Questyle

CMA18 is another milestone for Questyle Audio with the use of ESS Technology's flagship ES9039Pro DAC. CMA18 packs one of the most sophisticated pure Class A analog stages in a DAC available to market now, the strengths of the Hyperstream IV ES9039Pro and CMA18's current-mode amplification working hand in hand. CMA18 is alive with tone colour and saturation, notes propelled forth with a real zeal and macro-dynamic force about them. Questyle's current-mode amplifier is mounted on a high-performance dielectric Rogers board to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in distortion compared to previous flagships, gaining improved dynamics and reduced background noise for a more immersive listening experience. There is a tangible physicality about this Questyle flagship – listeners enjoy a palpable connection hearing familiar music again, as CMA18 heaves and breathes like it were a real, living, being. And still, in a reference DAC where neutrality is so prized, it presents tonal balance accurately. [See Product Desc. For More] In a throwback to Hi-Fi luminary Dan D'Agostino's work [using Texas Instruments] for Krell Industries at the beginning of the 21st century, Questyle designed CMA18's analog circuit path to operate transmitting signal solely in current instead of the standard voltage, starting from its ES9039Pro's analog current output. Manufacturers have long taken advantage of the ESS flagship's claim to be the most sophisticated DAC chip available, outputting in current for best distortion figures before traditionally voicing the circuit through the crucial I/V current-to-voltage converter stage. But D'Agostino understood then that no I/V stage could completely disappear sonically, colouring the sound artificially in ways unacceptable – he therefore removed the stage entirely, by employing Krell's own current-mode analog circuit. Transmission of signal, entirely in current, without prior conversion to voltage, has been revived by Questyle to the same effect here. Removal of the I/V aspect of CMA18's circuit therefore sees the purest expression ever of Questyle's current-mode philosophy, keeping affairs post-digital conversion magnificently and elegantly simple with fewer parts necessary.  Questyle's choice of current-mode signal is the stuff of legend by now. It eliminates the lag time that might otherwise occur when signal is transmitted in voltage, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered by comparison, with speed and ease.  By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in CMA18, Questyle virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits.  Coloured yet correct, CMA18 presents detail smoothly and organically with a sense of vibrancy that's accurate and still entertaining. Another effect of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path means that huge signal bandwidth is possible, leading to phase response being accurately preserved in the human hearing range. Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a naturalness to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Questyle build CMA18 as the ultimate expression to such a topology. It's an implementation that certainly flatters the ES9039Pro – a chip that packs enough computational horsepower to run its 8x oversampling process in just two passes thus minimising rounding errors – an upgrade on its predecessor that used a concatenation of three stacked 2x oversampling passes which compound errors. Not merely an advertisement for Questyle, but for ESS, the ES9039Pro's patented Hyperstream pulse-width modulation technology is a one-up on standard delta-sigma modulation. It now enters its fourth iteration pushing nigh inaudible high-order distortion levels post-conversion further down. This futuristic quad-mono ES9039Pro imparts a digital filter with extremely low in-band ripple and top noise and distortion rejection to allow CMA18 impart a new realism to your music. A 4.4mm headphone output, a pure Class A small signal and power stage, and LDAC Bluetooth input, then allows users to enjoy Questyle's flagship in ever more scenarios. Current-mode will prove even more effective the closer a load is to ground. The results translate to an ultra-low distortion, linear, analog system in tandem with Class A, without resorting to the excessive use of negative feedback. CMA18 works as a perfect DAC for your Hi-Fi system into component input impedances that have been dropping ever more readily since the turn of this decade. Flip CMA18 to variable volume mode, and its analog potentiometer turns it into an excellent pre-amp. Everything above discusses the less-obvious about a true Questyle flagship, because the plain truth is that CMA18 functions as the perfect headphone amplifier first and Hi-Fi hub second. Check out Questyle's other headphone specialties here, or view our other DACs here.

