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Reddit mentions of FiiO Q1 Portable USB DAC Amplifier

Sentiment score: 10
Reddit mentions: 17

We found 17 Reddit mentions of FiiO Q1 Portable USB DAC Amplifier. Here are the top ones.

FiiO Q1 Portable USB DAC Amplifier
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    Features:
  • Output power: Greater Than190mW (320 loaded)
  • Recommended headphone impedance: 16-150Ohms
  • Max.supported sample rate (USB decoding): 96kHz/24bit
  • Battery capacity: 1400mAh
  • Play time: Greater Than30 h (320 earphones, normal listening levels)
Specs:
ColorBlack
Height3.81889 Inches
Length0.2200783 Inches
Number of items1
Sizeregular
Weight0.220462262 Pounds
Width0.51181 Inches

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Found 17 comments on FiiO Q1 Portable USB DAC Amplifier:

u/General_Annoyance · 4 pointsr/buildapc

I'm /u/whitefeather14's friend. If it's solely for headphones and you're not looking to spend a lot, then I would strongly recommend something by Fiio. I have an older one, the FiiO E7. They don't sell this one anymore, but they have a newer one called the FiiO E70k. I haven't personally used it, but I can only assume it's like mine but better.

If it's a little more than you want to spend, then I'd look at the Q1. I've heard good things about these as well.

These are nice, because they double as a USB dac and a portable headphone amplifier. Which means if you're traveling or something you can plug your phone into it and still get the amplifier out of it, no need for a USB source.

If that doesn't interest you, then there's the FiiO K1, which is just a USB DAC, and does not have an analog 3.5mm input, only the micro USB.

Now, understand that any of these aren't going to be the greatest DAC ever. Sub $100 is pretty cheap for a DAC, and I'm pretty sure these are all 24-bit, with 32-bit being more or less the best you can get (There's some debate on whether or not you can hear a difference, but that's entirely a different conversation.)

If you do want something a little more pricey and nice, the Schiit Modi DAC and Magni amp are really quite nice. They also have a Amp/DAC combination for $80 which I haven't heard anything about, but Schiit is pretty good.

The one /u/whitefeather14 said is a PreSonus AudioBox USB. You probably don't want this, as it is primarily an audio interface for recording instruments and microphones, and isn't a dedicated DAC, though the DAC is pretty nice, and as a bonus has a 1/4in headphone out as well as two 1/4in outs for L/R powered speakers, such as studio monitors, if that's of any benefit for you.

As for the SMSL one you posted, I have also heard good things about that one, though it's a desktop unit and does not have an analog 3.5mm input.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to help.

u/tubbzzz · 3 pointsr/funny

Apple didn't invent anything. The lightning connector is a proprietary connector that uses that standard USB interface when communicating with other devices, think of it as a USB port with a special shape that only Apple uses. All they did was make a USB DAC with a lightning interface. These have been around for a while, I use one on my desktop PC, and there are low-powered versions that are compatible with Android phones that are powered over the Micro USB port, which is exactly what their adaptor is with a lightning interface.

The "cable" that you want is exactly this, an external DAC, as at some point you need to convert the digital signal to analog for the headphone drives to create a sound wave.

Edit: This and similar products have been on the market for years. Also consider that they sell theirs for $9, while even semi decent portable DACs cost around $50. So either they're taking a huge loss on these, or the quality is just not there, and I'd lean towards the latter.

u/AJCxZ0 · 2 pointsr/BudgetAudiophile

Yes, it will.

The HE4XX is very similar to the HE400i which I own and have driven with a FiiO Q1 ($53.99), Dilvpoetry (like FX-Audio) DAC-X6 ($58.99) and SMSL M3 ($64.99) - all of which are capable of driving this nominal 35 Ω headphone.

You will likely get more advice in r/HeadphoneAdvice, though the HIFIMAN HE4XX Planar Magnetic Headphones with a decent budget DAC/amp combo represents a quality peak in budget audio for a single stereo listener.

u/Sardonicus_Rex · 2 pointsr/headphones

I have this guy right here and it's great. The dac sounds much better than the crappy soundcard in my del laptop...

https://www.amazon.ca/FiiO-Portable-USB-DAC-Amplifier/dp/B0157DKAU4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526578665&sr=8-4&keywords=fiio+q1

u/jamin101wolf · 2 pointsr/headphones

I'm finally ready to take the plunge.... I am going to buying a portable DAC/Amp and new headphones.


