Author：Marcus

Review from：Headfonics

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It has always been FiiO’s legacy and their building blocks to have a solid line-up of budget amps or amp/DAC. From the E07k to the E11 and more recently the Q1 and A5 in 2015 there has always been a strong company presence in the sub-$100 category.

The recent launch of the Q1 Mark II amp/DAC aims to retain the company’s presence as the entry gate for budding new audiophiles whilst at the same time keep their competitive edge with some new and interesting features.

At just $99, FiiO has kept the fundamentals and purpose of original Q1 much the same but this time around there is a much more cohesive set of features that fit very much into what FiiO call “Infinity sound”.

What Is The Pitch?

Infinity Sound

The Q1 Mark II is one of the cornerstone products released by FiiO in the summer of 2017 under their branding moniker, “Infinity Sound”. There are a few talking points behind that phrase but the biggest highlight is the adoption of a balanced output or in the case of their IEMs, the inclusion of a balanced cable.

Offering a balanced output under $100 opens up a whole new marketing pitch and, if done correctly, a higher level of performance from source or IEM. The Q1 Mark II balanced output is not just a cheap split design either with the same amplification setup as the X7 Mark II AM3a module which I really dig for its IEM handling and musical signature.

Smartphone Friendly

The second major pitch of the new Q1 Mark II is more the sum of the parts rather than one distinct feature. Essentially the Mark II is being pitched as the perfect compliment to iOS.

Pretty much everything is being geared to make it a natural choice for that audience. This includes the price point, the new design, the improved volume and channel balance control and most importantly the official MFi Certification from Apple.

Build

Just to note the unit we received is a pre-production sample and there will be some minor changes in the final retail unit to include the LED power button light from blue to green, the labeling color of each output or input and a more comprehensive manual guide in 8 languages.

Form Factor

Flatter shape

FiiO has done a good job fixing some of the previous issues I had with the hip-flask form factor of the Q1 mark I. Out goes the slightly raised chassis and in comes a smaller, thinner and flatter rectangular form factor. At once the Q1 Mark II becomes a lot more stacking friendly for smartphone and budget DAP uses looking to strap on the Q1ii to the back of their source. Shape-wise it’s a bit more uniform also and easier to work with smooth curved sides compared to the older edged cornering.

Lower Profile

Weight wise the Q1 Mark II is about the same at 100g, however, the dimensions are a bit more streamlined than before. The new Q1 Mark II measures in at 99mm x 59mm x 12.5mm compared to the older 97mm x 56mm x 13.1mm. It is a bit longer and wider but more importantly it is not as tall and that lower profile makes it the better mating partner for ever slimmer smartphones.

Smaller Pot

The volume potentiometer is a new design and somewhat smaller than before. The form factor is an obconical or inverted cone type shape similar to that found on their A5 analog amp with 45-degree lines etched on the outer ring for better grip.

There may be some concerns from old Q1 users that the smaller pot may present some ease of use challenges on the go or behind a smartphone in a stack. Despite its diminutive nature, it is surprisingly easy to grip and use. It’s dual function of powering on the device also comes with a reassuring mechanical click noise as you power it on. What I do miss is the old bumper guard form the Mark I which I always valued for the protection they offered from accidental volume knocks.

Materials

FiiO has retained the all-metal shell of the original Q1 (front and back panels are plastic) but in some ways, they have enhanced it. Alongside the form factor changes for better stacking and handling, they have also added an anodized sandblasted finish to the outer shell for easier gripping. The metal exterior is claimed by FiiO to also protect the device from EMI generated by smartphones that can interfere with audio quality when in use.

Inputs & Outputs

There have been a few changes in the input and output layouts to accommodate the new 2.5mm TRRS jack output on the front panel as well to tidy up the port alignments given its smaller chassis depth.

