might be a better option over the btr5 do to the better software.

[@Siphoni]

Absolutely amazing video! Thanks so much for this. I hope you are doing well, and would love to see more videos like this!!!

[@nsivaraj777]

Hi, If we connect both Qudelix 5k & iBasso DC-05 to a laptop or a smartphone along with a iem say Aria or tin t3+ with 3.5mm jack only which will sound better? If bluetooth and equilizer is not considered/ not used. Which one will u pick for really good sound output alone?Thanks☺️

[@Hijynx87]

I’d say qudelix because of the extensive eq you can do on the app, also tons of presets to choose from for your specific iems/cans. Cant go wrong with either though.

[@Ryan-uf2oi]

So the equalizer on the 5K doesn’t work if it’s wired? I got confused hehe

[@PurpleSkywalker]

Hey great video I was debating about getting the btr5 before I saw this video. I have 2 questions though, (1) with the 5k does it have a neutral sound to it if I leave the eq on flat? I'm asking because I am going to be using this primarily for music production (on a budget lol) and thus require an accurate representation of the music being played with no added eq or filters. And second does the 5k overheat quickly when connecting via USB to computer or phone? Thanks in advanced 🖖🏽

[@PurpleSkywalker]

Oh ok awesome thanks for the reply

[@gmr2gnr]

Price of Lotoo Paw S1 in my local shop has dropped since Qudelix 5k released. Which should I get? Bluetooth function is not a consideration factor.

[@ronaldmcwhatnow9744]

what did u get?

[@gmr2gnr]

@@ronaldmcwhatnow9744 I got the Lotoo Paw S1. Paw S1 had an update to support MQA, Qudelix still does not support MQA the last time I checked. But now I kind of want the Bluetooth function 🤔 might get another one. See which feature matters most to you.

[@ahappycoder2925]

@@gmr2gnr MQA is pure snake oil anyways

[@gmr2gnr]

@@ahappycoder2925 for real? So getting Tidal is pointless as well?

[@ahappycoder2925]

@@gmr2gnr MQA files have been shown to reflect ultrasonic noise into the audible range. It’s basically a lossy encoding with DRM that’s being marketed as better the FLAC (truly lossless). Check out Golden Sound’s video on it. I believe Amir has done one too

[@Aseutester]

Does the 5k have ambient noise pass thru like the ES100?

[@holzvvrm7718]

It does, I think it sucks at least with the built in mic tho. Gonna test it again with inbuilt and headset mic tomorrow...

[@geniferteal4178]

I felt the volume straight out of the headphone Jack on my old phone. Yeah that old was low going into a powered computer speaker. How could you guess the volume output of the qdilex might compare? I know a ton of variables just your best guess.

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

I think it would be more than enough for any IEM or aux input. Only your high impedence headphones would struggle with the Qudelix, IMO.

[@geniferteal4178]

@@ProjectsbyBrian Thanks this is my only reference point and yeah. I know it's a random combination of stuff but I'm just trying to get a sense if it would be louder because that was a big. Disappointment I always had to have the volume 100% on the phone to get reasonable volume out of the speaker and my previous phone was not like. That and now I don't know what I'm gonna get out of this device. I'm paying extra money for. Besides all the other quality issues which I think are OK. I just want to know I'm going to get more level then I would from that old from the note for.

[@SmokeyOwOs]

My wireless Sennheisers gave out on me only a few months into getting them, and even though I'm sending them in due to warranty, I really wanna give up and just get wired iems again, it's just hard to find out which one of these is worth

[@MuzR98]

I'm planning to buy my first portable bluetooth dac and my budget is around price of btr3k and es100. is es100 can drive more power than btr3k? my gear is final e3000 and kph30i

[@remeister]

Great review Brian! I have a question regarding the USB DAC performance that you have touched on in your review; you compared the Qudelix to the ES100 but did not comment on the BTR5. How does it stack up to the Qudelix in your opinion? I am looking to get either one of these for a do-it-all bt/dac/amp for mainly desktop use but occasionally on-the-go as well. I hear that the BTR5 has a dedicated USB controller that goes up to 384K/32Bit after installing the drivers, but I would rather hear your subjective optinion on it and if it even makes a difference. Thanksss!

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

Yes, you are correct on the USB performance. If you are mainly using this as a desktop DAC then the BTR5 is probably your best choice. However, the 5K is my favorite out of these 3 because I use my 5K at the office almost every day and the bluetooth features are a little more important to me. I'm not sure if you'd notice a difference in the 5K and the BTR5 when used as a USB DAC, especially if you're only streaming Spotify or something compressed. I hope that helps!