Budget - $200 total with DAC/Amp and headphones. I will also be selling my gen 1 Dre Beats Studio's (B+ condition) in case anyone is interested.

Source - These will be daily drivers. I will be wearing them at work, plugging the DAC/Amp into my work computer, as well as on transportation to/from work using a DAC/Amp plugged into my android phone.


Requirements for Isolation - Not that necessary. I currently listen to music at work at a decent volume without issues and my walk home won't bother anyone. I don't fly or ride the bus very often, but I'm sure I may regret open headphones when I eventually do haha


Preferred Type of Headphone - Full sized. At this point, I don't care how big they are, I just want them to sound amazing. I'm not a huge fan of "on-ear" headphones, as I've had issues with long term listening because they tend to clamp on my head.


Preferred tonal balance - I love bass, don't get me wrong, but I don't listen to much Hip-hop or EDM. I would say mids but honestly, I'm not 100% sure.


Past headphones - I have only ever had Dre Beats studios (first gen), and a shitty $15 pair of Sennheisers.


Preferred Music - I like to listen to a pretty wide range of music. Anywhere from classic rock, electronic, progressive metal, world fusion, to trance.


Some of my favorite artists:

  • Tool, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer
  • Opeth
  • Nine Inch Nails
  • Beats Antique
  • Mastodon
  • Pink Floyd
  • Gramatik


    What would you like to improve on from your set-up - For years now, I've just been rocking my Dre Beats studio's and they've served their purpose. I am now finally getting into downloading and listening to higher quality audio. I want to be able to listen to these high quality songs that Trent Reznor and others put out and hear the little details that I know they spent the time on. I want to listen to Pink Floyd flac files and be blown away. I have also been doing some home recording as of late with a Presonus Audio box and various pedals. It would be an added bonus to have better headphones for that as well.

    CONSIDERATIONS:

    So far, I've been leaning towards the Fiio Q1 portale DAC/Amp and either Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones or maybe Sennheiser HD 558's. I will also be selling my current gen 1 Dre Beats Studio headphones so if anyone wants those for a quick sale let me know before I post them on ebay then I will have more money for even BETTER headphones. Special reddit discount.

    EDIT - Holy crap I just found AudioTechnica's what appears to be ATHM50X's with extra interchangable ear cups on Massdrop for $124! They look like ATHM50's and the description says that it comes with three interchangable cables so wouldn't this be the ATHM50X's? If so, these are my top contender atm.
u/HartUndSteil · 2 pointsr/headphones

Oh damn 220 really is a lot, they're like 160(€) over here, sorry for that. You didn't mention where you're from so I thought $ = US.

I own the DT990 myself (and the DT770 as well) and listen to a lot of electronic music. They're better than HD650 for that type of music and so much fun for action movies/games.

btw a combination like that (or another amp maybe) is MUCH cheaper unless you really hate using an amp

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyerdynamic-DT990-PRO-Headphones-250/dp/B0011UB9CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483023327&sr=8-1&keywords=DT990

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DAC-Headphone-Amplifier-Q1-FiiO/dp/B0157DKAU4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1483023463&sr=8-4&keywords=fiio+e17

u/osfrid · 2 pointsr/buildapc

Hello,

Assuming most of "gaming" headsets aren't very good, in overall, I recommand you to buy a good value "music" headset and a mod-mic.

 

Like this:

  • Philips SHP9500. It costs less than $80 and uses a standard 3.5mm - 3.5mm cable, that almost nobody else does - which means it is fully compatible with the VMODA Boom Pro ($30): a mic attachment for headphones that receive a 3.5mm cable. Total $100.

     

    Also, if you are hearing random buzz and unbalanced/compressed/distorted/muffled output, it's most probably due to interference around the motherboard, which can be alleviated by using a DAC, like the Q1 for example.