To the rear, the line out of the old Q1 is now pushed to the front to make way for a gain switch to the far left. The Mark I bass boost has been pulled from the front panel and re-positioned to the far right on the rear panel with charging DAC/out micro-USB port remaining central.

FiiO has resisted moving to USB-C for their port connections so there is not a huge amount of future proofing. Micro-USB is still their mainstay for all their digital products at the time of writing.

The front panel is now a lot busier in terms of inputs and outputs, It is also a bit classier looking with gold plated 3.5mm unbalanced and 2.5mm balanced outputs to the far left and a switchable line in/out jack in the middle. Towards the right, there are two LED lights. The first denotes when DSD decoding is active and the second just behind the volume pot will glow green indicating power on.

Battery Life

The battery in the Q1 Mark II has gotten a slight upgrade to 1800mAh compared to the previous 1400mAh. However, the rated battery life has dropped from 30 plus hours to 20 plus hours as an amp and 15 hours to 10 hours using the DAC.

I suspect this may be a conservative estimate based on the upgrade in DAC chip from the very low powered cheaper PCM5102 to the more capable AK4452 combined with the 2.5mm balanced output drawing more power. higher sampling and bit-rate converting capability such as DSD combined with balanced output will likely give you those shorter hours.

Charging time is around 4 hours or less which is in line with the previous Q1 Mark I’s recharge rate.

Functionality

DAC

The Q1 Mark II had ditched the more limiting Texas Instruments PCM5102 DAC of the Mark I and elected instead to use an AK4452 for DAC duties.  Previously the Q1 topped out at 96kHz/24bit decoding however with the AK4452 the Mark II is now capable of a much more competitive 384kHz/32bit decoding as well as native DSD converting up to DSD256. That is as good as it gets at this price point.

Amp

Now, this is where I find things quite interesting. Previously the Q1 packed a fairly moderate Maxim MAX97220 amp stage capable of 190mW on a 32Ω load. The Mark II now uses the OPA926 amp chip which is the same one found in the all-new AM3a amp module.

Granted the resolution might be lower than a X7ii/AM3a combo but the amping refinement should be a big step up from the Mark I.

Numbers

Amping numbers on the Mark II are also slightly different to the Mark I. The Mark I was fixed at 190mW into a 32Ω load. On the Mark II, it’s now lower for the 3.5mm output at 75mW into 32Ωand 112mW into 16Ω which should suit efficient IEMs better.

Balanced on the other hand is a jump up to 220mW on a 32Ω load and a fairly healthy 240mW into a 16Ω load. Balanced should also give you a bit more reach for harder to drive headphones than the old Mark I was ever capable of.

The only caveat with this switch is the slightly higher output impedance of the new amp design. The 3.5mm output is just on the edge of where I like it to be at ＜1.2Ω whereas the balanced output is higher at ＜2Ω. Compare that with the Mark I 3.5mm output which was at much lower ＜ 0.3 Ω.

The only caveat with this switch is the slightly higher output impedance of the new amp design. The 3.5mm output is just on the edge of where I like it to be at ＜1.2Ω whereas the balanced output is higher at ＜2Ω. Compare that with the Mark I 3.5mm output which was at much lower ＜ 0.3 Ω.

Accessories & Packaging

FiiO has re-designed the packaging again for the Q1 with a more compact retail box and now sporting the “Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad” moniker that you can use once you have gained MFi certification. It could mean you can find the FiiO units popping up in some Apple-related stores moving forward.

Inside you receive a range of rubber straps and a silicone resting pad to assist you in stacking with your source of choice. In terms of included cables, you will receive a short micro-USB to lightning cable and a right-angled 3.5mm short IC. You also receive a standard USB-A to micro-USB 1m charging/USB-DAC for connecting to PCs. Macbook USB-C users will have to port it.

FiiO has also redesigned their pouches and moved away from the padded cases found with the A5 to a more flexible porous mesh pouch similar to the ones you find with ALO Audio amps. I love these pouches for their looks as well as their excellent durability. They do actually protect the Q1 Mark II from accidental knocks rather better than you would think.

