FiiO Q5S-TC Review

Design and Build Quality

Warning: as the new FiiO Q5S TC shares the same main body as the Q5S (1st gen), many parts of this review won’t be much different either.

Casing

If you already own a FiiO Q5 or a Q5S, you won’t see much difference between the old and new versions. The new FiiO Q5S-TC enjoys the same dual finish aluminum case, with beveled edges and replaceable amp modules.

The asymmetrical design is still there, like the red circle around the volume control wheel. The assembly quality is almost perfect, with no gap or visible screws apart from those of the module. The FiiO Q5S-TC still has the PU leatherback, and while I like it, some might find it a bit “kitsch”.

What’s surprising, is how FiiO never mentions the name of the Q5S on the case. The brand logo is written on it, as the type of screw you have to use for the amp module, but never will you see the Q5S name written anywhere.

You have to look closely to see the differences with the new FiiO Q5S :

• the AM3E module is now replaced by an AM3D module
• the micro-USB port has, finally, been replaced by a USB-C port

Let’s take a look at the layout.

Layout

Again, the FiiO Q5S-TC layout is identical. The sides are used for the controls and the upper and lower side have all the inputs/outputs.

The upper panel comes with :

• 1x Line out, to connect an external Amplifier
• 1x Coax/Optical/Line in, which allows the FiiO Q5S to pair with almost any type of source
• 1x Low/High gain + 1x On/Off Bass-Boost

The FiiO Q5S even comes with coaxial and optical adapters. Nice attention from the brand.

The lower panel comes with :

• 1x 3.5mm headphone output
• 1x 4.4mm balanced output
• 1x USB-C 

Yes, you read that right : the 2.5mm is now gone, and the new AM3D module comes with a sole balanced options now. The 4.4mm Pentaconn is fully gold plated, where the classic 3.5mm TRS output remains in plastic. Not a big concern for me, but aesthetically some might prefer a fully gold-plated layout.

The left panel retains the same buttons we had on the Q5S :

• Play, which can also be used to activate the pairing mode for the Bluetooth connection
• Fast-forward/next song
• Fast-reverse / previous song
• A pinhole to reset the Q5S

And finally, the right panel :

• the volume scroll-wheel, which now serves as a power on-off switch
• the input button, press it to change the source type – USB/Line/Opt/Coax

For information, the Bluetooth connection is not mentioned in the input list, because this mode takes the upper hand on all the other modes.

Let’s check the bundle now, shall we?

Bundle

Inside the box

The FiiO Q5S-TC bundle is very comprehensive, that alone makes it a good product. And I’m just half-kidding there. So we have :

• 1x USB-C cable, for charging and USB connection to your source
• 1x Coaxial-Jack adapter + 1x Mini-Toslink-Toslink adapter
• 1x Jack-Jack adapter
• 1x USB-C to USB-C cable
• 1x Lightning to USB-C adapter (the Q5S is MFi certified)
• 1x Torx T5 screwdriver, to change the amp module
• Various silicon bands + silicon sleeve so you can bundle the DAC with a player/smartphone
• 1x fabric cover to protect your Q5S-TC

So yeah, the bundle covers almost every need. My only complaint would be the lack of a micro-USB to USB Type-C connector, but since you can get it almost everywhere, it’s a minor inconvenience. On the other hand, the 8-pin->micro-USB cable is great for all the iPhone users out there, you won’t have to buy a CCK from Apple (39€ here in EU…)

On this good note, let’s start up the FiiO Q5S-TC and see how it behaves.

The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

4.4/5 - (188 votes)

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