In this review, I explore the Questyle M15, an audio device that has quickly risen to prominence within the audiophile community. Questyle Audio, known for their dedication to high-fidelity audio equipment, has crafted the M15 with precision engineering and a keen ear for what music enthusiasts truly seek. This device boasts high-resolution audio support, an expansive frequency response, and an impressively low total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) ratio, setting it apart in the crowded market of portable DACs and amplifiers. With the company’s reputation for integrating cutting-edge technology with audiophile-grade components, the M15 promises an exceptional auditory experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of its performance across various sound frequencies to see if it lives up to Questyle Audio’s lofty standards.
DAC: Utilizes ESS Technology’s ES9281AC chip
AMP: Features dual CMA SiP Modules, housing a total of four CMA amplifiers
Power: Offers Low/High gain settings with the 4.4mm output at 300Ω resistance delivering 22.60mW power, maximum output voltage of 2.624Vrms, and a THD+N of 0.00057%, powered by TOREX Power Management
Decoding Capabilities: Supports PCM decoding from 32kHz to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD256
Headphone Outputs: Equipped with a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm unbalanced jack
Construction: Crafted from CNC machined aluminum with a glass front cover
Box and Questyle M15
The packaging of the Questyle M15 is straightforward and impressive. It comes in a neat box that looks high-end, hinting at the quality of the device inside. When you open the box, everything is nicely arranged and well protected, ensuring the M15 and its accessories are safe during shipping.
The box is made from good materials, matching the premium feel of the M15, which is made of aluminum with a glass front. Inside, you’ll find the M15 itself, along with all the cables and things you need to get started, all laid out in an easy-to-understand way.
The packaging makes a great first impression, showing off the care and quality that went into making the M15. It’s clear from the start that this is a top-notch product, with packaging that’s both good-looking and practical, preparing you for the excellent sound experience the M15 offers.
Questyle M15 Sound
The Questyle M15 gives you a sound experience like no other. It’s like being right there at a live concert. The ESS flagship USB DAC chip, the ES9281AC, lets the M15 handle high-res audio formats perfectly, making every song sound true to its original recording. It’s not just impressive; it pulls you right into the music.
When I listen to the Questyle M15, the first thing that strikes me is its high sound quality. It presents music with a clarity and precision that makes every detail stand out, from the subtle breaths of a vocalist to the intricate layers of instruments in a complex composition. The soundstage is impressively grand, giving me a spatial sense that I’m in the midst of a live performance, with elements positioned clearly around me. Its balanced output ensures that the sound signature is pleasant, neither overly warm nor too clinical, striking a perfect balance that enhances all genres of music I throw at it. The integration of a high-quality DAC and headphone amplifier in such a compact, portable form factor is remarkable, making the M15 not just a powerful audio device but also a versatile companion for my mobile listening needs. The robust build and solid looks are just the cherry on top of the impressive sound it delivers, making my music listening experience truly immersive and satisfying.
Bass
When it comes to bass, the M15 really shines. It delivers deep and rich bass that wraps around you, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the music. This is especially noticeable in songs with a lot of bass, where you can hear every note and beat clearly. The M15 balances the power of the bass with the finer details in the music, keeping everything sounding just right.
Midrange
The midrange is where the M15 stands out, too. The sound is so clear and natural, it brings out the true sound of vocals and instruments. It’s great at separating and highlighting every part of a song, making sure you can hear the vocals and instruments clearly. This makes you feel closer to the music, almost like you can feel the emotions and effort the artists put into their work.
Treble
The treble sounds crystal clear and super clean with the M15. This clarity makes it easy to pick up on the subtlest details in the music. The treble keeps the music sounding pure, letting the true character of the song come through. The way the M15 handles treble shows its commitment to giving you a real and authentic listening experience, making every high note and cymbal crash sound just right.
BAL__
With AFUL MagicOne
The headphones are the AFUL MagicOne with its original 4.4mm output cable. After the horrifying moments caused by the sound control cancellation with the Dx320, I decided to switch to the tiny Shanling M0 Pro.
It adds a relatively higher frequency timbre to the sound and produces a background noise that I never encountered with the 3.5mm output. However, it significantly enhances the realism and volume of all instruments. It also noticeably improves the resolution of the already sharp trebles in recordings. So far, I have not observed any alterations that would disrupt the flatness in the frequency graph. Compared to the Simgot EA1000 in the MagicOne, its somewhat bulkier sound structure became a bit more like the EA1000 with this setup, but it still couldn’t completely match it.
