The Fiio Q5 is now kind of a classic high end Bluetooth capable DAC & amplifier. With new releases of the Q5s and Q5s TC which has better DAC chips and better Bluetooth chips, the original Q5 is now discontinued but their performance is still a dream for me. Q5 houses a pair of AKM4490 dual DAC with interchangeable amp modules. With amp modules such as the AM1, AM2 and the stock module that came with the Q5, the AM3A, the AM3D is the latest and the best of the bunch. Inside of the AM3D has a set of THX AAA-78 amplifier which is highly regarded in this audiophile world boasting the statement “most linear amplifier technology”.
Here are the specifications and the details taken from their own website https://www.thx.com/aaa/
• Patented feed-forward error correction topology that nulls conventional distortion mechanisms
• Reduction of harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortion by up to 40dB, resulting in a realistic and fatigue-free listening experience
• Enables maximum output power for greater dynamic range and sound pressure level (SPL)
• A convenient modular solution which includes power supply, and can operate from a single 3.6V battery
• Minimal bias current and highly efficient power management to optimize and extend device battery life
• Scalability that allows incorporation into any headphone or in-vehicle amplifier design, with the flexibility to match the required fidelity, output power, and price point
I have recently acquired a new AM3D for my own usage and I will be giving out a review from this set with my Fiio Q5. This review is solely on the amp modules only and not DAC related.
LET’s GO!
Packaging & Accessories
FiiO AM3D comes with a nice cardboard box written THX balanced type on it. Once opening the box, you will have a solid aluminium box, and inside is the amp module itself with a warranty card, a manual and 4 extra T5 screws which is well thought of Fiio.
Design
The design of the amp module is similar to the Q5 with nice matte feel and shiny edges that smooth and mirror-like that corresponds to the original design of the Q5’s. It is well made and lightweight. It has a 3.5mm single-ended termination as well as a balanced 4.4mm output similar to those found in the Fiio M series such as M11 and the M11PRO. It still houses a micro usb for charging and data transfer unlike the module that comes with the Q5S TC that has a type c connector.
Where to buy?
It can be bought for USD179 or RM659 from Redape headphones store.
Audio sources
- Fiio M11pro
- Fiio Q5
- Ibasso DC03
- AudioGD 28.38 (Amanero, Dual femto)
- Rudistor RP8 hybrid tube amp
Songs list
- Norah Jones – Run away with me
- Scorpions with philharmoniker orchestra – Wind of change
- Headstrong – Tears
- Chicane – Halycon
- Rage Against The Machines – Killing in the name
- The White Stripes – Seven nation army
Soundstage
The AM3D has a large soundstage that is way better than the original AM3A module. It is wide and it has a great depth in the music and works very well with iems, earbuds and portable headphones alike giving them more width and depth in the music. It works great in classical music as well as live performance giving them a more life-like experience.
Separation and Timbre
Separation and timbre are really good and also an upgrade from the AM3A. It has a lot of layers and give life to music as every instrument is portraited very nicely, every vocals and beats can be clearly picked out easily. It is truly a good experience for me with the AM3D for me especially with classicals.
Tone and Presentation
The tone of the AM3D possessed a deep and thick tone to it. It is very well balanced with a hint of thickness and quickness to it. Every tone is clearly represented ever so silky smooth like butter. It is fun to listen to and has no fatigue in their presentation. Buttery smoothness n warm like a cup of coffee in a cold day.
The Bass
The bass in the AM3D is very linear and balanced. It goes deep and rumbles rather big and has a sharpness to it that is not piercing but has a good thump on it. The sub-bass is clear and have a big quantity to it. The bass does not bleed to other frequencies and feeding it with bass-oriented gears will surely make bass heads jump especially with the bass boost flipped on the Fiio Q5. I would prefer the switch is off as I will get a linear thick bass that makes me tap my feet with EDM track, very happy with the bass that this amp module produces.
The Mids
The mids of this module is the star of the show for me. Slightly forward and thick mids is a celebrated thing for me. I truly loved the mids on this module as it gives my music more body to it and bring up the resolution of my gears. Everything is smooth and clear in this part as vocals sounds clearer and more well represented. The thickness it pushed out works well with gears that have a V-shaped signature as it pushes out the mids a little giving a more pleasant presentation. It makes my Moondrop A8 sings like never before. Very well done, 2 thumbs up for the mids
The Highs
The highs on this module is smooth n balanced. For treble heads, you will find this lacking but the resolution of the highs is there. It is airy and non-intrusive without any harshness and fatigues to it. It more like a shy high but the quality there and it is well balanced. It is good for long listening as it is smooth and does not gives out any fatigues in the long run. Smooth operator it is.
Comparisons
- VS M11PRO
- With the Q5 on the AM3D versus the M11PRO that also has THX in it, the sound is eerily close to each other with the thickness and high resolution of both the units. The clarity is better on the M11PRO, possible from the better AKM DAC chips in it, the 4497eq. the highs is also more present in the M11PRO but the differences end there. The mids and bass is almost identical like a mini M11PRO. Very nice indeed.
- VS AM3A
- The AM3A is the stock amp module that comes with the Fiio q5. The differences are rather large with these 2 modules. AM3D sounds much more full and more exciting with bigger resolution. Treble quality is almost same with both but the mids and bass topped with bigger soundstage on the AM3D obliterates the AM3A with both modules running on balanced mode. Truly an upgrade in my ears.
- VS Ibasso DC03
- The DC03 doesn’t stand a chance but it does have an almost same output power to it. Side by side the DC03 sounds much harsher and more confined. The treble of the DC03 is more present though but creates a slight fatigue after a time.
Who Is It For?
The AM3D is for the people who wants a better more quality output for their Q series and X series gear without sacrificing big money in the process. With the THX technology in it the sound quality is like 70% of my M11PRO. I would call it a baby M11PRO as the similarities is eerily close. So, for those with a tight budget, the Q5 + the AM3D is a perfect choice. For me it is now my go-to gear for Bluetooth DAC amp and for me it is one of the best in the market right now.
Final words
All I have to say that I am truly happy with this purchase and it really gives my old Q5 a brand-new life like I am listening to a new and better device. I will truly recommend this amp module for those existing or new users of the Q and X series. It makes the music more enjoyable and gives more life into it. I would wish for a type-c connection but micro usb will do for me as I use it a lot on Bluetooth connection.
I give this product a solid 5/5 stars. It is perfect for Q and X series.
(5 / 5)
Writer : Edmund Chan
