Comparison.

In this test, I was using U18t and Q1 set to high gain.  This comparison is mostly based on sound performance comparison, though I added a few additional thoughts to cover other features.  Each of these DAPs has their own Pros/Cons when it comes to features, all of which should be taken into consideration depending on your priorities and personal preference.

Q1 vs Shanling M0 – in theory these DAPs supposed to have an identical sound performance since they use the same DAC, but surprisingly there are a few differences.  I tested and compared both in high gain where their performance is at its best.  Both have very similar neutral-balanced signature with a brighter more revealing tonality.  And both have great dynamics, but the vertical expansion of peaks is slightly better in Q1, thus having an upper hand in sound dynamics.  A more noticeable difference is in soundstage expansion where Q1 sounds wider.  Bigger display and hardware playback controls is another big advantage of Q1, outside of the sound.

Q1 vs Hidizs AP80 SS – a very similar soundstage expansion, maybe Q1 is a touch wider, but it’s very close in this comparison.  The sound signature and tonality are where I hear more difference in this comparison.  AP80 tonality is brighter, especially in treble, while Q1 is more natural and more neutral in comparison.  Both have a great treble extension and definition, but AP80 has more sparkle.  Also, the difference in bass impact is quite noticeable as well where with the same pair of IEMs Q1 goes deeper and hits a little harder in comparison to a more neutral bass of AP80.  Aside from that, very similar functionality, small compact design, hardware playback controls, and with Q1 having just a little bigger display and overall dimensions.

Q1 vs Hiby R3 Pro – in this comparison if you look at 3.5mm port of R3 Pro, its sound has narrower soundstage and less expanded dynamics, but when you switch to its 2.5mm balanced output, the soundstage width and vertical dynamics expansion of R3 Pro is on the same level as Q1.  They both also have a similar bass impact.  The only difference is in tonality where R3 Pro is a little brighter at the top, especially with more sparkle in treble while Q1 has a more natural treble tonality, still crisp but with a bit less sparkle.  In other comparisons, besides R3 Pro having a little bigger display, its balanced output has more power and it also supports Tidal and Qobuz streaming.  Also, Q1 price which is almost a half of R3 Pro should be taken into consideration.

Q1 vs Cayin N3 – the difference in sound here is quite noticeable.  Starting with a soundstage, Q1 is a lot wider in comparison to a more average width soundstage expansion of N3.  When it comes to tonality, N3 is warmer and smoother, with a more subdued treble in comparison to a more balanced signature of Q1 with a more revealing detailed tonality, especially crisper and better defined treble.  Also, Q1 sound has better dynamics where in comparison N3 sounds a little more congested.  Plus, Q1 has a touch screen and more intuitive controls in comparison to N3 which is not touch-screen.

M0 vs Q1 vs M1

Other Wired/Wireless connections.

In this section of the review I will go over various wired and wireless connections I tested and verified with Q1.

USB DAC.

After installing Windows driver from Shanling website, Q1 was recognized without a problem and worked OK on my T480s (Win 10 Pro).  Volume could be controlled from both laptop and Q1.  The sound is nearly the same playing from a local Q1 storage vs using Q1 as usb dac.

Wireless Bluetooth.

I teste Q1 wireless performance with B&W P7W.  Bluetooth connection was solid, 50ft away from Q1 in open space.  Q1 paired up with P7W using aptX, the highest supported codec of P7W, and I was able to control volume, play/pause, and skip tracks from P7W remotely without a problem.  The sound was rich, dynamic, U-shaped – a typical sound performance of P7W.

Line Out (LO).

In this test I used FiiO E12A, after switching headphone output to LO.  Once in Line Out mode, the volume is set to the max, and you can control it from your amplifier.  The Line Out is not a true output of the DAC which bypasses the amplification stage, but the sound was still clear and undistorted, making Q1 convenient to use with external amplifier to boost the output power or to color the sound.

Digital Audio Out.

In this test I verified Q1 to work OK with micro iDSD, connected to USB-C port, where the volume could be controlled from either Q1 or micro iDSD and the sound has a typical micro iDSD signature.  I also tested Q1 with iBasso DC01 – recognized without a problem and without issues controlling the volume from Q1, giving a full dynamic range of volume adjustment.  This USB Audio Out option could be configured with Fixed or Variable volume in settings.

Conclusion.

While most of the latest Shanling M-series DAPs have a similar uniformed scaled up/down look with a low profile volume/power wheel and hardware playback controls on the left side (except for M0), this new Q1 takes a totally different approach with a more fashionable sense to appeal to consumers who value the “looks” as much as the sound.  Actually, M0 was the first to set that trend with its unique micro-design that captured attention of many consumers, but due to a very small touch screen and lack of physical playback buttons it wasn’t as practical for some audiophiles.

Q1 takes M0 to a new level with a bigger and more user-friendly touch screen, physical playback buttons, easier to grip volume wheel, bolder colors, bigger longer lasting battery, and improvements in sound performance.  With all these changes, even picky audiophiles will be pleased, especially due to improved sound dynamics and soundstage width expansion.  Q1 is heavier due to a new chassis material and bigger battery, but the benefits of more unique colors and extended battery life outweigh it.  If you are a fan of M0 or want something smaller than M2x, Q1 will be right up your valley with its cool looks, design, and the sound.

Shanling Q1 Kickstarter campaign.