[@babyscrotum]

@@ProjectsbyBrian not sure if it got updated since your video release, but the BTR5 does have EQ control. the FiiO control app has a 10 band equalizer. So now that the BTR5 has a higher sample rate and also supports your BT features for EQ do you prefer this over the 5k? Price wise the 5k still wins and an extra 50 bucks as of right now for a higher sample rate isn't really a great value. I think the 5k is the best value but the btr5 does have all the same features with superior USB DAC performance.

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

@@babyscrotum Sorry for the late reply, I'm just now seeing this. I was not aware of the BTR5 update. I remember the BTR5 did in fact have EQ control, but it would not be applied when using it with the LDAC bluetooth codec, while the other devices could do that. Well said on the second part of your comment, I agree the 5K is the best value of the three, and I have been using it almost daily since I posted this video.

[@babyscrotum]

@@ProjectsbyBrian no worries on the late reply! And yes you're absolutely right the equalizer does not work in LDAC mode which really sucks

[@pakakz]

The eq also does not work in usb dac mode.

[@bravomanel]

Does the Qudelix (or any of this portable DACs) have a mic input when you use it on USB on your PC ? to put a 4 pole headphone with mic (or a gaming headset, Vmoda Boom cable with mic). I already tried with the BTR3K without success, i need a DAC that supports mic input but don't want to buy something like Sennheiser GSX or Schiit Fulla/Hel

[@TehDAMD]

Only the Qudelix 5K can make use of a 3.5mm TRRS headset/mic, but I believe you'll have to drop down to 48KHz (from 96KHz) sampling rate.

[@pc_decisions8764]

I have read that fiio added headset functions on there second firmware, but 5k having the latest qualcomm technology, i guess is cleaner

[@cupcakeobsession]

Quite torn that the 5k cost $170 while the btr5 for $136 and es100 is basically unavailable :/ Go for 5k or cheaper btr5? (Tbh im leaning on 5k cause better battery, smaller, lighter, powerful, great app from the looks of it.) also which has a better background? Any hisses or noises? Thanks

[@cupcakeobsession]

@@ProjectsbyBrian thanks. its true ill be using it for a long time for a few years i guess that makes sense i really do like the app just by how it looks so far. Also what dap do you recommend sub 200 for pairing with 5k? My phone and laptop are old i dont even think theres 5 gig left xL (i have like 70gigs of song on a cloud service never to be played again 😔)

[@cupcakeobsession]

@@ProjectsbyBrian hmmm okay thank you :D

[@karl3168]

5k should be 100$ don't get scammed

[@russferrence5608]

Hey Brian, I got my 5k today. I can't turn the volume up on the 5k, only on my phone, and can't get the eq on the 5k to work, any help would be appreciated Thanks Russ

[@WyattUTFT]

I did see somewhere that you can't turn the volume up on the 5k unless music is playing

[@hameedn.b7004]

Well that’s kinda weird

[@eliguzman36]

Not sure if it was fixed in an update or what since I only got my 5k a couple weeks ago, but I can turn the volume of both my phone and the 5k in the app whether there's anything playing or not.

[@faraday9234]

I havent had any problems with using an equalizer with my btr5. I got mine more recently, so maybe firmware? I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just insane and I have eq on and it's not working but my audeze isine 10's are running balanced and sound really good. As we all know those NEED eq.

[@WhatThisVideo-WTv]

BTR5 does not support eq on LDAC. Officially said by Fiio itself. You maybe using EQ on lower codecs like aptx hd etc. Your btr5 maybe switching to lower codec automatically.

[@publius5128]

Anyone still wondering in 2023: I own both, and the Q5k is better in every regard, and it's not even close. The Fiio is good for using wired ear buds without having to have them plugged into your phone, and that's it. No amp and a very meh DAC. The Q5k is worth more than it costs and the Fiio was a waste of money, imo.

[@castillo4141]

MQA is not possible with the 5K, I also own both, just something to take into consideration.

[@WizeGuyDezignz]

There is so much wrong with your comment lmao. At least understand what you're talking about before you post.

[@fidot1000]

If its between 5k and fiio k5 pro, which one better?

[@sakkel.7357]

which bt dac/amp is best for making sundara's wireless?

