Name: Questyle M18i | Bluetooth Portable DAC and Amp
Brand: Questyle
SKU: QU-M18i
Price: 349.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Questyle M18i dac/amp front and back whitebox

Questyle M18i dac/amp corner angle view whitebox

Questyle M18i dac/amp side buttons view whitebox

Questyle M18i dac/amp oled screen view whitebox

Questyle M18i dac/amp oled screen corner angle view whitebox

Questyle M18i dac/amp plugged into Sennheiser headphone on black background

$349.00

Condition

New

Open Box

M18i Pushes the Limit of Ultra-Portable DAC Dongles with Both Bluetooth Capability and Lossless Decoding

Dual flagship ES9219Q DACs
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4
3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs for versatile headphone compatibility
Ultra-low noise floor of -130dB for a pure background and real sound
Supports up to 384kHz (16/24/32-bit) PCM, delivering rich, high-fidelity audio
Leather protective case available

Technology Without Boundaries

The M18i contains four sets of SiP modules that use Questyle’s patented Current
Mode Amplification, providing both powerful drive and delicate timbre. The M18i also features ESS’s flagship ES9219Q Combo DAC, a dual- DAC mono design, and a TTA (Three-Tier Architecture) DAC framework. Together, these provide performance equivalent to large desktop devices, while raising the bar for portable sound quality.

Questyle M18i DAC/amp amplification diagram

The Questyle M18i features wired USB and dual-mode lossless Bluetooth connectivity, powered by a 16-core XMOS316 USB platform for seamless compatibility with smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles.

As the first M-series product with Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound, the M18i also introduces intelligent battery management, a high-definition OLED screen, and a microphone for clear voice calls. Offering exceptional Hi-Fi audio via Bluetooth or USB, the M18i delivers a premium listening experience.

Apple MFi Certified for Guaranteed Performance and Compatbility

The "i" in M15i indicates that it has been certified by Apple's MFi. MFi certification ensures perfect support for iPhone/iPad and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. It complies with Apple's stringent requirements for external devices in terms of power consumption and compatibility, avoiding the risk of damage to phones and systems from arbitrary device pairings.

Patented SiP Current Mode Amplifier

The Questyle M18i prioritizes resolving trade-offs between size, power efficiency, and audio performance in portable, battery-powered devices. It features two patented quad-core Current Mode Amplifier (CMA) SiP modules, delivering powerful drive with delicate timbre and achieving ultra-low distortion of 0.0002%.

By combining CMA technology with TOREX’s high-efficiency power management, the M18i ensures low power consumption without compromising performance, setting a new benchmark for the Questyle M series.

Sound Quality

A low noise floor is essential for capturing the intricate details of an audio track, allowing you to experience true high fidelity. The M18i excels in this regard, delivering exceptional accuracy with an ultra-low noise floor of -130dB, as verified in a controlled laboratory testing environment.

Questyle M18i DAC/amp plugged into sennheiser headphone

Full Compatibility for True Lossless Enjoyment

The M18i supports lossless Bluetooth and USB DAC dual-mode switching, making it convenient for users to choose freely. It is equipped with the latest generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology and Bluetooth 5.4.

3.5mm and 4.4mm Dual Ports with Gain Adjustment

The M18i, equipped with (x4) current mode engines, supports 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm fully balanced output modes. It also features manual gain adjustment, allowing users to choose the gain mode according to personal preferences, headphone characteristics, or the audio system.

Questyle M18i DAC/amp outputs diagram

Management System

Mobile Mode

In Mobile Mode, the USB audio port is used exclusively for data transmission and does not draw power from the connected mobile device. The M18i operates entirely on its internal battery. Similarly, in Bluetooth Mode, the device relies solely on its battery for power, ensuring no external power source is required.

PC Mode

In PC Mode, the USB audio port serves a dual purpose: transmitting data and supplying power. It charges the M18i’s battery while simultaneously powering the system.

When connected to a USB host device with a current limit, the M18i intelligently manages power distribution. It prioritizes the system’s operation by ensuring stable performance, then dynamically adjusts the battery charging current based on the system’s workload and power availability. This ensures optimal performance without overloading the USB host.

Specifications

Appearance

Material: CNC Anodized Aluminum Alloy
Color: Black
Size: 75mm x 35mm x 14.5mm

Bluetooth

Version 5.4
Supports: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptXHD, aptX adaptive, LDAC, LE Audio

Compatible Operating Systems

Android phones and tablets: Android 5.0 and above
PC: Win10 1803 and above
Apple cellphone: iOS (You need to buy an OTG cable for Lightning to USB-C)
Apple computer: Mac OS

DAC Capability

PCM: PCM: 44.1kHz-384kHz (16/24/32bit)
DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256

Output Power

4.4mm: 28mW @ 300 ohms

Frequency Response & THD

Frequency Response: ±0.1dB (20Hz-20kHz); ±2dB (20Hz-80kHz)
THD+N: 0.0002%
DAC: (2x) ESS ES9219Q

In the Box

M18i Mobile Headphone Amplifier with DAC
USB Type-C to Type-C Cable
USB Type-C to Type-A Cable
Warranty Card
User Manual

Questyle M18i DAC/amp in the box

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Well...it depends

If you want just a great dongle with sound somewhere between the Kensei (smoothness) and DC Elite (technicalities / natural), and just want the convenience of BT for a couple of hours, I think it's a keeper. I have it paired with the Volur and just enjoy it tremendously. Golden age of dongles. Honestly, at the price point, without BT, I think it's about right and goes toe to toe with the best, if not exceeds (depending on synergy). I am happy without the Kensei or DC Elite for what I'm getting.

HOWEVER...if you need something that will be battery dependent, go elsewhere (though nothing this size sounds this good). The battery really is atrocious. Like 2 hours +/- atrocious. So, probably could get in a home workout, or just some house chores. To that end, I'm fine with it. The BT is bonus to me.

Only other niggle, is I do wish it would assume full volume control over the device, but the upside is much more incremental range, almost like a step attenuator.

Questyle M18i | Bluetooth Portable DAC and Amp