Questyle M18i Review: Hands-On with Questyle’s New Portable Flagship DAC/Amp

Questyle M18i Review: Introduction

The M18i endeavors to redefine portable audio by delivering professional-grade decoding, characterized by pristine sound, intricate detail, and an expansive soundstage. For those who refuse to compromise on audio fidelity, the M18i sets a new benchmark in the realm of portable Hi-Fi. Let’s see if it makes the cut!

Build & Design

Building upon the lauded M12i and M15i, Questyle has unleashed the M18i ($399, now with a 20% off coupon on Amazon), a flagship portable DAC/AMP that signifies a substantial leap forward in mobile audio. Designed meticulously for the discerning audiophile, the M18i boasts significant enhancements, most notably the integration of Bluetooth 5.4 and the addition of a battery for added functionality.

The M18i epitomizes minimalist elegance, adhering to the principles of Bauhaus design. Its CNC precision-machined aluminum alloy body, which is remarkably lightweight, exudes robustness and sophistication.

This DAC/Amp is slightly larger than average, but its lightweight materials and slim design make it easy to carry. The tightly fitted glass screen, buttons, and ports give this portable device a distinctly premium feel.

The OLED screen, though small, displays information clearly, including volume, gain, sample rate, source, and battery life. It features dual output ports (3.5mm and 4.4mm) to accommodate a variety of headphones, which are positioned well to allow space for larger connectors.

Features

The M18i is a technological marvel, packed with an array of cutting-edge features. At its core lies Questyle’s TTA Triple-Decoding Architecture, (with separate DAC, Pre-AMP, and AMP sections for less distortion), a sophisticated design that employs dual ESS ES9219Q DAC chips in a mono dual-DAC configuration.

This architecture, along with the company’s patented “Current Mode” amplifier section, offers a high level of audio fidelity. The circuitry is designed for high efficiency, enhancing battery life while ensuring very low distortion. The company claims an ultra-low distortion rate of just 0.0002%.

Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, powered by one of the latest Qualcomm chips, ensures seamless wireless audio streaming. It supports Snapdragon Sound, including aptX HD, Lossless, and Adaptive codecs, as well as LDAC. With Apple MFi certification, it offers excellent compatibility in terms of connection speed and battery life with iOS devices. Additionally, it is compatible with Android devices, as well as Windows and Apple computers.

The M18i features independent volume control with 60 adjustable levels, enabling precise audio tuning. It includes a one-button mode switch for quick transitions between Bluetooth, PC, and Phone modes. Both PC and Phone modes utilize the USB-C port for output; however, Phone mode relies on the DAC’s battery, while PC mode permits using an external charger connected through the separate dedicated USB-C charging port.

In addition, there is a Multi-Function Button (MFB) that controls audio playback (Play/Track) and phone calls (Answer/Hang Up) when in Bluetooth mode. This button also serves as a Gain control in the Phone/PC modes, allowing users to switch between High and Low Gain modes.

Furthermore, there’s a top-of-the-line internal microphone from Infineon, paired with Qualcomm’s cVc 8.0 noise reduction technology, ensuring crystal-clear voice calls in Bluetooth mode. Intelligent power management is also implemented for the battery, enhancing user convenience.

Speaking of the battery, there’s a concern I’ve noticed in several online reviews regarding battery life. When using power-intensive features, such as LDAC Bluetooth or playing ultra-high-resolution file types, the playback time can be as low as just two hours per charge.

To me, this wasn’t a major issue as I probably wouldn’t be listening on the battery for any longer than this, but if you’re looking for something to use on a marathon listening session that’s longer than two hours, then this is something to keep in mind.

Questyle M18i Review: Tech Specs

• Input: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.4
• Outputs: 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 with Snapdragon Sound and LDAC
• Max File Support: PCM 384kHz, DSD256 (wired); 96kHz (Bluetooth)
• Battery-Powered: Yes
• Dimensions (HWD): 75 x 35 x 14.5mm
• Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Output power: 28mW @ 300Ω (Balanced output)

Questyle M18i Review: Sound

I’m not going to beat around the bush. To me, the M18i’s sonic performance is nothing short of breathtaking. The TTA Triple-Decoding Architecture and dual ESS ES9219Q chips deliver a level of clarity and detail that is truly remarkable.