Headphone__
With Hifiman Sundara Closed Back
This time, it faces a challenging load: the Hifiman Sundara Closed Back. Let’s see how it drives this 20-ohm 98dB sensitive beast.
I’m listening at high gain and the volume set to 60/100. The sound level seems good, and the stage is wide for a closed-back headphone. The speed increased slightly, and the clarity is superb. However, I’m struggling to hear the details in my reference smooth jazz track that I’ve been able to hear for years. I’m also noticing clipping distortions in other genres. No instrument should stand out like this! Without going any further, I conclude that “the torque wasn’t enough” and think it would have been better if I had stuck with IEMs.
Comparison
Vs Cayin RU7
The Questyle M15 and Cayin RU7, both highly regarded in the audiophile community, offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different listener preferences. The M15 is celebrated for its exceptional clarity and precision, delivering sound with an analytical edge that brings out the finest details in music. Its sound signature leans towards neutrality with a slight emphasis on detail retrieval, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a transparent and accurate representation of their music. The M15’s ability to minimize background noise to almost non-existent levels further enhances its appeal, providing a clean and uninterrupted listening experience. This device excels in producing a wide soundstage with precise imaging, allowing for an immersive and spacious audio experience.
In contrast, the Cayin RU7 offers a slightly warm and natural sound that excels in delivering emotional depth, particularly in the midrange. Its sound signature is characterized by a smooth treble and controlled bass, creating a balanced and cohesive listening experience. The RU7’s strength lies in its ability to present vocals and acoustic instruments with richness and clarity, making it particularly suited for genres that benefit from a more organic and warm presentation. While it may not match the M15 in terms of absolute detail retrieval and background noise suppression, the RU7 compensates with its musicality and engaging sound character. The RU7 also provides a spacious soundstage, but with a focus on warmth and musical engagement over the analytical precision of the M15.
These differences highlight the unique appeal of each device: the Questyle M15 is ideal for audiophiles who prioritize clarity, detail, and an accurate soundstage, while the Cayin RU7 appeals to those who prefer a warm, natural, and engaging listening experience with an emphasis on vocal richness and instrumental timbre.
Pros:
1. High-Resolution Audio Support: The Questyle M15 supports a wide range of audio formats, including high-resolution PCM and DSD files, ensuring compatibility with the highest quality recordings for audiophiles.
2. Exceptional Sound Quality: With the inclusion of the ESS flagship USB DAC chip ES9281AC, the M15 delivers outstanding sound quality, characterized by clarity, depth, and a well-balanced soundstage across all frequency ranges.
3. Minimal Background Noise: The device excels in providing a nearly noiseless background, which enhances the listening experience by allowing even the subtlest details to shine through without interference.
4. Low THD+N: The M15 boasts an impressively low total harmonic distortion plus noise ratio, ensuring that the audio output is as true to the original recording as possible.
5. Versatile Output Options: Equipped with both 3.5mm standard and 4.4mm balanced headphone jacks, the M15 caters to a variety of listening preferences and headphone types.
6. Solid Build Quality: Questyle’s commitment to quality is evident in the M15’s construction, offering durability alongside its premium audio performance.
7. Efficient Heat Management: The device is designed to manage heat effectively, ensuring that it remains cool even during extended listening sessions.
Cons:
1. Price Point: The high quality and performance of the M15 come at a premium price, which might be a barrier for some potential users.
2. Size and Portability: While portable, the M15 is bulkier than many other dongles, which could be a drawback for those seeking the most compact solution.
3. Limited On-device Controls: The M15 relies heavily on the connected source device for control, which might not appeal to users who prefer physical buttons or dials for immediate adjustments.
4. Battery Drain on Source Device: As with most DACs, using the M15 can lead to quicker battery depletion on the connected smartphone or digital audio player.
Questyle M15 Review Conclusions
The Questyle M15 really stands out for its support of high-resolution audio, its ability to handle a wide range of sounds, and its low noise and distortion. It excels in making every type of sound clear and full, which is sure to impress anyone who’s serious about their music. The fact that it doesn’t get too hot and keeps background noise to a minimum makes listening for longer periods comfortable. Plus, its ability to bring out the depth and detail in music makes it a great choice for anyone looking for top-quality sound. In my view, the Questyle M15 is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s your ticket to experiencing music in its truest form