    Have a nice day :)
u/shadyinternets · 2 pointsr/BudgetAudiophile

the schiit fulla2 is $99 but does a lot for that price point. http://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-2

it can be used on your computer as a DAC & Amp for headphones, it can be just a DAC/preamp for powered speakers or just another headphone amp too. even has a 2nd usb input for power if your phone/tablet/whatever is low powered USB.

i havent used one yet, but a lot of great reviews out there about it. i actually just ordered one a few minutes ago though, so can finally get personal recommendation or not.



in general there are a lot of options around/in your $70 price range too.

a simple one from Cambridge for $75, comes in several colors too.
https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-DacMagic-Headphone-Titanium/dp/B015JESWQA/ref=pd_sbs_23_26


this is one that has been around awhile and is very popular. it is $99 but
https://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Dragonfly-Black-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B01DP5JHHI/ref=pd_sbs_23_1

the FiiO e10k is another good option at $75. this version comes with some astell & kern/final audio in ears for $80. prob worth the extra $5 for those.
https://smile.amazon.com/Portable-Desktop-Headphone-ICP-AT1000-Headphones/dp/B076DVBNRP/ref=sr_1_12


another fiio, the Q1 which is a bit smaller than the e10k
https://smile.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-USB-DAC-Amplifier/dp/B0157DKAU4/ref=sr_1_9


this is a tube amp/dac/preamp. should be a bit "warmer" of a sound signature than other usb dac/amps. ive never used tubes (need to get one someday to see for myself...). you can also swap the tubes out for other ones to try for different sound signatures. again, never used tube amps but that is supposed to be part of the appeal i think.
https://www.amazon.com/Headphone-Amplifier-Preamplifier-Integrated-Audio/dp/B0774669ND/ref=pd_sbs_23_46


the m50x are great all around headphones that are easy to power, so that makes it much easier to find something that fits your budget/needs.

u/velocicraptor · 2 pointsr/buildapcsales

https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B0157DKAU4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1473188600&sr=8-5&keywords=android+dac

Using the right cables, your phone will transmit a digital signal to the portable DAC/AMP, which will do the conversion itself instead of using your phone's 3.5mm jack

u/kadp · 1 pointr/headphones

can i expect

https://www.amazon.ca/FiiO-Portable-USB-DAC-Amplifier/dp/B0157DKAU4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1519926550&sr=1-2&keywords=FiiO+Q1

to remove the loud white noise i have when listening to my phone/laptop with sensitive IEMs?

Can it also be used as a standalone dac to feed into an o2 amp?

Thank you

u/maltawind · 1 pointr/headphones

Fiio A3 is $89.99 + free shipping on Amazon.ca. 270mW @ 32 Ω.

Fiio Q1 amp/DAC is $109.99 + free shipping. 190mW @ 32 Ω.

u/sonicbhoc · 1 pointr/headphones

Is it that your phone can't power it, or that you want to save battery?

Either way, perhaps the FiiO Q1 Portable USB DAC Amplifier would be better, then.

u/dorekk · 1 pointr/headphones

The E10K isn't very mobile. It's small, but it's not really the right shape for a mobile amp.

EDIT: If you want a portable DAC/amp, how about the Fiio Q1? [http://www.amazon.com/Q1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B0157DKAU4?ie=UTF8&keywords=fiio q1&qid=1464036269&ref_=sr_11&sr=8-1](http://www.amazon.com/Q1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B0157DKAU4?ie=UTF8&keywords=fiio q1&qid=1464036269&ref=sr_1_1&sr=8-1)

u/cartresportiave · 0 pointsr/audiophile

Hey there all. I'm a professional classical musician operating out of Boston. I play with orchestras nearly every day of the week - I am an audiophile in real life, but I'm only just now delving into what it means to be one with music here in the digital realm.

During the fiasco that was the Galaxy Note 7 recall, Verizon gave me the option to switch to any other phone that I wanted while the Google Pixel was rolled out, the phone I'd eventually purchase. I chose the HTC 10 because I knew that it had a hi-fi DAC and Amp built into it, and I was curious about trying it.

Wow.

I was catapulted into a whole new world listening to music on that phone with my bose in-ear and overear headphones (no clue what the impedance or actual models are, just know they aren't the noise cancelling).
I got my Pixel a week or two after, and left the new found realm I had entered into. I've been left wanting more. Thusly, I've taken to the internet to try and solve my problem.

The biggest issue with my decision to purchase a DAC / AMP combo is that I'm not certain what impedance I have on these sound systems I have; all I do know is that they are Bose. Yay.

My ears are well trained, and even a 20% increase in quality matters to me. My eye is presently on...
https://www.amazon.com/Q1-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B0157DKAU4

Can anyone guide in the correct direction here? My budget presently is under $100, just so I can get acquainted with the realm of audiophilia. Thanks in advance.