Qables iQube V1 Headphone Amp & iQube V2 Headphone Amp/DAC (Playback 38)

A Class D Powerhouse from Holland

BOTTOM LINE:

Qables’ iQube V1 and V2 share a terrific-sounding amplifier design that offers a very desirable sonic combination of openness, delicacy and detail, on the one hand, coupled with a rich, hearty and full-bodied quality on the other. While the amp can exhibit a touch of treble dryness at times (or at least does so when used with some headphones), this is a small price to pay for the many other things the amp does well.

The DAC section of the iQube V2 offers voicing and overall performance similar to, but definitely not identical to, that of the iQube amplifier section. Specifically, occasional hints of treble dryness are audibly more pronounced through the DAC than through the amp—an issue that may bother some listeners, but that will seem small if not inconsequential to others. Finally, the DAC can handle digital audio data files with resolution up to 16-bit/48 kHz (but not higher) meaning that for obvious reasons this not the right DAC for those looking to download and explore high res digital audio files.

On the whole, then, I see the iQube V1 is a very compelling (and exceedingly well-built) headphone amp that should enjoy broad appeal. Though the V1 is certainly not cheap, its very high build quality certainly helps justify its price.

The iQube V2 can also be an appealing product, especially if your preferred headphones tend not to expose the minor though potentially audible sonic drawbacks of the V2’s DAC section. Given the iQube V2’s significantly higher price and the good but not great performance characteristics of its DAC, I would say the V2 is much less a “slam dunk” choice than the V1 is.

SPECS & PRICING

Qables iQube V2 Portable Headphone Amplifier/DAC
Frequency Response: 5Hz -50 kHz, - 1dB
THD+Noise: 0.03% maximum, 0.01% typical
Analog Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack
Digital Input: mini USB jack
USB DAC: 16-bit, 32/44.1/48 kHz resolution
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm mini-jack
Input Impedance: 10 kOhm
Headphone Output Impedance: <0.5 Ohm @ f<5 kHz, <1.5 Ohm @ 20 kHz
Headphone power output: 20Hz – 20 kHz
• 160mW @ 16 Ohm
• 80mW @ 32 Ohm
• 12mW @ 200 Ohm
Power Supply: mini USB jack, 5V ± 5%, 0.4A power consumption
Dimensions (H x W x D): 6” x 1” x 4.5 d x 1”
Weight (with batteries): 200 grams
Price: $699

Qables iQube V1 Portable Headphone Amplifier
Frequency Response: 5Hz -50 kHz, - 1dB
THD+Noise: 0.03% maximum, 0.01% typical
Analog Inputs: 3.5mm mini-jack
Analog Outputs: 3.5mm mini-jack
Input Impedance: 10 kOhm
Headphone Output Impedance: <0.5 Ohm @ f<5 kHz, <1.5 Ohm @ 20 kHz
Headphone power output: 20Hz – 20 kHz,
• 160mW @ 16 Ohm
• 80mW @ 32 Ohm
• 12mW @ 200 Ohm
Power Supply: mini USB jack, 5V ± 5%, 0.4A power consumption
Dimensions (H x W x D): 6” x 1” x 4.5 d x 1”
Weight (with batteries): 200 grams
Price: $549

QABLES/I-CUBE
www.i-qube.nl  

Distribution:
MOON AUDIO
(919) 649-5018
www.moon-audio.com