Great review, very nice little compact portable dac/amp. Btw does it come with a screen protector ? I see that we have the same amp, s17 pro. It’s awesome. May I know what’s the dac on top of s17 pro ?
Sorry, the video was already going long and the DC elite is $200 more so I wasn't sure if comparison was warranted. That said, imo the DC Elite does offer generally better performance. Its still my top dongle! Thanks for watching!
Oh, the name! It wasn't something I requested, it arrived like that from the company. I don't see the option to have it personalized on checkout, so it could have just been for the review units. That said I have seen several other personalized M5 Ultras around.
Cool device. But if you don't need Bluetooth and a battery, it seems unwieldy to lug around. Love the idea of tubes coming to dongles, but in a smaller form factor. The DC Elite seems to be the tipping point for dongle size.
Do you think maybe in early future, could be "mini tubes" or somehow reduce theyre size, or be "cloned" to work inside portatible dongle dacs? smaller size of tubes? You think cayin ru7 is somehow in this level for only 160 dlls ?
Can you review the fosi q4 amp? I cant find anything on youtube and looks like a good first entry level amp. Sounds really good for a bass head like me with the bass knob and a separate treble knob
Im a returnee to this hobby, so a lot of things are new. I know this is a portable device first, but how does it function as a desktop device? Which USB C port do I connect to my PC? Is it capable of bypassing the battery or have a charging limit if using it as a desktop device? Thanks.
Interesting….. I already own the M4 and was hoping for a comparison comment. The M4 has a bit of tube warmth in normal mode but sounds more solid state in high power mode. Not sure why that is but that’s what I hear. The M4 is much cheaper as well so I’m wondering if the M5 Ultra is worth the asking price.
They did add shock absorbers in the tube housing but I guess a good drop could still do some damage, if not to the tubes then maybe to glass. Thanks for watching!
The Cayin N3 Pro which has a couple of tubes has Bluetooth capability. The N3 Pro however is a DAP. Also Dave this is on my consideration to purchase list.
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch! Cayin makes great stuff so I'm sure its a great sounding player. But from what I understand it does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Still seems to offer a lot though for $529!
@@Gizaudio I used the Ultra at CanJam SoCal for most of my headphone and IEM listening. I don’t mind using micro SD cards. Plus the WiFi at CanJam is usually spotty
With the Ultra the sacrificed Bluetooth to have the vacuum tubes and NuTubes work on both the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs whereas on the Pro the vacuum tubes only output to the 3.5mm headphone output
Not sure, I haven't heard the N3 Ultra. Although, I know Cayin makes some great stuff! Hopefully, someone here with both devices can give their impressions. Thanks for watching!
Saw a couple of instances in this video where the reviewer said i dont know about some pretty basic info about the Bluetooth version in the device but then he named the chip? He couldnt have done one google search on that chips capabilities and told me i shouldn't leave a 17 min long reveiw having things to google about the thing being reviewed imo, and also less basic but vital for a professional reviewer to understand like the purpose of the vents and what makes them desireable to the product. based off this review i have no reason to not think they were just for looks, the reviewer didnt display a working enough knowlege of the products technical side im there presention (especially the first 5 mins just pointless stylzed shots and him admiting he doesnt understand the product enough to be shilling it like not a good start)for me to just 'take his word' on this product, and this is disappointing because if the company cared enough to get his name on the device i bet they cared to send him pleanty of literature on the technical information of the product that the reviewer clearly didnt have. Like it feels a little predatory with how much this device is being praised by someone who either doesnt know about or is actively avoiding talking both the technical side of the product or the scores of other decives that do the same things better and cheaper on the market now, really a disappointing review compared to others ive seen on the channel
Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate you taking the time to watch the review and for sharing your perspective! Before I respond, I hope you understand, I genuinely do care about what our viewers think about our channels content. Our goal is to always provide what we would hope to be the most pertinent information, but with the focus being primarily on sound and our user experiences. Please take this response as it is intended, with respect and appreciation for the thoughtful feedback. Most, if not all of my previous reviews of devices that have Bluetooth, if the Bluetooth version is available, either in the literature or the website, I will include it in the video. Many of my reviews take between 20 and 24 hours (this one took almost 28 hours) from the time I start jotting down listening notes and creating a rough outline, till I upload the video to our channel. That doesn't include many hours of listening and comparing before that. At some point, I have to stop taking the time to gather information and move on to listening. Even if it's something that might only take a few minutes. As for "avoiding" getting into the technical information, I'm not sure what is meant by that but I covered pretty much everything I always cover so I'm not sure what other technical information I missed that would be considered pertinent to most viewers. I would be glad to know your thoughts. And yes, they did provide literature, but it provided no information on the Bluetooth version, power output, or discuss the vents. Do other reviewers discuss this? As for better, cheaper products that have the same features, I'm not aware of any other devices that offer, both tube and transistor mode, Bluetooth, and a battery for $300 or less. I think the Cayin N3Pro and Ultra might have similar features but are more expensive. Maybe there are others out there I'm unaware of? I would love your thoughts on that as well. Also, regarding my b-roll, if I'm being honest, that's mostly for me. I love audio, but I also love videography, and this channel gives me the opportunity to combine both. I spend anywhere between four and six hours just shooting video and b roll (and dusting like a mad man) mainly because it's therapeutic for me, and I enjoy it. These are the little things that bring me fulfillment that will hopefully help me to avoid "burn-out." It also it gives the viewer something to look at besides my hands and desk. I do it for all of the devices, even the devices that get a bad review. Again, please know that I sincerely appreciate the feedback and genuine constructive criticism offered by my friends in the community. I'm fully aware that many of you are much more knowledgeable and invested than I am! Thanks again for taking the time to watch and engage!
