FiiO Q1 Mark II Portable Headphone Amplifier & DAC

Description

The Fiio Q1 Mark II is a DAC and headphone amplifier designed for use with iPhones, Walkman, mobile players, computers, and other devices. It’s designed to provide a hi-fi audio experience, presenting your audio exactly as it was intended to be heard by its creators.

The Q1 Mark II can handle sample rates up to 384 kHz / 32-bit when decoding PCM files into audio. It is also capable of handling DSD256 files, and has been certified Hi-Res by the Japan Audio Society.

Proven chips were used in the DAC, amplifier, and low-pass filtering stages to ensure an audiophile experience, while multiple connections are provided to facilitate many different experiences. You can use the 3.5mm single-ended output with your regular headphones, connect balanced headphones to the 2.5mm headphone jack, and use a separate multipurpose 3.5mm jack as both a line input and a line output.

Included with the Q1 Mark II are a Lightning-to-USB cable, a USB cable, a 3.5mm audio cable, silicone bands for attaching to your phone, a silicone base pad, and a carry pouch. For a complete rundown on features, please read on.

Features

Proven DAC, Amplifier & Low-Pass Chipset

The Q1 Mark II utilises the AKM AK4452 DAC chip to decode high sample rates, giving you a high signal-to-noise ratio and providing low distortion. The headphone amplifier chip in the Q1 Mark II is the very same utilised in the AM3A module, usually used with the X7 MARK II (OPA926). Finally, low-pass filter duties on the line-output are handled by the TI OPA1662 chip.

Native DSD Decoding

Equipped with the XMOS platform, the Q1 Mark II can support decoding of 384 kHz / 32-bit PCM. It can also support DSD256 (a green light will turn on when DSD is in use). two separate crystal oscillators, each designed to handle different sample rates, help to achieve the utmost accuracy in digital-to-analogue conversion.

Hi-Res Certified

The Q1 Mark II has been certified as "Hi-Res Audio" capable by the Japan Audio Society.

Compatible with iPhone

By connecting the included Lightning-to-USB cable from the iPhone to the device, you can continue to use your favourite headphones from your iOS device, all while listening to high-quality audio.

Compatible with Sony Walkman

With a specially-designed adapter (available separately), you can connect from the WM-port of a Sony Walkman to the Q1 Mark II. In this way, the DAC can handle the digital decoding duties, contributing to the high-resolution audio experience.

Compatible with Computers

The Q1 Mark II can operate as a USB DAC when paired over USB with a computer. It can decode audio formats up to 384 kHz / 32-bit (PCM). No driver is needed for use with a Mac computer, while Windows will require a driver easily available from FiiO's website.

Multifunctional 3.5mm Jack

The Q1 Mark II has a 3.5mm multifunction connection point, working as both a line input and a line output. When the device's 3.5mm jack is utilised as a line input, it can be used as an analogue amplifier to be paired with another player. However, the Q1 Mark II can work as a DAC when external, line-level device is plugged into this very same 3.5mm jack.

ADC Volume Adjustment Technology

The device utilises special technology to correct problems such as level imbalance between channels when adjusting the volume, making turning your audio up or down in level a less noisy, jarring experience. The volume knob itself has an interesting analogue form factor—obconical to be exact. Though relatively large in diameter for easy adjustments, it still fits into the limited space provided by the device.

Multiple Outputs

In addition to the line input/output jack, the Q1 Mark II offers a single-headed 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 2.5mm balanced headphone jack. The 3.5mm headphone output works with many standard letters, while the 2.5mm output works with balanced headphones.

Automatic Input Detection

The USB component of the Q1 Mark II automatically detects what type of device it's matched with, so you don't have to switch manually to achieve the best settings. For example, if the Q1 Mark II is paired with an iPhone, it automatically recognises the phone and switches off the "charging over USB" feature to preserve the iPhone's battery. Yet, when connected to a computer, the device will automatically draw bus power.

Gain and Boost Switches

These switches will allow you to adjust gain and fine-tune bass levels. Change the gain depending on your headphones' sensitivity, and tailor the bass level to your liking.

Metal Exterior

The metal chassis of the Q1 Mark II isn't just for aesthetics; it also protects the innards of the unit against electromagnetic phenomena, which can compromise the sound. Thus, when physically attached to an iPhone, you'll hear no interference as you listen to your music.