FiiO Q3 Review

fiio Q3 headfonia

UI & Usage

Computer connection (PC/MAC)

Like most modern USB-DAC, the FiiO Q3 doesn’t need any driver on most computers. If you’re using a MAC, this is no surprise as Apple has made a mission to ensure that every device you’ll connect will work directly…ish. Obviously, with an MFi certification, it would have been a shame otherwise.

On a Windows computer, no problem too, my Desktop computer automatically recognized the Eagle, running Windows 10, the same for my laptop. But, for previous generation users, (Windows 7, Vista) you may have to install the FiiO USB Driver.

fiio Q3 headfonia

Smartphone connection (iPhone/Android)

The FiiO Q3 is one of the few DAC displaying the glorious MFi or Made For iPhone. This means, that if you use the correct cable, the device will allow full playback from the source you’ll hook on.

Moreover, since FiiO provides both Apple and Android/rest of the world cables, you will be able to use it with almost any available smartphone. I tried it on my good old iPhone X and a fresh new OnePlus, both worked flawlessly once linked through the USB port. Perfect!

fiio Q3 headfonia

DAP Connection

Want to upgrade your old DAP? You can with the Fiio Q3. All you’ll need is a USB cable, connected from your player to your DAC, as long as you can use it in USB-out mode. 

I tried a few options and all of Shanling/FiiO/iBasso players that I received, worked like a charm. Sure, it doesn’t sound as good as the classic output if you use an M15, but it’s a nice option to have.

DAC Connection

Last but least, the FiiO Q3 is provided with a line input, where you can connect your own DAC or DAP. This way, you can bypass the DAC and just use the embedded amp, to pump up the power.

Honestly, I don’t really see the point and will always prefer to use the Q3 as a whole, but it’s nice to have an alternative choice. 

fiio Q3 headfonia

Battery Life and Charging

The FiiO Q3 gets a 1800mAh Li-Po battery, the same capacity found in the old Q1 Mark II. What’s new is the ability to fast-charge the DAC, thanks to USB-PD and quick-charge support. When the previous one took a few hours to charge completely (4h), the new one can be forcefully filled with energy, as long as you use a modern USB-C charger.

Fortunately, battery life didn’t drop down, even if FiiO uses a new THX circuit. In single-ended mode, connected through the USB port to my iPhone, I could use the Q3 for almost a full week, on a single charge. 

The charge on/off switch is a nice option for those who’d prefer to shunt the USB power from their computer. I didn’t hear a difference between the two modes, but that may be a real game-changer for some listeners.

fiio Q3 headfonia

Everyday carry

On the go, the FiiO Q3 behaves strictly the same as before. You just have to connect your phone with the provided cables, link your headphone through the output of your choice, and attach both devices together, with the silicon bands.

The new potentiometer is even smoother, the switches are robust, I never ever thought that I was holding a cheap device. And, even after a few days rugged at the bottom of my pockets, the FiiO Q3 got out without any scratch or sign of wear.

The silicon pad provided by FiiO is a life-saver for those who prefer their phones bare-naked. Not only does it separate each device, that pad also avoids any scratch or unwanted slides. A simple trick, but a clever one. Also, the iOS cable saves you $/€39 at the Apple Store. And, for a $/€139 device, this makes a real difference.

The article continues on Page four, after the click here

4.3/5 - (217 votes)
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A nerdy guy with a passion for audio and gadgets, he likes to combine his DAC and his swiss knife. Even after more than 10 years of experience, Nanotechnos still collects all gear he gets, even his first MPMAN MP3 player. He likes spreadsheets, technical specs and all this amazing(ly boring) numbers. But most of all, he loves music: electro, classical, dubstep, Debussy : the daily playlist.

5 Comments

  • Reply November 12, 2020

    Rizqi angga

    This article sold to me
    I ditch my q1 mk2
    Q3 on shipping

  • Reply November 23, 2020

    Mark

    I got mine already. What cable are you using with Walkman and Q3? Looks like the L27 cable?

  • Reply December 10, 2020

    Jort

    Thanks for this beautiful review of the new Fiio.
    How does the Q3 handle harsch highs?
    I have among others a Superlux HD 681 for the spacious soundstage, but the highs are too sharp. Will the Q3 soften them?
    Thanks, Jort

  • Reply October 27, 2022

    Alessandro

    Che differenza c’è, tra il Fiio Q3 e il Fiio Q3 Q, a parte la lettura di file MQA che a me personalmente non servono?

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