What is? 🤷♂️ Who's ethics? Is there a book I don't know about that has the "rules" we are supposed to all follow? Or are you just making up your own criteria, without letting the rest of into the game at hand? I'm guessing the latter. ✌️
Great review, very nice little compact portable dac/amp. Btw does it come with a screen protector ?
I see that we have the same amp, s17 pro. It’s awesome. May I know what’s the dac on top of s17 pro ?
How did you get your name on it, is that something they offer? You didn't talk about how it was VS the iBasso DC Elite???.
Sorry, the video was already going long and the DC elite is $200 more so I wasn't sure if comparison was warranted. That said, imo the DC Elite does offer generally better performance. Its still my top dongle! Thanks for watching!
Oh, the name! It wasn't something I requested, it arrived like that from the company. I don't see the option to have it personalized on checkout, so it could have just been for the review units. That said I have seen several other personalized M5 Ultras around.
Cool device. But if you don't need Bluetooth and a battery, it seems unwieldy to lug around. Love the idea of tubes coming to dongles, but in a smaller form factor. The DC Elite seems to be the tipping point for dongle size.
Dougles are objectively worse than this. This isn't dangling from the device you use 100s of times a day.
How does it compare with the M15i in terms of sound quality? U praised the M 15i so much in a previous video.
Thanks for watching! Yes, I think I mentioned towards the end that the M15i has better sound quality. But the M5 Ultra wins in versatility.
@@Gizaudio Would love to see you do a review of the Qudelix T71 and comparison with the M15i!!
Ibasso dx180 or musehifi 5 ultra? Sound quality
Finally - been waiting for this one. ✌️
Thanks for watching!
Got one from your link. Looking forward to it to be here!
Its gonna replace my ifi go blu that now has an unreliable volume knob.
Do you think maybe in early future, could be "mini tubes" or somehow reduce theyre size, or be "cloned" to work inside portatible dongle dacs? smaller size of tubes? You think cayin ru7 is somehow in this level for only 160 dlls ?
What happens when you pair a tube amp with a IEM that already has lush mids, maybe the Mega5est or any other? Does it become muddy?
Thank you Dave for your take on the M5 Ultra.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!
@@Gizaudio M5 ultra or ibasso dx180? Which has better sound quality?
Looking to get this with a closed back headphone. Any reccomendation on what close back to get? Espically for traveling purpose?
Fiio FT1 is insane value for money check out reviews
@@dave91863 Been on my radar, just looking for this kick to get it.
Can you review the fosi q4 amp? I cant find anything on youtube and looks like a good first entry level amp. Sounds really good for a bass head like me with the bass knob and a separate treble knob
Im a returnee to this hobby, so a lot of things are new. I know this is a portable device first, but how does it function as a desktop device?
Which USB C port do I connect to my PC?
Is it capable of bypassing the battery or have a charging limit if using it as a desktop device?
Thanks.
How would this compare with A&K SE300 with Apple Music?
A Midrange dap killer? 😊
How is this compare to the fiio q15?
Interesting…..
I already own the M4 and was hoping for a comparison comment. The M4 has a bit of tube warmth in normal mode but sounds more solid state in high power mode. Not sure why that is but that’s what I hear. The M4 is much cheaper as well so I’m wondering if the M5 Ultra is worth the asking price.
What will happen if you drop this thing , which will probably happen , are the valves robust enough
They did add shock absorbers in the tube housing but I guess a good drop could still do some damage, if not to the tubes then maybe to glass. Thanks for watching!
Very good review! But there is another device which could be a good competitor - KAEI TAP-1 DACs.
Thanks for another excellent review
Can you compare with the Fiio KA17 ?
You guys will make me gave in and get this device :/ the M5 ultra looks really cool for the price.
What are the 4 IEMs on the table?
The Cayin N3 Pro which has a couple of tubes has Bluetooth capability. The N3 Pro however is a DAP. Also Dave this is on my consideration to purchase list.
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch! Cayin makes great stuff so I'm sure its a great sounding player. But from what I understand it does not have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Still seems to offer a lot though for $529!
@@Gizaudio the new version the N3 Ultra does not have Bluetooth, but the N3 Pro does have Bluetooth, alas no WiFi
Oops! Yep I was looking at N3 Ultra. The pro looks like a great player, with a great price for the features it offers!
