Aoshida BLAD S5 Review – Bluetooth/FM Audio Receiver – Back to the Future
Do you remember the last time that you dialed the frequency of your favorite radio channel? Or have you ever used an analog radio in past years? If the answer is yes you will love this gear, keep reading.
The Aoshida BLAD-S5 Bluetooth / FM receiver is a device featuring many high-quality components. It incorporates a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth receiver chip, an ES9038 DAC chip, as well as an OPA1656 and a CS8406 SPDIF converter. The QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 receiver chip supports the following high-definition Bluetooth codecs: aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC (990kpbs – 24bit/96kHz). The ES9038 DAC chip and CS8406 SPDIF interface ensure digital-to-analog signal conversion for lossless wireless reception.
Several analog and optical/SPDIF outputs are available: stereo RCA, coaxial SPDIF, and Toslink optical. This device also offers the possibility of enjoying FM radio and USB DAC use via its USB-C input/power port. A large LCD screen and a control interface with numerous buttons make for easy navigation and display a wide range of information on the BLAD-S5’s current playback and operating mode.
The QCC5125 Bluetooth receiver chip offers a new level of high-definition wireless reception, enabling the Aoshida BLAD-S5 to support the following high-definition codecs: aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC. In particular, LDAC enables wireless transmission superior to CD quality, with a sampling rate of up to 24bit 96kHz and a transmission speed of up to 990kpbs.
The Aoshida BLAD-S5 is more than just a Bluetooth receiver: it also features FM reception, so you can enjoy your favorite radio stations. FM transmission is also possible over a range of up to 20m.
A large 2.4″ LCD screen displays a wealth of information, making navigation and control of the BLAD-S5 simple and intuitive. The user experience is further enhanced by an IR remote control.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Bluetooth receiver / FM radio |
| Bluetooth chip | QCC5125 |
| DAC chip | ES9038 |
| SPDIF interface | CS8406 |
| OPAs | OPA1656 |
| Inputs | 1x USB-C
Bluetooth |
| Outputs | 1x RCA analog stereo 1x Coaxial SPDIF 1x Optical ToslinkFM radio |
| Supported Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptative, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Bluetooth range | 10m unobstructed |
| Distortion | 0.07% |
| SNR | ≥ 98dB |
| Input sensitivity | 0dBFS |
| Output amplitude | 2.5Vrms |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz (+/-1dB) |
| IR Remote control | |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 5V/1A DC via USB-C (do NOT use fast-charge adapter) |
| Dimensions | 89 x 125 x 54mm |
| Gross weight | 0.78kg |
| Color | Black |
| Package | 1x Aoshida BLAD-S5 1x Bluetooth antenna 1x FM antenna 1x Toslink optical cable 1x USB-A to USB-C cable |
I want to thank Aoshida Audio for providing me with the review sample of the BLAD S5 Bluetooth/FM Audio Receiver.
Sound
The BLAD S5 provides excellent sound quality, although FM radio has never been known for its sound quality. Radio often feels random, with the signal varying from great to poor, and the quality can change a lot depending on the frequency signal strength.
I spent some time looking for a channel with a good signal. This is a big downside of analog radio because the signal quality changes a lot, which affects the audio quality as well.
The Aoshida BLAD S5 has a neutral, transparent, uncolored sound signature with no emphasis on any range. It utilizes a neutral tonality and feels technically proficient. The Aoshida BLAD S5 sounds immensely clear without inclination toward the warm or analytical sound.
The Aoshida BLAD S5 reflects the headphone or speakers as-is, without introducing any manipulations to the sound. There’s plenty of power. The resolution and the clarity are both really good.
The bass response is crisp with a great level of detail. Thus, this opens the mid-range and allows it to shine through the overall sound. The midrange is presented in a lush and highly resolving manner. Treble energy is very good and remains neutral without coloration.
It sounds very crisp and detailed. The micro detail performance is very impressive as well as resolution and transparency. The presentation and delivery are rather intimate than relaxed. The dynamism is very good with good attack and speed overall. Especially lows are well-controlled with good decay.
Soundstage-wise, we get a proper 3-dimensionality with good depth and good width as well as discernible layers of instruments. There is an adequate amount of air between the instruments, making it easy to follow each on stage.
Sum-Up
Imagine you don’t have any kind of internet connection around you, what would you do? But you luckily have your BLAD S5 with you, so no need to panic. The Aoshida BLAD S5 redefines the concept of a radio tuner for today’s world. It not only serves as a radio but also includes Bluetooth connectivity for added convenience.
This device is unique in our streaming-music age, and since there are few alternatives available, it’s worth exploring if you want to enjoy analog radio while using high-quality external speakers, anywhere without internet access. Or if you missed that analog vibe of old FM radios.