In the present day, we evaluate the $349 USD Questyle M18i USB DAC/AMP dongle with Bluetooth.
Disclaimer: Questyle despatched us the M18i for this evaluate. As all the time, I’m right here to share my sincere opinion concerning the product.
Questyle
With over 10 years of expertise within the audio area, Questyle has been targeted on the analysis, design, and improvement of high-performance audio gear. They’ve constructed a strong popularity by each desktop and cellular merchandise and have launched a number of award-winning gadgets through the years.
My expertise with Questyle dates again to 2015. They’d simply launched a conveyable participant known as the QP1, and I used to be genuinely impressed with its efficiency on the time. Extra lately, their transportable DAC/AMPs have began gaining extra recognition globally, and I’ve observed an increase in reputation throughout the audiophile neighborhood.
The final evaluate I did for a Questyle product was the M15 in 2022. That mannequin was ultimately adopted by the M15i, which grew to become their most well-received dongle up to now, at the very least so far as I do know. When you’re curious, their total product line-up is out there on their English web site and official store.
Questyle M18i
As of scripting this evaluate, the transportable sequence consists of 4 present fashions: the M12i, M15i, M18i, and the CMA18P. The M18i brings Bluetooth performance from the flagship CMA18P into the M-series, and for the primary time on this line-up, Questyle has built-in a battery into the design.
For the M18i, Questyle used twin ESS ES9219Q DAC chips in a dual-mono setup. They paired these with 4 SiP modules constructed on their patented Present Mode Amplification know-how. The interior construction follows what they name TTA, or Three-Tier Structure, which consists of a devoted DAC stage, a preamp part, and a separate output stage.
By separating the DAC, preamp, and HP amplification phases, Questyle goals to attain tighter management over the sign. The 4 SiP modules are answerable for the current-mode amplification and are positioned to deal with each constructive and adverse phases of every channel independently. In idea, this improves general efficiency, particularly for balanced output.
When you take a look at the sign movement diagram, it turns into clear why Questyle selected this format/arch.
The M18i is clearly constructed as a balanced-first system, as Questyle doesn’t even present detailed energy specs for the unbalanced aspect. Personally, I switched to 4.4 mm a few years in the past, and the M18i delivers a strong quantity of energy by its balanced output. The three.5 mm single-ended port remains to be there for comfort, however it’s undoubtedly not the main target.
Acquire is adjustable, and in high-gain mode, the 4.4 mm output delivers 260 mW into 32 ohms and 28 mW into 300 ohms.
M18i can also be the primary M-series dongle with a built-in battery. In cellular or Bluetooth mode, it runs completely off its personal energy as an alternative of drawing from the related supply. The battery is comparatively small at 500mAh, providing round 2 to three hours of use earlier than depletion. I used to be truthfully blindsided by this design selection, particularly contemplating the system helps LDAC and delivers glorious Bluetooth efficiency.
In PC mode, the M18i powers itself and fees the battery on the similar time, utilizing a dynamic energy administration system that adapts in real-time to USB present limits and system load.
The M18i is priced at $399 USD, however it’s out there for $349 by Questyle’s on-line retailer as an introductory supply. The drivers will be discovered right here.
Equipment & Packaging
The M18i is available in a compact drawer-style field that I discovered fairly stylish. The packaging is easy however effectively thought out; you pull on the material tab, and the interior tray slides out, revealing the system, some documentation, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Sadly, there’s no Lightning cable within the field.
Given the asking worth, the accent set feels somewhat gentle. On the very least, a leather-based case may have been bundled in. As a substitute, it’s bought individually for 29 USD. The USB-C cable is well-built with a material sheath and strong connectors, however it’s a bit stiff and never probably the most sensible for transportable use. Total, the equipment fall wanting expectations, particularly contemplating the premium pricing.
Design & Construct High quality
The Questyle M18i follows the established design language and kind issue of the corporate’s M-series dongle DAC/AMPs. The very first thing that stands out is its matte black chassis, CNC-machined from tempered aluminum. The entrance encompasses a tempered glass panel that protects a compact OLED display, whereas the again has a clear end with a Questyle brand.
All management buttons are positioned alongside one aspect of the system; certification markings like CE are printed on the other panel, the place you’ll additionally discover the ability supply port. Talking of ports, the M18i consists of two USB-C inputs: one is strictly for information transmission, whereas the opposite handles each information and energy. This setup provides versatile connectivity relying in your use case.
The buttons themselves are accentuated with chrome borders, giving the system a extra refined look. Tactile suggestions is superb; every button press feels deliberate and exact. From left to proper, the controls embrace a bodily mode selector change, a multifunction achieve button, quantity down, quantity up, and the ability button. A single press powers the system on, and urgent it once more dims the display.
You’ll want to press and maintain for 3 to 4 seconds, then launch to energy off the system. When you maintain it for greater than 10 seconds, it triggers a manufacturing facility reset as an alternative.
The headphone outputs are positioned on the top reverse the USB-C connectors. Each the three.5 mm and 4.4 mm ports are gold-plated for higher conductivity and long-term sturdiness.
I actually just like the M18i’s matte black floor; it has a easy, electroplated really feel that stands out amongst its dongle friends. It feels premium within the hand, doesn’t appeal to fingerprints, and has a silky easy end that’s surprisingly uncommon amongst transportable DACs, which often have extra textured or grippy finishes.
The evaluate continues on Web page Two, after the press HERE or by utilizing the bounce under.
Web page 1: Questyle, M18i, Packaging & Equipment, Design & Construct High quality
Web page 2: Expertise, Sound Impressions, Comparability, Final Phrases