@@Gizaudio I used the Ultra at CanJam SoCal for most of my headphone and IEM listening. I don’t mind using micro SD cards. Plus the WiFi at CanJam is usually spotty
With the Ultra the sacrificed Bluetooth to have the vacuum tubes and NuTubes work on both the 3.5mm & 4.4mm headphone outputs whereas on the Pro the vacuum tubes only output to the 3.5mm headphone output
Nice one!
Thanks Dave!
Thanks for watching!
Interest to know how does it compare with Cayin N3 Ultra in terms of sound
Not sure, I haven't heard the N3 Ultra. Although, I know Cayin makes some great stuff! Hopefully, someone here with both devices can give their impressions. Thanks for watching!
Does it have a line out function for connecting to an external amp?
Its not mentioned anywhere in the guide and information sheet. And there are no output options in the internal menu either. Thanks for watching!
a great match for the ananda nano
vs. Btr17?
Should be here in a week let’s gooo
Nice! Thanks for watching!
Saw a couple of instances in this video where the reviewer said i dont know about some pretty basic info about the Bluetooth version in the device but then he named the chip? He couldnt have done one google search on that chips capabilities and told me i shouldn't leave a 17 min long reveiw having things to google about the thing being reviewed imo, and also less basic but vital for a professional reviewer to understand like the purpose of the vents and what makes them desireable to the product. based off this review i have no reason to not think they were just for looks, the reviewer didnt display a working enough knowlege of the products technical side im there presention (especially the first 5 mins just pointless stylzed shots and him admiting he doesnt understand the product enough to be shilling it like not a good start)for me to just 'take his word' on this product, and this is disappointing because if the company cared enough to get his name on the device i bet they cared to send him pleanty of literature on the technical information of the product that the reviewer clearly didnt have. Like it feels a little predatory with how much this device is being praised by someone who either doesnt know about or is actively avoiding talking both the technical side of the product or the scores of other decives that do the same things better and cheaper on the market now, really a disappointing review compared to others ive seen on the channel
Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate you taking the time to watch the review and for sharing your perspective! Before I respond, I hope you understand, I genuinely do care about what our viewers think about our channels content. Our goal is to always provide what we would hope to be the most pertinent information, but with the focus being primarily on sound and our user experiences. Please take this response as it is intended, with respect and appreciation for the thoughtful feedback. Most, if not all of my previous reviews of devices that have Bluetooth, if the Bluetooth version is available, either in the literature or the website, I will include it in the video. Many of my reviews take between 20 and 24 hours (this one took almost 28 hours) from the time I start jotting down listening notes and creating a rough outline, till I upload the video to our channel. That doesn't include many hours of listening and comparing before that. At some point, I have to stop taking the time to gather information and move on to listening. Even if it's something that might only take a few minutes. As for "avoiding" getting into the technical information, I'm not sure what is meant by that but I covered pretty much everything I always cover so I'm not sure what other technical information I missed that would be considered pertinent to most viewers. I would be glad to know your thoughts. And yes, they did provide literature, but it provided no information on the Bluetooth version, power output, or discuss the vents. Do other reviewers discuss this? As for better, cheaper products that have the same features, I'm not aware of any other devices that offer, both tube and transistor mode, Bluetooth, and a battery for $300 or less. I think the Cayin N3Pro and Ultra might have similar features but are more expensive. Maybe there are others out there I'm unaware of? I would love your thoughts on that as well. Also, regarding my b-roll, if I'm being honest, that's mostly for me. I love audio, but I also love videography, and this channel gives me the opportunity to combine both. I spend anywhere between four and six hours just shooting video and b roll (and dusting like a mad man) mainly because it's therapeutic for me, and I enjoy it. These are the little things that bring me fulfillment that will hopefully help me to avoid "burn-out." It also it gives the viewer something to look at besides my hands and desk. I do it for all of the devices, even the devices that get a bad review. Again, please know that I sincerely appreciate the feedback and genuine constructive criticism offered by my friends in the community. I'm fully aware that many of you are much more knowledgeable and invested than I am! Thanks again for taking the time to watch and engage!
M 5 Ultra on the leather back and M5 Ultra on the front label = ChiFi
(M 5 Ultra on the leather back and M5 Ultra on the front label = ChiFi) = pay $1000 less for it.
And? Is there something wrong with ChiFi?
Besides find me any dongle that isn't made in China, or another Asian country. Welcome to 2024. ✌️
David, thank you for another wonderful dongle DAC review! 👌
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
Thanks for watching!
This shit is so unethical. Unsubscribed .
??
what?
We hate to lose you, would love some feedback. Thanks for taking the time to watch!
What is? 🤷♂️
Who's ethics? Is there a book I don't know about that has the "rules" we are supposed to all follow?
Or are you just making up your own criteria, without letting the rest of into the game at hand? I'm guessing the latter. ✌️
are u skipping ur med or what