FiiO Q5sFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 25 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment44%
PROS 44%
CONS 56%

Rank based on 25 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a portable DAC/amp that reliably drives balanced IEMs and most full-size headphones
  • You value Bluetooth connectivity paired with strong FiiO after-sales support
  • You're open to upgrading with the AM3D THX module for a cleaner sound signature

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a modern USB-C charging port instead of Micro-USB
  • You own very high-impedance or hard-to-drive headphones needing maximum volume headroom
  • You want to charge the unit and a connected phone simultaneously

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

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Natural, non-fatiguing sound
MQA and AK4499 chip appeal
Clear upgrade over harsher rivals
Uncertain heat output
High price
No sharper sound signature option
2Premium
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Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price
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Strong power delivery
Reliable alternative to competitors
Sound-tuning flexibility
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3
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound
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Fully Balanced Architecture
Premium, Understated Build
Rich Tube Sound
4Premium
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphone
Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls
Musical, layered, engaging sound
High price questioned
Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported
Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
5Budget
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for money
Drives demanding headphones with ease
Exceeds initial expectations
Inconsistent regional pricing
Cheap-feeling volume knob
Limited availability at some retailers
6Premium
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
7Mid
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR Connectivity
Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones
Solid Metal Volume Knob
8Mid
Creative Sound Blaster E3
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Strong Value on Sale
Gaming Software Features
Improved Dynamic Range
Full Price Feels High
Uncertain Value vs E5
9Budget
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
10Mid
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
You are here
31Mid
FiiO Q5s
Drives demanding headphones wellTHX AM3D module upgradeSolid build quality and portabilityOutdated Micro-USB portInsufficient volume for some headphonesNo simultaneous charging while in use
FiiO Q5s
Drives demanding headphones well
THX AM3D module upgrade
Solid build quality and portability
Outdated Micro-USB port
Insufficient volume for some headphones
No simultaneous charging while in use

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The Q5s drives a wide range of headphones with confidence. Multiple owners report the Q5s handling balanced Meze Rai Penta, Hifiman Sundara, Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO, Focal Clear, and Sennheiser 660s well, with clean, silent operation between tracks and punchy bass. One reviewer called it a phenomenal device for its $350 price. However, near-maximum-impedance headphones like the DT990 PRO push it close to its limits, and one HE-4xx owner found stock volume insufficient and returned the unit.

The optional AM3D THX module is a favorite upgrade among owners. Several commenters say the THX module delivers a noticeably cleaner, clearer THX-signature sound compared to the darker-colored stock module, with one calling the Q5s-plus-AM3D combo their favorite portable setup. Bluetooth is described as reliable and quick, and the 4.4mm balanced output in the THX module is seen as a plus. That said, one former Q5 THX owner felt the roughly $200 premium wasn't worth the marginal improvement for their taste.

The Micro-USB port is the most criticized design choice. Numerous commenters, sometimes with frustration, point out that Fiio shipped Micro-USB instead of USB-C even in 2019, citing durability concerns since Micro-USB connectors reportedly wear out or become loose over time. One commenter also noted you cannot charge the Q5s and a connected phone simultaneously, forcing a choice between draining one battery or the other during long sessions.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?