Page 2: Sound Impressions & Comparisons

Sound Impressions

Tonality & Presentation

The Q1 Mark II is a little more refined and balanced sounding than the older MK1. It still delivers what I would term as a smooth presentation and generally sits more on the musical side of tuning than anything reference or analytical sounding.

Tonally, the Mark II does draw from the AM3a in many respects such as the planted full sounding but not overly cooked low-end, a neutral to natural instrumental timbre as well as a forward vocal presence. There is also a slightly emphasized lower treble that adds a bit of percussive snap and contrast before the response drops off a little bit towards the final octave.

The X7 Mark II with the AM3a is always going to deliver a lot more detail than the Q1 Mark II 1 with a similar amping stage so do not think you are getting a budget X7ii performance. That ES9028PRO is a stunning DAC for resolution whereas the AK chip in the Q1 Mark II is more about musicality. If you enjoy a warm to natural sounding responses with decent body then the Q1 Mark II will give you that.

Balanced

Going balanced is my preferred route and you can tell FiiO made a point of referencing their F-series IEMs with the Q1 Mark II in mind because they do sound excellent paired together.

A few things to note going balanced with the Q1 Mark II. I generally found a snappier bass response as well as a more holographic staging quality with a bit more lower treble presence and clarity. There was also a slight improvement in instrumental separation leaving more breathing space for vocals to shine.

Matchability

Note the setup used to test the Q1 Mark II with an iPod Touch 6th Gen using the supplied lightning cable. Source tracks were a mix of ALAC, MP3, and Flac (3rd party flac player).

Although the Q1 Mark II does not come with a short OTG cable it will plug and play just fine with Android platforms that support digital audio out as well as MACs and Linux platforms. For Windows, you will be required to download a driver to make full use of the Q1’s decoding capability. It will also pair just nicely with FiiO’s own X3iii Linux based media player using its line out.

ADC Volume adjustment

Typically analog amps or amps with analog volume controls will have a level of imbalanced in their control that digital amps do not have. If you ever worked with the Sony A35 you will be familiar with its steady channel balance and quite gain control compared to noisier and awkward balancing of cheaper analog competitors.

FiiO has worked on a hybrid version of their ADC volume control which basically re-samples the ADC curve to produce a smoother response from zero upwards.

Performance

Does it work? For channel balanced using my most sensitive IEM, the Andromeda, it works very well indeed. Zero left or right bias and a very smooth gain control.

However, noise is not completely absent (balanced output) but then its always a challenge for amps when they meet the Andromeda, its a freak of nature. Let’s just say it is low with a hint of an audible signal on zero so not completely quiet. Other very efficient IEMs such as the 5-ohm 111dB Westone W80 were much quieter on the Q1 Mark II in terms of background hiss though there was clearly an audible signal at zero volume.

Regular Efficiency

On normal efficiency entry-level IEMs such as the F9 and the Oriveti BASIC no such issues with noise in either unbalanced or balanced output and a nice black background. I also got some nice control on the volume on both dynamic driver IEMs with a lengthy gain rise on low volume which I appreciated coming from the more abrupt and aggressive A5.

Higher Impedance

On higher impedance budget IEMs such as the CL750 from RHA I was actually quite impressed with the Q1 Mark II’s dynamic range and again that smooth pot control eliminated low volume channel bias.

The CL750 generally needs decent amping to be driven optimally so I have always tended to use this on more powerful mid-fi amps such as the Duet whose darker tonality takes the edge off the brighter top-end of the CL750 quite nicely. The Q1 Mark II doesn’t quite have the same dynamic range and resolution but it does deliver a smooth and enjoyable presentation with the CL750 which I did not expect.

Power

Efficient planar and portable headphones around 32 ohms or less actually did ok with the Q1 Mark II. Mind you most of them do need to be used in high mode to get the most out of the Q Mark II’s generally weaker amp output if not using balanced.

