1. Introduction
The Ampapa Q1 is a high-fidelity USB DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and Bluetooth 5.2 receiver, designed as an upgraded successor to the Douk Audio DAC-Q11. It features switchable ESS9039 and AK4493 DAC chips, an XMOS XU316 processor, and a vivid OLED display with 11 VU meter modes. The Q1 supports high-resolution audio up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512, offering versatile input and output options for various audio setups.
2. Package Contents
Before setting up your Ampapa Q1, please ensure all items are present in the package:
- 1x Ampapa Q1 Unit
- 1x DC 12V Power Adapter
- 1x Bluetooth Antenna
- 1x USB-A/C to USB-C Cable
- 1x Optical Fiber Cable
- 1x 3.5mm Trigger Cable
- 1x Remote Control (Note: Batteries AAA*2 are not included for safer delivery and must be prepared separately)
- 1x Cleaning Cloth
- 1x Certificate
- 1x Warranty Card
- 1x User Manual
3. Setup Guide
3.1 Connecting the Device
Refer to the diagram below for port identification and connection:
- Power Connection: Connect the DC 12V power adapter to the 'DC 12V IN' port on the rear panel and plug it into a power outlet.
- Bluetooth Antenna: Screw the provided Bluetooth antenna into the 'BT antenna socket' on the rear panel.
- USB-C Input: Connect your computer, phone, or other USB audio source to the 'USB-C Input' port using the supplied USB-A/C to USB-C cable.
- Coaxial Input: Connect a coaxial audio source to the 'Coaxial input' port.
- Optical Input: Connect an optical audio source to the 'Optical input' port.
- RCA Output: Use RCA cables to connect the 'RCA output (1/2)' ports to your amplifier or active speakers.
- TRS Output: Use TRS cables to connect the 'TRS output (1/2)' ports to your amplifier or active speakers.
- Headphone Output: Plug your 3.5mm headphones into the '3.5mm HP Jack' on the front panel.
- 12V Trigger Out: This port can be used to synchronize power with other compatible devices.
3.2 USB Driver Installation (Windows Only)
For Windows 10/11, a driver is only needed when operating in UAC 2.0 mode. For mobile devices, macOS, and Linux, no specific drivers are required.
3.3 Bluetooth Pairing
To connect via Bluetooth:
- Ensure the Q1 is set to Bluetooth input mode.
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone or source device.
- Search for "AMPAPA Q1" in the list of available devices and select it to connect.
- If the Q1 does not appear, try clearing previous Bluetooth connections using the remote control's 'BT reset' button.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Basic Controls
The Q1 can be controlled using the encoder knob on the front panel or the included remote control. Refer to Figure 3.1 for remote control button layout.
- Power On/Off: Use the power button on the remote or the encoder knob (press and hold) to turn the unit on or off.
- Input Selection: Use the 'Input switch' button on the remote or short press the encoder knob to cycle through input sources (Bluetooth, USB-C, Coaxial, Optical).
- Volume Control: Use the 'VOL+' and 'VOL-' buttons on the remote or rotate the encoder knob to adjust the volume.
- Mute/Unmute: Press the 'Mute/Unmute' button on the remote.
- Menu/Confirm: Use the 'MENU/Confirm' button on the remote to access and confirm menu options.
- Navigation: Use the 'Up', 'Down', 'Left', 'Right' buttons on the remote to navigate menu options.
- Back: Use the 'Back' button on the remote to return to the previous menu.
4.2 DAC Chip Switching
The Q1 features a dual-DAC architecture, allowing you to switch between ESS9039 and AK4493 chips. This can be configured for each LINE output (RCA and TRS) and the headphone output independently.
The OLED display will show the currently assigned DAC chip and filter mode. Consult the on-screen menu for specific instructions on how to switch DAC chips and filter modes for different outputs.
| Mode | OUT 1 and 2 (RCA and TRS) |
|---|---|
| Mode 1 | AKM |
| Mode 2 | ESS |
| Mode 3 | OUT 1: AKM | OUT 2: ESS |
| Mode | Headphone Output |
|---|---|
| Mode 1 | AKM |
| Mode 2 | ESS |
4.3 OLED Display and VU Meter Modes
The OLED screen displays input mode, DAC chip assignment, USB driver mode, and volume. It also offers 11 unique display modes, including various retro-style VU meters, audio spectrum, spinning vinyl, and cassette-style reels.
Use the remote control or encoder knob to cycle through the display modes and adjust backlight brightness (10 levels available). The LED color can also be customized with infinite RGB color combinations.