In response to the newest generation of challenging flagship earphones comes the Questyle Audio CMA18P 4.4mm DAC/amp to rule them all. Battery-powered, this AKM AK4493SEQ current-mode monster runs the Empire Ears Raven and Subtonic Audio Storm with ruthless, total capability.  Questyle adhere faithfully to current-mode amplification at all form factors, and build the ultimate version of M15i. And – with four desktop-class current-mode amplifiers, and a built-in battery power supply to free CMA18P from the handicap of USB's 5-volt source – the capabilities of their now-flagship portable just got extended. It's easy to hear. Operating in current-mode, audio signal gets passed in current instead of the more standard voltage. Certainly, headphones from Focal, Fostex plus HIFIMAN, Rosson Audio Design and ZMF Headphones could not ask for a better 4.4mm portable source. And Raven, Storm, and Symphonium Audio's Crimson all provide instant synergy, given their low impedances – and current signals excel the closer a load is to ground, mimicking a dead short. [See Product Desc. For More] Even before CMA18P's power and signal arrive at the final destination – your flagship earphones and headphones – current-mode amplification is already working its magic. It eliminates the lag time of the signal that might otherwise occur, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered as compared to voltage, with speed and ease. By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in CMA18P, Questyle virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. That small signal then takes advantage of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path. An added benefit from current-mode amplification is that huge signal bandwidth is possible, leading to phase response being accurately preserved in the human hearing range. Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a naturalness to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Questyle build CMA18P as a portable TOTL expression of such a topology.  Now working with Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)’s resurgent AK4493SEQ and a XMOS XU316 USB receiver for a pristine digital decode, the analog section of CMA18P preserves the converted audio to present it smoothly and organically, without exaggerated warmth or bloat. For those who wish to experiment with other sources, a pair of line-ins are also included. Happily use CMA18P with any low-impedance device bolstered by four desktop-level current-mode amplifiers as Questyle's purest portable voltage source yet.  CMA18P pushes gear such as Focals, Fostexs, HIFIMANs, Rosson Audio Designs, and CIEM heavyweights Craft Ears, Empire Ears – particularly the Raven, Odin and Legend Evo – and Vision Ears effortlessly. Driving low impedances is CMA18P's forte. Still, the bridge-tied load balanced operation with four amplifiers outputting means this Questyle also doubles voltage swing compared to single-ended operation, to drive higher impedances like HEDD Audio's HEDDPhone 2 and ZMF Headphones' Caldera credibly too. CMA18P is all you'll need with the low-impedance gear you'll commonly carry outdoors or at work. Otherwise, explore how Questyle's current-mode scheme in CMA15 can further benefit your planar-magnetic headphones at the desk, or browse our other mobile DAC/amps here.

Questyle Audio adhere faithfully to current-mode amplification at all form factors, their dedication to this technology extending down to their thumbdrive-sized DAC dongle, the M12.  It's easy to hear why, if audible results count to you. Operating in current-mode, audio signal gets passed in current instead of the more standard voltage. This eliminates the lag time of the signal that might otherwise occur, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered as compared to voltage, with speed and ease. [See Product Desc. For More] By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in M12, Questyle virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. Typical of their high-end offerings, M12 presents detail smoothly and organically without exaggerated warmth or bloat. It easily earned Stereophile's praise for its transparency. Another effect of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path means that huge signal bandwidth is possible, leading to phase response being accurately preserved in the human hearing range. Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a naturalness to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Questyle build M12 as an affordable entry to such a topology. Happily use with any low-impedance device (current signals excel the closer a load is to ground) such as Focal's new line of headphones – Radiance, Celestee and Clear MG – plus Rosson Audio Design and CIEM heavyweights Craft Ears and Empire Ears. // GOOD TO KNOW  Current Mode Amplification Smart impedance matching from 8 to 600 Ohms. Ultra low distortion 0.0003% ES9281AC chip (Decodes up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD256) Supports MQA decoding Supports TRRS in-line mic input Gain indicator  Data indicator Compatible with Android 5.0 & above and iPhones (Lightning cable not provided) Dimensions: 5.1 X 1.65 X 0.81 cm Output Power: Built-in smart detection circuit will automatically self-adjust the output power to fit different impedance of headphones. RL=16Ω – Po=46.11mW; RL=32Ω – Po=26.71mW; RL=300Ω – Po=12.26mW; When the detected impedance is less than 70Ω, M12 will self-adjust to low gain output. When it is more than 70Ω, M12 will self-adjust to high gain output. When it is more than 600Ω, M12 will automatically switch to 2Vrms line out. // WHAT'S IN THE BOX:  1 x M12 Mobile Amplifier with DAC 1 x M12 description card 1 x Type-C to USB-A Cable  1 x Type-C to USB-C Cable

Dress up and protect your Questyle M15 with a leather case! Comes in Black, Brown or Red!