Hifiman Edition X V2

That full-bodied sound actually paired quite well with the likes of the Hifiman Edition X V2. It is not the most resolving and perhaps a bit behind in dynamics compared to high-end sources and DAPs but I can’t fault the tonal response and generally easy-going nature of the Q1. The only thing missing is the lower treble body which tends to get a bit brittle on the V2.

Audeze SINE

Audeze’s very efficient portable SINE headphones didn’t perform too badly either. Again, that level of resolution and general detail in note texture wasn’t as prominent as I would normally look for on more resolving platforms so do temper expectation.

What I was looking for was a tinny sound or loss of dynamic range and thankfully the SINE/Q! Mark II did not suffer from those pitfalls in poor amping. I would also suggest avoiding the bass boost on headphones (and IEMs for that matter) that are already full sounding as it tends to just give it a bit too much bass bloom, particularly the SINE.

Meze 99 Neo

One killer pairing with the Q1 Mark II was the Meze 99 Neo. I say that in deference to its genre suitability which I tend to find favoring modern RnB, pop, and EDM. It is a super easy to drive headphone. The Q1 Mark II on low gain had no issues driving it. That full-bodied signature of the Q1 Mark II paired very well with the low-end bias of the Neo to deliver some a nice swagger with the likes of Clairy Browne and We are Twin.

Select Comparisons

Sonic Infinity Encore mDSD

$99

Technical

The mDSD is one of the best value USB sticks out there that will work on iOS, Android and USB-DAC out from most platforms. At $99 it will decode up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD 256 much like the Q1 Mark 2 with its more than capable Sabre ESS 9010K2M DAC chip.

The mDSD amp stage is lower at 40mW into 32 Ohms compared to the Q1 Mark II’s unbalanced output at 75mW into 32-ohms and the even healthier 220wW from the balanced output. The mDSD lacks a line-in, balanced output, bass and gain options but it does offer SPDIF output with the 3.5mm jack dualing as a digital output which some might find rather handy.

Sound

Those expecting a clean Sabre sound will be disappointed for whilst the mDSD is more linear generally than the Q1 Mark II it’s not a sterile or flat sound.

The top end is smooth with perhaps less emphasis on the lower treble than the Q1 but it is more extended with a bit more sparkle. The low-end is not quite as elevated, perhaps a little more linear than the Q1 fuller more impactful low end. Mids on the mDSD are also a little more linear with vocals less forward sounding than the Q1 but there is not much in it.

Staging on the Q1 and the mDSD both have decent depth though I suspect people will be drawn to the planted heavier low-end of the Q1 Mark II which has more mid-bass warmth. Both have similar levels of sub-bass presence once you dig beyond that mid-bass impact.

NuPrime uDSD

$179 

Technical

The uDSD is a little more transportable than portable and does not operate under its own power requiring instead a 5v USB current. Unlike the Q1 Mark II, it cannot be mated with smartphones or other DAPs. It competes with the Q Mark II as a DAC/Amp connected to a computer.

Like the other compared products it also sports an ES9010K2M Sabre DAC chip so decoding capabilities are the exact same up to DSD256. The uDSD has a rated power output of 140mW into 32-ohms. That is more powerful than the Q1 unbalanced but lower than the 220mW into 32-ohms balanced output.

What it does have in its favor is its ability to output an analog dual RCA line-out as well as coaxial output. The RCA outputs offer a reasonably decent 2Vrms (DAC out) on a fixed line level signal. The coaxial output includes an impressive DSD via DoP up to DSD 11.2MHz output.

Sound

The dynamics on the uDSD are sensational. This is a high energy snappy solid state sound. It may not have that smooth warm to natural and frankly more forgiving sound of the Q1 Mark II but its more aggressive and lively presentation is a little more engaging.

