Questyle M15i - Mobile headphone amplifier with DAC

Questyle M15i is a compact and powerful portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier aimed at listeners with high demands on sound quality, even when they are on the go. It is designed to dramatically improve the sound from mobile phones, tablets and computers compared to the devices' built-in audio circuits, delivering a clean, dynamic and highly detailed sound. At the heart of the M15i is a high-performance ESS Sabre DAC that supports high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM as well as native DSD. Questyle's own patented Current Mode Amplification technology is used in the amplification stage, which provides extremely low distortion and a very low noise floor. The result is a natural, transparent sound image with good control, both at low and high volumes. The Questyle M15i is equipped with both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones and IEMs. A built-in gain switch makes it easy to adjust the output power to suit both lightly driven and more demanding headphones. Despite its small size, the M15i delivers enough power to drive many full-sized headphones with stable and controlled reproduction. The device is Apple MFi certified and works seamlessly with iPhone and iPad, as well as Android devices, Windows computers and macOS via plug-and-play. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis provides both high build quality and an elegant expression, while LED indicators clearly show the current sampling rate and gain mode. In summary, the Questyle M15i is an excellent choice for those looking for a portable DAC/AMP with uncompromising sound quality, modern connectivity and solid construction - perfect for both mobile listening and as a high-quality sound upgrade for your computer. Questyle M15i in brief: * Portable USB DAC and headphone amplifier with a focus on high sound quality in a compact format * Significantly improves the sound from mobile phones, tablets and computers compared to built-in audio solutions * Equipped with ESS Sabre DAC with support for PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD * Uses Questyle's patented Current Mode Amplification technology for extremely low distortion and very low noise * Delivers a clean, detailed and dynamic sound image with good control over the entire frequency range * Two headphone outputs: 3.5 mm unbalanced and 4.4 mm balanced * Gain switch for optimal adaptation to both lightly powered IEMs and more demanding headphones * Sufficient output power to drive many full-sized headphones despite the small format * Apple MFi certified and compatible with iOS, Android, Windows and macOS (plug-and-play) * CNC machined aluminum chassis for high build quality and elegant design * LED indicators show sampling rate and selected gain mode "Questyle isn’t trying to hide what the M15i is. It sets out to be an upgrade to the M15, and it does that in every way that matters. The sound profile of the M15i has some major differences that feel so much more refined than the previous version. The sound is much more defined, separated by engaging blank spaces that make everything pop. Being the same price as the M15, I don’t think it’s much of a big ask to go for the upgrade, especially if you haven’t used the M15 before. There are some heavy hitters for DAC dongles nowadays, but the M15i still stands tall as one of the best." Major HiFi (April 2024)