are the preamps (and the sound in general) of the QS5/6 exactly the same than the preamps of the stage box D168 ?
Presumably you mean the DX168. No, they are not. The DX168 has the dLive preamps. However, they should be close.
I haven’t done a blind test with them yet.
does that mean “better”?
can DX168 can be used directly to a C1500 surface with no conection to a CDM32?
thanks
no and no
1 million times said… the mixrack is the desk
@steffen 1 million times?
Not completely scientific or definitive by any stretch, but for what it’s worth:
Y-cable to split source feed between two stereo inputs on an SQ-5. Used a test tone to match the input levels and then with stereo music playback blind switched between:
DX168 inputs 1/2 via SLink and SQ-5 local ST1 line in:
I chose the DX168 as my favourite every time. There seems to be something about it; a definition that presents details in the music and vocals more clearly - added sparkle.
SQ-5 local inputs 1/2 and SQ-5 local ST1 line in:
These two are much closer and in fact I chose the ST1 line in, but I’d be hard pressed to say there’s much of a difference here.
Neither disappoints, but I’d say the DX168 has some extra magic over the local inputs. I’d love to hear others thoughts on this and I stand by to be shot down by A&H telling me they’re actually identical! 
the ST1 is not a mic pre
@JuanPablo I answered this question to many times
the mixrack is a mixing desk and the surfaces are “only” remote controllers with audio I/O
Very true Steffen. I’m fully aware and almost pointed that out in my response actually. I just used ST1 as a common reference because I don’t currently have cables on hand to switch between DX168 1/2 and SQ-5 local 1/2 from the same playback source.
to ask if the input circuits of the DX168 are the same as in the SQ6:
i measured the inputs and found that the DX168 inputs have a little less distortion. i only measured THD+N.
so the circuits are not identical. but the values are still very good for a console in this price range! you really don’t have to worry here.
Thank you Wolfgang, that’s interesting, and very true about the console. I checked the official specifications and there are differences shown there too (though I’m aware these can’t always be relied on for direct comparison):
Mic/Line Inputs | SQ | DX168
Input Sensitivity | -60 to +0dBu | -60 to +15dBu
Switchable Pad. | -20dB | -20dB Active PAD
Analogue Gain | 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps | +5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
Max Input Level. | +30dBu | +30dBu (PAD in)
Input Impedance. | >5kΩ | >4kΩ (Pad out), >10kΩ (Pad in)
THD+N Unity gain 0dB | 0.002% -92dBu | not listed
THD+N Mid gain +30dB | 0.003% -91dBu | not listed
Mic EIN | not listed | -127dB with 150Ω source
Phantom Power | +48V (+3V / -2V) | +48V
the specifications also show, however, that the same preamps are probably not used here.
However, this will certainly not be noticeable in daily practice, as other factors play a much greater role.