An excellent review of the Q3. I’m an Apple ecosystem guy, and with the introduction of ALAC and Hi-Res Lossless on Apple Music I decided to try a portable DAC. After looking at different models, and wanting to keep things simple, I went with the Q3 given favorable reviews, and that it’s MFi certified and includes cables for Lightning (iPhone 12) and USBC (iPad M1 12.9 Pro) connectivity. I paired the Q3 with my Grado Reference RS2e’s, and all I can say is WOW. The sound is clean, well-defined, and the instruments nuanced. I don’t use the bass boost, nor the high gain, and I use the default filter. I may play with these at some point, but for now I’m in love with the sound just the way it is.
Hi Tony! Your comment actually made me purchase the Q3! I have not received it yet, its still being shipped. One question please? How do you charge the Q3? Can you directly plug it into a wall outlet by connecting the other end of the wire to a plug? Help please and thanks so much in advance! 👍😊
@@donpatrickgacutan7972 Hi, Don. There is a switch labeled “Charge” on the rear of the Q3. With that switch set to on, the Q3 will steal charge from the battery of the device to which it is connected to charge itself. Alternatively, with that switch set to on, you can also plug it into a USB wall adapter for charging. The LED on the front of the Q3 will pulse to show you it is charging. If the Q3 charge switch is set to off, the battery on the Q3 will not charge and its USBC port becomes an audio-only port. Hope this helps!
The Q3 is quite clean sounding. I love its signature and pairing with IEMs. Though one drawback that I feel with it is its output power is low for headphones.
With the Q3 plugged to my phone, and a headset connected to the Q3, can I make phone calls? I do not mind if the mic used is the one on my phone, but I want to listen to the caller in my headset. What phones have you tried?
I honestly don't think it has passthrough, so the calls would be through the phone microphone as for the sound it might also be just on the phone, I have the Gryphon now and that's how it works.
Nobody told me this dac can be use only on battery, if you use it on PC-laptop, you cant power it only with the cable! Was false advertise by Fiio! I am talking about the new model MQA!
@@pragmatic_audio_reviews is it good if you’re just using it as a dac? I’m considering getting the Schiit magni and connect it to the Q3 using RCA cables so that I can better power higher impedance headphones. The headphone that I’m intending to use this setup with is the HD650 which I’ve heard need quite some power to reach its full potential.
An excellent review of the Q3. I’m an Apple ecosystem guy, and with the introduction of ALAC and Hi-Res Lossless on Apple Music I decided to try a portable DAC. After looking at different models, and wanting to keep things simple, I went with the Q3 given favorable reviews, and that it’s MFi certified and includes cables for Lightning (iPhone 12) and USBC (iPad M1 12.9 Pro) connectivity. I paired the Q3 with my Grado Reference RS2e’s, and all I can say is WOW. The sound is clean, well-defined, and the instruments nuanced. I don’t use the bass boost, nor the high gain, and I use the default filter. I may play with these at some point, but for now I’m in love with the sound just the way it is.
Hi Tony! Your comment actually made me purchase the Q3! I have not received it yet, its still being shipped. One question please? How do you charge the Q3? Can you directly plug it into a wall outlet by connecting the other end of the wire to a plug? Help please and thanks so much in advance! 👍😊
@@donpatrickgacutan7972 Hi, Don. There is a switch labeled “Charge” on the rear of the Q3. With that switch set to on, the Q3 will steal charge from the battery of the device to which it is connected to charge itself. Alternatively, with that switch set to on, you can also plug it into a USB wall adapter for charging. The LED on the front of the Q3 will pulse to show you it is charging. If the Q3 charge switch is set to off, the battery on the Q3 will not charge and its USBC port becomes an audio-only port. Hope this helps!
@@tonyflora3945 Hi Tony! Thanks so much for this tip! Cant wait to get my hands on my purchased Q3! Take care and more power! 👍😊
Good review, man. Keep it up!
love the vids man! Hope you get big.
Thank you so much. 🙏🏻
The Q3 is quite clean sounding. I love its signature and pairing with IEMs. Though one drawback that I feel with it is its output power is low for headphones.
Yes it's lower powered compared to the xDuoo and hip-dac but you're right the sound is very clean and detailed.
For fiio fh3 witch is better in sound Q3 or ifi hip dac?
@@dandan6683 Thst depends on what you'll be using and the type of performance, the hip is fun and warm sounding, the Q3 is detailed and great for IEM
Hi there! Just wanna ask if you can charge the Q3 by directly plugging into a wall power outlet? Thanks so much in advance! 👍😊
With the Q3 plugged to my phone, and a headset connected to the Q3, can I make phone calls? I do not mind if the mic used is the one on my phone, but I want to listen to the caller in my headset. What phones have you tried?
I honestly don't think it has passthrough, so the calls would be through the phone microphone as for the sound it might also be just on the phone, I have the Gryphon now and that's how it works.
So did you buy this one or the hip dac?
I ended up with the iDSD signature, but both those are good. It's just depends on your needs
Just got this beauty does need a little burn in
No , it's the same right out the box
@@pragmatic_audio_reviews it isn't though I didn't get deep bass at all from the aux until about 4 days of non stop usage
@@Shirtlessaudiophile Tood to know, thank you
guess reward for those willing to 'all out'
Which one is better for bass boost helm db12 or fiio q3
I don't know about the helm.
Are you filming this on a potato?
No way it's a grapefruit
Nobody told me this dac can be use only on battery, if you use it on PC-laptop, you cant power it only with the cable!
Was false advertise by Fiio!
I am talking about the new model MQA!
That is a shame, they should mention that in the instructions
@@pragmatic_audio_reviews is cool man, i learn something!
You think it is worth tho?
If you are primarily a IEM user and not using very hard to drive ones yes
@@pragmatic_audio_reviews is it good if you’re just using it as a dac? I’m considering getting the Schiit magni and connect it to the Q3 using RCA cables so that I can better power higher impedance headphones. The headphone that I’m intending to use this setup with is the HD650 which I’ve heard need quite some power to reach its full potential.
@@hy7968 The DAC part is definitely excellent
casual listener he1, yes, professionals, audio creators/editors, hifiman yes