iFi Q21From real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want strong sound quality for a reasonable price
  • You're open to pairing with iFi's iPower supply and balanced cables for best results
  • You want a compact unit that still integrates well with higher-end systems

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You expect full performance straight out of the box without accessory upgrades
  • You care strongly about a minimalist design without the center stripe styling
  • You don't want to budget extra for cables or power supplies

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
SMSL VMV D2
Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option
SMSL VMV D2
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
SMSL H400
Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price
SMSL H400
Strong power delivery
Reliable alternative to competitors
Sound-tuning flexibility
Costs more than cheaper alternatives
High price
3
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
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
Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5
Creative Sound Blaster E3
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
Best valueYou are here
31Mid
iFi Q21
Strong Sound Quality for the PriceCompact Size with Big BassGood Value for MoneyDivisive Design ChangeExtra Cost for Balanced ConnectivityInadequate Stock Power Supply
iFi Q21
Strong Sound Quality for the Price
Compact Size with Big Bass
Good Value for Money
Divisive Design Change
Extra Cost for Balanced Connectivity
Inadequate Stock Power Supply

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality earns consistent praise once accessories are dialed in. Multiple commenters confirm strong sonic performance for the money, but caveat that stock accessories limit it. One ZEN Phono 3 owner says the review's praise is only fully true after installing iFi's iPower 5V supply, since the bundled power adapter 'doesn't play' and barely resembles the true sound. A ZEN DAC v2 owner separately confirms good quality for reasonable money overall.

Balanced connectivity and extra gear add to the real cost. A ZEN DAC v2 owner notes that the reasonable price 'ends when we want to connect both devices via balanced,' requiring a separate iFi 4.4mm to 4.4mm cable plus an optional power supply in two price ranges, though they note the power supply isn't strictly necessary. This suggests buyers should budget beyond the base unit for full functionality.

Performance with headphones and hi-end systems impresses owners. A ZEN DAC v2 owner reports it boosts bass beautifully on AKG 701 headphones despite the unit's small size, calling the sound amazing. A ZEN V3 owner separately says it creates no limitations when paired with a hi-end Musical Fidelity m6si stereo system, working perfectly in that setup.

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