QLS QA361 unboxing
For those of you who know me, you guys know how much I respect QLS Hifi brand, and in particular the Chief Engineer, Clark. They are about the only brand who are as transparent as one can be for their product development, without risking giving away their trade secrets.
The products they design and built around the philosophy to always be better than their predecessor without breaking the price bracket. And they only release a new product when that product has a substantial performance departure from its older model.
They don’t produce products just so they share part of the spotlight of the DAP market, which is the case for many other brands. They only do it when there is a reason for it.
I always wanted to own the QA360LTD, but they sold out rather quickly and never saw one for sale. So when news about QA361 was released I jumped on the email as soon as I could to put me on the waiting list to buy one. Clark told me he is fulfilling the local market first which as I type this is back-order ever since I show an interest to buy one. I waited and waited and anxiety of thinking I might have to wait next year until I can buy one slowly creeped in. I shoot another email, and to my surprise, Clark felt bad about me and offered to send me a unit to try, so full disclosure I did not pay for this unit, nor was there any agreement for me to write a review. For all intent and purpose, this is just a trial unit for me to decide for myself. I was not asked to write any positive review or anything of such a nature.
What’s in the box:
1)SD card read
2)32 GB red/gold microSD card which Clark recommend loaded with all sort of recording for one to try for one’s self.
3)Music Player
4)User guide
5)Extra screen protector
6)Leather case
7)2.5mm female balance to 3.5mm male balance converter
8)USB type C, used only or charging
Impression:
The first thing you have to do is insert a TF card, else the unit will turn on, but that is as far it lets you go. Load a micro-SD card first. The early impression is the sound, on stock FW, has a clear, natural and above average soundstage. The first thing I did was to use an ALL to DSD feature, which gives the sound a more organic appeal.
Next, I plugged in my Ultrasone IQ, which thanks to Nathan, has become my hiss detector. On all the low setting, including low gain, I could not hear any hiss. Yes!
So if I was to blindly test between LPG and QA361, which I would pick, I think it is safe to say LPG is slowly getting replaced as my reference by QA361. There is a lot more testing to do, as this DAP has three FW, one stock and two versions of WAV only FW, which known Clark background will yield a better sound. Clark was the first person who pushed for WAV only DAP. The UI is also designed to maximise sound and keeping the UI as barebone as it can be.
I find the UI more innovative than LPG, which is also barebone. I still find the WM1A more holographic and slightly more “Vinyl” sounding, but it is early days, and more to come.
I will be posting my regular impression on my head-fi thread, link below.
I find such way of testing DAP more effective. Final review to follow later.
head-fi thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/qls-qa361-impression-thread.866536/