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

My favorite lately has been the Qudelix 5K. It's the best all rounder and should drive the Sundara's pretty well.

[@iKaGe01]

Not had a chance to test the 2.5mm on the 5k yet but like with the BTR5 it uses 2 dacs for the balanced for each channel, vs 1 in 3.5mm. Any differences you can hear?

[@iKaGe01]

@@ProjectsbyBrian Yeah waiting for mine :) Good to hear. Sounds great in LDAC even with 3.5mm

[@pc_decisions8764]

The difference is power and battery

[@maripido]

Do you still have your ES100 MK1 and MK2? Looking at Amazon reviews, about 6% is 1 star. A lot of them stating that their ES100 broke down in less than a year. Any issues so far since you've had them for quite some time now

[@maripido]

@@ProjectsbyBrian thank you very much. This is good information

[@maripido]

@@ProjectsbyBrian what happened to your MK1 by the way? I already pulled the trigger a few days ago on the MK2. Bought it oneBay. If I return it, I'll be charged a re-stocking fee. I guess I'm going to have to live with it for a while.

[@maripido]

@@ProjectsbyBrian awesome! thanks for the reply!

[@traaaaan]

I have the es100 paired with sundaras for walking around the house. I don't see a need to upgrade. Ivw had it for 3 or 4 years now. Only gripe is i wish it were usb c. Only this and my xbox one controller are micro usb.

[@gydot]

what are those tips?

[@juhan9117]

they look like symbio tips

[@hansintakt5228]

if you are using it via bluetooth and then put in the USB cable, does the music turn off, e.g. laptop speakers turn on, then those turn off and the 5K turn on again? (as is the process via the ES100) or does the sound not really get interrupted?

[@hansintakt5228]

@@ProjectsbyBrian thx a lot

[@nackbluesky]

bluetooth mode 5k and btr5 have delay time ?

[@619RobdoG]

Loving my Q 5K

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Thanks for making this video.... great review and comparison!

[@rsg5850]

Will 5k be able to drive the sennheiser hd 650 300ohms?

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

My initial thought is no, however maybe someone else has tried it with good results.

[@rsg5850]

@@ProjectsbyBrian saw few other comments on other channels where 5k power up to 250 ohms. Does BTR5 can do 300ohms?

[@Ed-rp8hw]

If you were only comparing them sonically which would prefer most. I can't decide between the 5k and the btr5

[@Kirko_bangz]

5k. I've had both (and currently have the 5k). The parametric EQ is worth it alone.

[@rr88821]

Nice review! btw, headset with mic works too?

[@holzvvrm7718]

Yup, it works. You can even set the gain.

[@pc_decisions8764]

@@holzvvrm7718 which one is the best for headset?

[@holzvvrm7718]

@@pc_decisions8764 What do you mean? Which mic? Which gain?

[@pc_decisions8764]

@@holzvvrm7718 which of the three works for headsets, especially on PC

[@holzvvrm7718]

@@pc_decisions8764 Can only speak for the Qudelix, I never touched one of the others. That one works well over USB.

[@mickeybreg1]

can i use this on ps5?

[@ProjectsbyBrian]

I'm not sure if it works on a PS5 and would have no way of testing it, sorry.

[@neilcaparida9926]

Nice voice. Very clear

[@pamela7633]

do the lights stay on all of the time?

[@pamela7633]

@@ProjectsbyBrian thank you

[@JoelSc14]

say, 5k vs es100 or es100mk, thoughts ?? Source is a galaxy s9, the use would be for some custom in ear monitors, on a motorcycle, so battery life is huge, size, shape also a plus being smaller. This will be my first purchase like this. I have alclair studio3, and etymotic er4xr, plus some open back Sennheiser (pc use). Thinking the main use would be 3.5mm , i could look for a 2 pin 2.5mm balanced cable, but if the dac battery runs out, it would be a pain to connect to my phone. from the comments here, the 5k seems to be the way to fly?? is it overkill for a 3.5mm or for the price/quality its the one to purchase ?? (i also have the sen true wireless m2) thanks much for your time Also, if I use a Bluetooth remote, to control the volume on my phone when riding, i still will be able to change loudness with it correct , same as the phone up and down V ?? (without having to use the app or something?)

[@aqwandrew6330]

the btr5 cannot play 24 bit ?

[@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893]

btr5 can play 32bit/384khz and native dsd until 256, but apparently he use this dacs with spotify, so a superior quality is not necessary for him or his tracks.