Testing involved a wide array of headphones, from in-ear monitors to over-ear models, and a diverse selection of music genres, from classical to electronic. The M18i consistently delivered an exceptional listening experience, revealing the full potential of each headphone and music track.

My primary testing setup consisted of an Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max, the M18i, and the Hifiman Arya Stealth Magnet headphones connected to the 4.4mm Balanced output. Music was streamed from TIDAL. As I assumed after reading the M18i’s specs, the DAC/Amp had no issue driving the large Planar Magnetic headphones to their full potential, especially using the 4.4mm output and High Gain mode.

In wired mode, the M18i handles high-resolution audio files with aplomb, revealing nuances and subtleties often lost with lesser devices. The soundstage is expansive, allowing for precise instrument placement and a sense of immersion. The bass is tight and controlled, the midrange is transparent and detailed, and the treble is crisp and extended without harshness.

On the other hand, the evenhanded presentation of this DAC/Amp means the bass dynamics may be a bit flat for some folks, but I actually like the reference-style tuning. As I said, the bass is very well-controlled and articulate which I prefer to an overly punchy product. Besides, I think the M18i has enough punch to have sufficient impact.

Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, with LDAC support, provides a wireless listening experience that rivals wired performance. The M18i maintains exceptional clarity and detail, even wirelessly streaming high-res audio.

There might be a slight downgrade in resolution in the Bluetooth mode, but the M18i still has one of the best LDAC presentations I’ve ever heard, and it sparkled when played through my Hifiman Arya Stealth Magnet headphones.

In both scenarios, the M18i exhibited an amazingly black background, something I’ve never heard from a DAC/Amp this size. In truth, I can’t remember hearing a similar device of any size at this price that sounded so clean distortion-wise.

The transparency reminded me of their desktop units, which cost thousands of dollars. That’s not to say this little box has the same fidelity as its big brothers, but it provided the same feeling of openness, neutrality, and depth.

This DAC allowed me to hear “into” a recording like no other DAC/Amp of this size. You would have to move up to a much larger unit like the Chord Mojo to get a similar feeling of separation and layering, but that product gives you nowhere near the portability or

Questyle M18i Review: Comparisons

I compared the M18 to my previous reference in the portable DAC/Amp space, the iFi GO Bar ($329), which is priced similarly and shares many features, including extensive file support, balanced output, volume control, and a powerful amplifier section.

The GO Bar lacks a screen, battery, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, it’s slightly more powerful in terms of wattage and a bit smaller in size. Additionally, it offers some DSP modes that enhance spatial sound and bass output.

In terms of sound quality, I believe the M18i outperforms the GO Bar in nearly every aspect except for one: bass impact and extension. The GO Bar delivers a livelier performance in the low end, which may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced bass slam.

Nevertheless, I find the Questyle M18i to be more well-rounded, with superior separation, layering, and overall resolution. If you’re looking for a DAC/Amp that is slightly smaller and more powerful than the M18i, then the GO Bar is still a compelling option, offering solid performance that’s quite competitive.

Questyle M18i Review: Verdict

The Questyle M18i is a testament to Questyle’s commitment to audio excellence. This flagship portable DAC/AMP represents a significant advancement in mobile audio, offering an unparalleled combination of cutting-edge technology, refined design, and exceptional sound quality. While the premium price point may be a consideration, the M18i’s performance justifies the investment.

For audiophiles who demand the best, the M18i sets a new benchmark in portable Hi-Fi. Its seamless integration of wired and wireless high-fidelity audio, coupled with its wealth of advanced features, makes it a truly exceptional device.

The device’s compact form factor and solid build quality make it an ideal companion for audiophiles on the move. The M18i is my new reference portable DAC/Amp going forward.

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