Calling the brand new FiiO Q15 DAC/Headphone Amplifier “transportable” may be a little bit of a stretch. It’s undoubtedly on the bigger facet of issues in relation to the class is basically extra akin to the brand new iFi iDSD Diablo 2 that was simply launched final week.
There are few desktop DAC/Headphone amplifiers within the class that assist this many hi-res codecs and Bluetooth codecs so it’s straightforward to grasp why FiiO is positioning this on the high of their lineup.
Based mostly on their current observe document, FiiO has found out methods to make world class Dongle DACs, DAPs, and desktop headphone options which might be extraordinarily inexpensive.
Out there in December, the brand new flagship FiiO Q15 Transportable Headphone DAC/Amplifier builds upon the success of an award-winning vary of transportable audio tools launched in 2023 together with the KA13 Transportable Headphone DAC/Amplifier, K11 Desktop Headphone DAC/Amplifier, FT5 Planar Magnetic Headphones, and R7 Music Streamer.
Delivering assist for as much as 32-bit/768kHz, MQA, and native DSD512 Hello-Res audio information, the Q15 is a robust transportable Headphone DAC/Amplifier that includes AKM’s latest DAC mixture — the AK4191EQ+AK4499EX.
This DAC mixture incorporates newly developed ‘DWA (Knowledge Weighted Averaging) Routing Expertise’ which suppresses noise attributable to manufacturing course of elements, guaranteeing an extremely detailed, musical, and life like sound copy.
FiiO Q15 Options:
- Desktop & Transportable Twin Energy Provide Modes
- As much as 1600mW Excessive-Energy Output
- USB, Coaxial, and Bluetooth Decoding
- 10-band World Parametric Equalizer (PEQ)
- 5-Stage Audio Circuit
- Full-color IPS Show
While the Q15 is a conveyable machine, FiiO’s engineers have labored to ship a Headphone DAC Amplifier with desktop-grade capabilities. That includes a switchable Desktop Mode — along with a devoted USB-C energy connection — when the Q15 is powered externally, it should utterly bypass the inner battery, guaranteeing a desktop-like expertise, even on the go.
When Desktop Mode is chosen, utilizing a balanced output, the Q15 is able to spectacular energy output of 1600mW — greater than sufficient to drive a number of In-ear Screens (IEMs) and full-sized headphones.
Regardless of being a conveyable machine, the Q15 presents USB, Bluetooth, and Coaxial decoding — guaranteeing a variety of gadgets will be linked. Not solely Smartphones, Digital Audio Gamers (DAPs), but additionally CD Gamers, Streamers and Video games Consoles.
When utilizing the USB connection, the Q15 will assist audio information as much as 32-bit/ 768kHz (PCM), and DSD512. When utilizing Coaxial, the Q15 helps as much as 24-bit/ 192kHz (PCM), and DoP DSD64.
When utilizing the Bluetooth receiving mode, the Q15 helps a variety of codecs, together with aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC.
That includes an XMOS 16-core XU316 and Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip — combining USB DAC, Bluetooth, and coaxial decoding in a single — the Q15 has been meticulously designed from the bottom up by FiiO’s audio engineers.
As well as, its 5-level Audio Circuit incorporates a variable achieve and variable voltage design — with separate low-voltage low-gain, and high-voltage excessive achieve modes, guaranteeing compatibility with each In-ear Screens (IEMs) and full-size headphones. Digital and analogue sections of the Q15’s inner audio circuitry have been separated and shielded, guaranteeing that crosstalk is saved to a minimal.
The Q15 permits finish customers to personalize their listening expertise, because of the 10-band World PEQ (Parametric Equalizer). That includes 7 EQ presets, along with 3 customisable PEQ presets, the PEQ can be utilized in each the USB DAC and Bluetooth modes. Through an intuitive interface, frequencies — together with achieve ranges and bandwidth — will be fine-tuned to make sure a very tailor-made sound copy.
The Q15 contains a 1.3-inch full-color IPS showdisplaying Mode, Sampling Price, Quantity Stage, Battery Standing, Acquire, and so forth. The management knob permits person to shortly and entry a variety of capabilities together with: adjusting the amount, enter switching, and menu settings.
The Q15 additionally contains a ‘Telephone Mode’ swap guaranteeing that – when linked by way of USB-C to a smartphone, such because the iPhone 15 — energy is drawn from the inner Q15 battery, slightly than that of the telephone.
Specs
| DAC | Flagship AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX Mixture |
| USB Chipset | XMOS 16-core XU316 |
| Bluetooth Chipset | Qualcomm QCC5125 |
| Max. Sampling Price (USB DAC) | As much as PCM 768kHz/32bit Native DSD512 |
| Max. Sampling Price (Coaxial) | As much as PCM 192kHz/24bit DoP DSD64 |
| MQA Help | Sure |
| SNR | ≥ 123db (A-Weighted) |
| THD+N | <0.0004% (LO/1kHz/10kΩ) |
| Bluetooth Codec Help (Obtain) | SBC / AAC / aptX / aptX LL / aptX Adaptive / aptX HD / LDAC |
| Show | 1.30-inch TFT (240*240) |
| Headphone Output | 1 x 3.5mm Single-ended 1 x 4.4mm Balanced |
| Line Out | 1 x 3.5mm Single-ended (Shared PO) 1 x 4.4mm Balanced (Shared PO) |
| Line In | 1 x Coaxial (RCA) |
| USB Connection | 1 x Kind-C USB2.0 (Cost/Knowledge Switch) 1 x Kind-C USB2.0 (Cost) |
| Colour Choices | Black / Titanium Grey |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 143.5 x 71.75 x 21.75mm |
| Weight | 305g |
Within the Field
- 1 x Q15,
- 1 x USB-C Quick-charging Knowledge Cable
- 1 x USB-C Quick Knowledge Cable
- 1 x AC Energy Adaptor
- 1 x Storage Bag
- 1 x Silicon Pad
- 2 x Silicon Ring
- 1 x Display Protector (Pre-applied)
- 1 x Guide
- 1 x Guarantee Card
Worth & Availability
The FiiO Q15 will probably be out there for $399 at Amazon / £379 in black and titanium grey — anticipated by December 2023.
For extra info: fiio.com/q15
