FiiO Q3

FiiO Q3 – The mobile THX AAA™ amplifier

The FiiO Q3 in summary: You may be familiar with the name “THX™” from the cinema sector – it always pops up when it comes to perfect cinema sound. But: The topic of “sound” is considered and developed much more comprehensively with THX™. For example in the new mobile headphone amplifier FiiO Q3 with THX AAA™ technology.

The highlights of the FiiO Q3 at a glance:

• Ultimate amplification technology – THX AAA™ at work
• Maximum resolution and bit depth – 32-bit, 768kHz and native DSD512
• Balanced Amplifier Layout – Distortion? What distortions?
• Connection for any headphone – 4.4 + 2.5 mm balanced & 3.5 mm jack
• Mobile game partner – integrated battery with up to 10 hours of running time

No-compromise amplifier technology – THX AAA™

THX AAA™ stands for “Achromatic Audio Amplifier”, i.e. an amplifier technology that is practically free of sound coloration of any kind. And the almost unavoidable background noise and distortions in the sound image are also reduced to an absolute minimum.

Also good to know: AAA™ technology has been specially developed and optimized for use in mobile solutions such as the FiiO Q3 headphone amplifier. This means that, among other things, the battery is spared and the playing time is extended.

First-class D/A converter integrated – with maximum resolution

As uncompromising as FiiO is with the amplifier path, the digital/analogue converter is selected with the same care. It comes from the Japanese specialist AKM and goes by the name “AK4462 VELVET SOUND”. But names are just smoke and mirrors, as the saying goes. What matters is what he can do. And he can do a lot!

The AKM AK4492 in the FiiO Q3 decodes PCM signals with up to 32 bits and 768 kilohertz, as well as native DSD512 (i.e. 512 times the usual CD sampling rate). And that in excellent quality.

Undisturbed music enjoyment – with aluminium, copper and nickel

The “natural habitat” of the FiiO Q3 mobile headphone amplifier is in close proximity to a smartphone or computer. The problem with this: The devices radiate on a large number of frequencies (Bluetooth, WLAN, GSM, LTE, FM, DAB+ and more), which would also affect the technology installed in the Q3 and would have a harmful effect on the sound.

Ah, “would”. Exactly. Because, of course, FiiO is also aware of the problem – and has reacted accordingly. On the one hand, the technology inside is protected against radiation by the aluminum housing. The particularly sensitive parts have also received a protective shield made of copper and nickel, which effectively shields the components from interference.

One USB port – lots of possibilities

The data that the FiiO Q3 is supposed to convert into music has to come from somewhere. The main responsible for this is the USB port, which accepts data from almost any source.

Whether from the computer, laptop or MacBook, from the Android smartphone or – officially certified – Apple-certified – from the iPod, iPhone or iPad. Very practically connected to the USB Type-C connection – which simply always fits!

And if it can’t (or shouldn’t) be digital via USB, the 3.5 mm jack input is also available as a line input (note: music playback is then only possible via the balanced outputs).

Every headphone can be connected here – symmetrical and classic

The variety of possible headphone connections is constantly increasing. While the classic, unbalanced 3.5 mm jack connection was the de facto standard, the balanced connection from the professional corner has also established itself in high-quality hi-fi devices over time. No wonder, since it scores with a significantly higher output power and maximum freedom from noise.

And since the smaller 2.5 mm version is used in the mobile area, but the larger 4.4 mm version is used in the studio, FiiO decided to simply integrate both versions in the Q3 mobile headphone amplifier.

So: the choice is yours!

1800 mAh battery integrated – The FiiO Q3 makes you mobile

Of course, one option would be to power the headphone amplifier from the battery of your smartphone or tablet when you’re on the go. But why should you do that?

Instead, FiiO has given the Q3 its own battery with a capacity of 1800 mAh, which guarantees a battery life of up to 10 hours. So you’re out and about all day long with good music in your ears. And in less than two hours, it’s recharged and ready to play.

Packed with accessories – Everything you need to get started right away

In addition to the mobile headphone amplifier itself, the FiiO Q3 comes with a complete “starter package”. A long USB-A to USB-C cable, a short USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, 3.5mm jack to 3.5mm jack and a short USB Type-C to USB cable AppleLightning.

Then there is an anti-slip mat (to protect your smartphone or the FiiO Q3 from scratches) and two matching rubber bands to “connect” the Q3 to a smartphone. And when you’re not using the Q3, you can safely stow it away in the bag provided.