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The Q3 features the THX AAA28 amplifier module with THX’s patented feed-forward error correction topology that offers low distortion and high power output. The SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) value of the 2.5mm & 4.4mm Balanced Outputs are about ≥113dB. Even with the Q1 mk2 the noise was lower, almost unnoticeable, but with the Q3 I don't even had to look for it, it was right there. Shoutout to Sunny Wong from FiiO for sending me the Q3 to test and review. While I always appreciate the chance to test and review products sent in from manufacturers, it never affects my review. Want to upgrade your old DAP? You can with the Fiio Q3. All you’ll need is a USB cable, connected from your player to your DAC, as long as you can use it in USB-out mode. The stars of the show are obviously those THX AAA-28 modules which should offer undistorted clean power to your headphones without adding or subtracting anything from your tunes. We’ve tested a ton of THX equipped headphone amplifiers and our reference Benchmark HPA4 unit is using flagship THX-AAA-888 modules, so we know what to expect from them. THX Frontier modules are part of their audiophile mobile division and if you would like to know more about them, here is a graph that will tell you more.
The bass response is very fast, from percussion instruments like drums up to the guitars in metal music. Electro- and Bass guitars do have a good level of rumble, speed and depth, while the bow pulls of the contrabass that can produce a high level of rumble/vibrations are pretty audible. Scalability that allows incorporation into any headphone or in-vehicle amplifier design, with the flexibility to match the required fidelity, output power, and price point. I like that FiiO dimmed those LEDs and knurled its volume knob to have a better feeling of it. Overall, it looks simple, modern, easy to use and really straightforward once you learn its buttons, inputs and outputs. The Q3 in contrast to the Q1 mkii does not feature a dedicated line out that bypasses the amplification stage. The FiiO Q3 has a close to neutral, transparent and bright treble presentation with good level of airiness and extension. I really enjoyed the treble tuning that is smooth but don’t falls short in any register of this region. Every song, from Chopin’s “Nocturn” to Gogo Penguin’s sharp jazz, sounded successful in terms of treble extension, intensity and sharpness, which brings me to the conclusion that the Q3 performs above its price range when it comes to the treble performance.Where they mostly differ is in the way the sound is presented from an amping point of view due to the totally different amplifier circuits. The Q3 is fully compatible with iOS and Android devices plus windows PC and it can also be used with Sony walkman players with an adapter cable that is sold separately. The FiiO Q3 is the new member of the Q Series Portable DAC & Amplifiers, which offers some very interesting specs like a THX AAA28 Amplifier Module, AK4462 DAC Chip, XMOS208 Chip, 3.5mm Single Ended / 2.5mm + 4.4mm Balanced outputs and Native DSD support up to DSD512.
MQA, Master Quality Authenticated is the latest technology where we get high-res performance in small file sizes. The updated FiiO Q3 version now supports full MQA unfolding allowing the users to listen to the true master quality performance as the artist intended while recording. Truth to be told one must pay extra attention to notice and let's not forget that the Q3 isn't targeted for critical listening.
Comfort and Specifications
The Fiio Q3 is a upgrade to the very popular Q1 mkII DAC amplifier, featuring a much more efficient chip set and better support for Higher Resolution files.
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