4.4 Headphone Output and Gain
The 3.5mm headphone jack provides 1000mW output at 32Ω (high gain) and 380mW at 32Ω (low gain). You can switch between high and low gain settings via the device's menu to match your headphones' impedance (16-600Ω) and listening preferences.
4.5 Op-Amp Replacement
The Q1 uses 4 pluggable LME49720 op-amps, which can be replaced by standard dual op-amps such as 2604, 2134, or muses02. This allows for further sound customization. Exercise caution when replacing components.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use the provided cleaning cloth to gently wipe the device. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- EMI Shield: The mesh layer on the Q1’s top window is a built-in EMI shield to prevent signal interference. Do not attempt to remove it.
- Placement: Keep the Q1 away from strong electromagnetic interference sources like phones or Wi-Fi routers to ensure optimal performance.
6. Troubleshooting
- Q: Why don't the single VU meter and spectrum display work properly?
- A: In single VU meter and spectrum modes, the Q1 only detects the left channel input. If only the right channel is connected, the VU meter and spectrum display will not operate. Ensure both channels are connected for these modes to function.
- Q: Why can't I find Q1 in my Bluetooth list?
- A: Make sure the Q1 is set to Bluetooth mode. Then, turn on Bluetooth on your phone and search for "AMPAPA Q1" to connect. If it still doesn't appear, try clearing previous connections using the 'BT reset' button on the remote control.
- Q: Why do the vinyl and tape-style displays spin at a constant speed?
- A: These two display modes do not react to audio signals; they simply maintain a constant rotation speed. The rotation continues as long as the mode is engaged, even if the music is paused.
- Q: Why does the VU meter show a large deflection at low volume, but a smaller deflection at high volume?
- A: The Q1 features an automatic gain control system (AGC) for the VU meters. When the input signal is low, the system switches to high gain; when the signal is high, it switches to low gain. This ensures the VU meters maintain sufficient deflection across different volume levels.
- Q: Does the remote control include batteries?
- A: For safer and faster delivery, the remote control may not include batteries (AAA*2). Please prepare them yourself.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ampapa |
| Model | Q1 |
| Audio Input | Bluetooth 5.2 / USB-C / Coaxial / Optical |
| Audio Output | 2 sets of RCA / 2 sets of balanced TRS / 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Chipset | ESS9039Q2M+AK4493+XMOS XU316+QCC304X+LME49720 |
| Max. Sampling Rate (PC-USB) | PCM 768KHz/32bit, DSD(Native) 512, DSD(DoP) 256 |
| Max. Sampling Rate (Coaxial / Optical) | PCM 192KHz/24bit, DSD(DoP) 64 |
| Max. Sampling Rate (Bluetooth 5.2) | 48KHz/24Bit |
| USB Supported OS | W10/W11/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS |
| Bluetooth Supported Codecs | SBC/aptX/aptX-HD |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| THD+N | 0.0002% |
| SNR | ≥120dB |
| Max. Output Level (RCA) | 2V |
| Max. Output Level (TRS) | 4V |
| Max. Headphone Output Power (High Gain) | 1000mW@32Ω |
| Max. Headphone Output Power (Low Gain) | 380mW@32Ω |
| Matched Headphone Impedance | 16-600Ω |
| Input Sensitivity | 0dBFS |
| USB Driver Mode | UAC 1.0/2.0 |
| Remote Control | Supported |
| Screen Display | 11 VU modes + 1 working status mode |
| Backlight Brightness | 10-level adjustment |
| LED Color | Infinite RGB color combinations |
| Working Voltage | DC 12V (5.5*2.1mm) |
| Dimensions (W*D*H) | 155*124*42mm / 6.10*4.88*1.65in |
| Net Weight | 643g / 1.42lb |
| Package Weight | 1.2kg / 2.64lb |
8. User Tips
- For optimal sound quality and to prevent interference, position the Q1 away from devices that emit strong electromagnetic signals, such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers.
- Remember to have two AAA batteries ready for the remote control, as they are not included in the package.
- Experiment with the switchable ESS9039 and AK4493 DAC chips to find the sound signature that best suits your music genres and listening preferences.
- Utilize the two gain levels for the headphone output to ensure optimal performance and volume matching for both sensitive IEMs and high-impedance headphones.
9. Warranty and Support
The Ampapa Q1 comes with a warranty as detailed in the included Warranty Card. For technical support, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please refer to the contact information provided on your Warranty Card or the official Ampapa/Douk Audio website.
