FIIO Q1 Mark II PORTABLE DAC
I had been planning to review the FiiO Q1 portable DAC and headphone amplifier, but before quite getting to it, the Chinese firm launched a successor. The FiiO Q1 Mark II is a huge upgrade over the original model. The old unit was a PCM-only device, limited to USB Audio Class 1.0 compatibility. That means it topped out at 24 bit, 96kHz sampling. The new one? It’ll handle just about any digital audio standard you’re likely—or even unlikely—to have on your notebook computer, tablet or phone.
THE EQUIPMENT
To be clear, even though the FiiO Q1 Mark II handles true, grown-up audiophile signals, this is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier. Very portable. It weighs a smidgeon over 100 grams, and is only 100mm long on the longest dimension. The clear intention is to allow you to enjoy high quality audio while you’re on the road.
And despite its considerable capabilities and (as we’ll see) excellent performance, it only costs $150. Audiophile quality is now within reach of most of us.
The FiiO Q1 Mark II is a DAC and a headphone amplifier that is compatible with Windows and Mac computers, and with Android and iOS tablets and phones. I imagine it’s also compatible with Linux devices, although I haven’t tested that.
You can use its headphone amplifier functionality with analogue sources as well.
In addition, the device has a built-in 1800mAh rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, allowing it to power its own functions when used with certain portable devices. If