Questyle Audio adhere faithfully to current-mode amplification at all form factors, and building a 4.4mm balanced output into the M15i just extended the capabilities of their flagship dongle, which now comes with MFi certification for guaranteed usability with Apple products. Headfonia says "M15i offers one of the most sophisticated designs in the industry". ecoustics rate it on par with legacy music players and "would suggest trying it before you pay for anything else". MOONSTAR Reviews echo M15i competes on equal terms as music players. Headphonesty hail it as liquid gold. M15i "managed to wring musicality out of the ESS DAC chip that I frankly did not think possible" praised Headphone Guru. It's Highly Recommended on Ear Fidelity. It's easy to hear why, if audible results count to you. Operating in current-mode, audio signal gets passed in current instead of the more standard voltage. The Raven, Odin & Legend Evo from Empire Ears provides instant synergy, given their 3ohm load. Current-mode amplification eliminates the lag time of the signal that might otherwise occur, as it builds up at the capacitances in the circuit – current signal passes through unhindered as compared to voltage, with speed and ease. [See Product Desc. For More] By doing away with the issue of transmission delay in M15i, Questyle virtually eliminates any of the harshness caused by the intermodulation distortion associated with high capacitance, solid-state circuits. Typical of their high-end offerings, M15i decodes digital via its ESS Technology ES9281AC DAC smoothly and organically, without exaggerated warmth or bloat.  That small signal then takes advantage of being unhindered by capacitance in the signal path. An added benefit from current-mode amplification is that huge signal bandwidth is possible, leading to phase response being accurately preserved in the human hearing range. Indeed, to hear current-mode is to hear a naturalness to music not encountered before in a conventional circuit, and Questyle build M15i as an affordable entry to such a topology. Happily use with any low-impedance device (current signals excel the closer a load is to ground) such as Rosson Audio Designs, the Vision Ears Elysium EXT, plus CIEM heavyweights Craft Ears and Empire Ears – particularly the latter's Odin and Legend Evo. Driving low impedances is M15i's forte. But bridge-tied load balanced operation now means this dongle also doubles voltage swing compared to single-ended operation, to drive higher impedances credibly too. Explore how Questyle's current-mode scheme in can further benefit your planar-magnetic headphones in CMA18P, or browse our other mobile DAC/amps here.

Here comes the Master. Questyle's QPM follows the success of its predecessor, the QP2R. Whilst there is no change in form factor, the QPM instantly switches all background noise to zero, simulating a pitch black room, with full HiFi clarity playing with ease, finesse and control. It's velvety and precise, boasting full Class A amplification, and insisting on true balanced circuitry via its 4.4mm output.The Master is not limited by circumstances nor listening preferences. Choose to use it as a DAC by connecting it to your phone, a standalone portable player, connect it to your car system, or dock it via the CMA Twelve or CMA Twelve Master (read about the Super Source System here). Then sit back to hours of listening through speakers or your favourite pair of headphones. The Focal Utopia has been spotted as a frequent visitor in Questyle setups, and some Utopias stay for good, because a great match made in heaven does not come by every day in our world called audiophilia. Ask to listen to the QPM the next time you visit us.

The Questyle QP2R is one born of professional descent. Questyle is known for its Golden Reference System which is used in China's largest concert hall, the Xinghai Concert Hall, and in the heart of that music, sits the Current Mode Amplification technology. Users notice an immediate effortless presentation of notes in a dark background. It's liquid, silent, precise. Further, turn on the BIAS control for a smooth drive, and allow the music to flow with richness in tone and clarity of notes. It is a refined, powerful player for the purists. It does not stream, it does not allow WIFI. It waits for the right listener, and then it gives back. The QP2R is reference class for many of our users. It is fully balanced, and its exquisite finish is attributed to the Fanuc CNC machine at Foxconn. For those who do not stream, and are sibilance-intolerant, we recommend anchoring your portable listening with this, or dock it at home with the CMA Twelve Master for an smooth evening of uninterrupted listening. Pour yourself your favourite drink.===Full specifications here.=== Curiosity did not kill the cat. It lead to modernisation. Read about the flagship DAP from Questyle, the QPM, or look back at history to see how it all started, with the QP1R.