Where are the differences? The Q1 Mark II has a bit more bass quantity, particularly in mid-bass warmth but the bass texture and definition of the uDSD is a little better. For me, the uDSD is a little more accurate.

Instrumental timbre on the uDSD is a touch more neutral than the richer body of the Q1 Mark II. Vocals are also a little more forward on the Q1 Mark II compared to the uDSD. Both avoid sibilance nicely though the uDSD has a more forward and energetic treble response. Of the two you could argue the uDSD is a touch brighter as a result.

Staging wise the Q1 mark II favors depth over the uDSD which has more of a bias to width and height much in keeping with the iBasso D14 which has a similar Sabre DAC implementation.

iBasso D14

$229

Technical

The D14 likely would be a level up from the Q1 Mark II and with a price tag to match. However, stylistically its old school and a lot bigger and blockier than the Q1. Takes me back to the gold old days of stacking with a worn out Cowon S7. Score 1 for modernity and FiiO.

Like the mDSD, the D14 has a Sabre32 ES9018K2M packed inside capable of decoding up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256. So far so good for the Q1 Mark II in terms of decoding competitiveness. Score draw.

Both have a line out, both can charge via USB, both can operate on OTG, lightning to iOS as well as connect with computers for USB-DAC duties. The D14 though has SPDIF input so it can accept a wider range of sources such as AK DAPs than possible with the Q1. Away team advantage.

Both have a line out, both can charge via USB, both can operate on OTG, lightning to iOS as well as connect with computers for USB-DAC duties. The D14 though has SPDIF input so it can accept a wider range of sources such as AK DAPs than possible with the Q1. Away team advantageThe D14 will give you above 20 hours as an amp and around 10-13 hours using the DAC which is broadly in line with the Q1 Mark II’s smaller battery’s performance. Split decision.

The big D14 advantage is the power which is rated at 400mW into 32-ohms compared to the Q1 Mark II’s max balanced output of 220mW into 32-ohms. Technical knock-out but in the mandatory re-match the Q1 Mark II is substantially quieter than the D14 with IEMs.

Sound

With the F9 in low-gain, you have tons of wiggle room for microvolume control with excellent channel balance and an even rise in gain. The Q1 Mark II has a slightly superior channel balance and a very similar level of volume control. Noise on the D14 is higher though with sensitive IEMs though both are impeccable with FiiO’s own F9 which for me is the sweet spot. Both do well with dynamic driver IEMs.

The D14 delivers a more open and slightly cleaner sound with a lighter quick-paced presentation than the smooth and full-bodied sound of the Q1. The staging on the D14 emphasizes height and width whereas the Q1 Mark II delivers a bit more in depth.

The Q1 tends to shoot more for the mid-bass emphasis with a full sounding vocal delivery. The D14 is tighter in the low-end, a bit more defined also and delivering a far more open and airy sound. Vocals are a little more refined on the D14, perhaps a shade less body in exchange for more accuracy. Both have a smooth treble response, however, the D14 has a bit more sparkle and definitely more headroom.

Our Verdict

The Q1 Mark II is a clever evolution from the original. In comes a more refined design that mates better with smartphones and DAPs and also a more versatile range of power settings with balanced and unbalanced options. The power is not huge but its more than enough for most IEMs which is exactly the target market that FiiO should be capturing with the Q1 Mark II.

It retains and enhances on that versatility that marked it out as being a very worthwhile purchase as your first upgrade from “stock whatever” in your phone box. You still get line out, OTG and USB-DAC but now you can add in MFi for iOS and DSD playback capability.

I struggled to find a pairing that can beat the Q1 Mark II at this price range. In fact, I was starting to bring in higher priced units such as the D14 from iBasso to get a feel if this can do the business. It is not that far off which shows you just how far we have come in terms of bang for buck in the last year or two. Balanced output and native DSD at a sub $100 price point. Lucky, lucky budget audiophiles!

Technical Specifications