[@aqwandrew6330]

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 so which one is better from the 3?

[@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893]

@@aqwandrew6330 This is in my opinion but it depends, what is more important for you? those three are good options also the shangling up4, but if you want the best bluetooth quality, qudelix because it has a bit better qualcomm chipset the qcc as i know, (the others including a qualcomm csr chipset wich is also a good chipset), it has aptx adaptative and eq for ldac/usb dac and a great battery life. The btr5 is a good option for usb dac it has xmos chipset so it can play 32bits/384khz and dsd native, the others only reach until 24bit(qudelix) or 16bit (es100), also it has aptx LL, the btr5 bluetooth is excellent i can play pubg with ldac for example with no noticiable delay, but the qudelix bluetooth is better, btr5 can't play ldac/usb dac with eq and it only use the double dac with balanced output, but it has a great output power and a great build materials but less battery life. The es100 is good for the price it has the same qualcomm csr chip as the btr5, it can use his double dac in unbalanced output, but this dacs are a model before the one used in the btr3, great battery life and body plastic but more lighter. None of those three support mqa. This products has lot differences and specs but my answare is too long. So again in my opinion the best for my is the btr5 because it seems the most versatile, it has good quality in bluetooth and usb dac mode, the battery life is not the best but you can play your music for hours and play more music formats like dsd, it's well build with great materials and you have more information with his build-in display, the mobile apps are another topic, the eq is not posible with ldac/usb dac but you can use a pc player with eq like foobar2000 and some mobile apps, this works but is not the same, the only thing that bothers me is the double dac only works in the balanced output.

[@aqwandrew6330]

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 i think qudelix is the best since i mainly used it for bluetooth only. The qudelix can play max at 24 bit 96 khz? Then its fine since my biggedt flac file are 24 bit 96khz, good battery life and double dac work also in unbalance on qudelix?

[@aqwandrew6330]

@@brayanvaldezrodriguez9893 btw thanks for your input!

[@rdtstudios]

The BTR5 Supports up to 384 kHz / 32-Bit and DSD 64/128/256 on usb

[@pauldejong145]

I mean he's using Spotify so it really doesn't matter all that much

[@russferrence5608]

Hey Brian, I am getting a 5 k tomorrow. I usually use 3.5 mm cable, is it worth getting a 2.5 balanced cable. I usually use iem's, great reviews, I appreciate them Thanks Russ

[@russferrence5608]

Thank you Brian for your response, I have high end iems from blon 03 to fearless audio, I tried several ear tips, I have azla tips on all my iems. I know people are private on you tube, is there any way we could chat. Thanks again Russ

[@DavidFletcher566]

Good video. Thanks!

[@Praetor353]

Good video, thanks! I ordered this to use with my TV a long with a bluetooth 5.0 transmitter from Amazon. This will power my headphones while taking an apt-x bluetooth connection from the transmitter behind the TV. Unfortunately there are no BT 5.0 transmitters currently that support LDAC or Apt-x Adaptive, but when one is released, ill be able to use it with this. I had been following the 5k since last year, so pretty excited to have it around to play with

[@Praetor353]

@@ProjectsbyBrian Agreed! It's funny how niche high quality bluetooth is at the moment, and how much you have to figure out to make use of the good codecs. It's nice I can see what codec my s20 is currently using with X device under developer options. Have you used the 5k's equalizer when it's operating as a dedicated dac/amp over USB? I currently use Peace EQ on desktop and that has worked well so far

[@WhatThisVideo-WTv]

I don't know whether you know about it or not but fiio makes another device which is BTA30. It connects to TV either using toslink optical cable or RCA cable and then sends sound over LDAC codec. There is a newer version released which is BTA30 pro which has new chipset. The older model was not able to send LDAC audio over USB-C connection but the newer one can. So now you can connect bta30 to your PC also and send LDAC audio to your headphones.

[@Mr1stcat]

Gave it this a 👎 no mention of the devices range at what distance does it start to lose signal ?!!!

[@robpatershuk]

In my head I hear "qu-DELL-ix" with the emphasis in the middle, but who knows?

[@holzvvrm7718]

Yeah, that's how I call it as well.

[@Hsuehhao]

不错！

[@yukin1990]

I have a ES100 Mk.2 !!! Waiting a Qudelic 5 k from Amazon !!! And got a Campfile Audio Polaris 2!!! Don't want China's BTR5!!! From Hong Kong!!!!

[@mDayShamangahabash]

K.

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

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