Questyle CMA18 Portable / CMA18P
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Questyle is a highly consistent brand that has only produced bangers and not a single bad apple. This brand used to be a bit obscure in the Western market (probably due to a lack of distributors and the absence of proper marketing), but its fame was actually catapulted by the M15 portable dongle DAC Amp. The much higher-end CMA 15 and CMA 12 Master generally received positive responses. While I am not a “fanboy” per se, I found them to be excellent products without any significant flaws.
However, none of them necessarily blew my mind. That was until I got my hands on this super weird and exciting product Questyle has been cooking and has recently released: the Questyle CMA 18 Portable. By the way, the CMA 18 P is not to be confused with the CMA 18 Master. The 18 Master is Questyle’s current desktop flagship and an evolution of the CMA 15, while the 18P is somewhat of an evolution of the M15.
Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews
Specs:
AKM 4493SEQ (departure from the ESS sabre chip used in the M12 and M15, which were more budget-oriented devices)
Equipped with four sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips.
Peak power of 1W @32 ohms. Questyle uses bespoke current mode amplification, so power figure numbers differ from traditional amplifiers.
Supports up to PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 playback. Questyle, interestingly, has dropped MQA support this time.
Price: $699
Connectivity Options and features:
USB-C, Optical/TOSlink, and Bluetooth inputs (aptX-HD + LDAC).
Vinyl to Digital recording function.
3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs and line outs.
Battery Capacity:
4300 mAh (runtime: up to 10 hours. Takes around 2.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent)
Build Quality and aesthetic observation:
The CMA 18P is a weird stunner, for sure. It is surprisingly compact and thin despite housing a fairly large-capacity battery. The outer body features sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum surfaces with silver high-gloss buttons and side panels. It boasts custom Corning glass coatings on both front and back panels. I quite like the gradient dot design, which adds an element of subtle beauty to the transparent front panel, which showcases the beautifully intricate PCB like an aquarium.
There is no OLED status screen, and in typical Questyle fashion, all current statuses are conveyed via tiny LEDs. There are separate LEDs representing different inputs, and four separate LEDs briefly light up, indicating volume level increase/decrease or charge level (via a single power button press). 4 more LEDs further down indicate whether the SiP modules are operational. There is also a separate LED indicating USB connection status. All of these might sound exhausting and troublesome, but it actually took me less than 10 minutes to get used to, and I personally love this unique Morse code ‘esque approach instead of yet another dull, monotone screen.
Sound :
The CMA 18P is quite different sonically from the CMA 15 and M15. It sounds significantly wider and three-dimensional than both. Soundstage has not been the strongest suit of Questyle products before. Yet the exact opposite happens here. The only portable DAC Amp under 1000 USD that can compete with 18P’s staging is the Aroma Audio Air. Both iFi Gryphon and Chord Mojo 2 sound noticeably “closed in” in comparison, especially the Mojo 2.
Bass response is top-notch. It's quick and super snappy and reaches deep. The overall bass response has this textured, hyper-layered vibe to it, which I find to be quite rare in DAC Amps under $1000.
The midrange is sweet and romantic, a characteristic I found missing in previous Questyle products. The vocals sound lush and euphoric. DITA project M, for example, is an IEM I do not associate with lush vocals. It is rather crystalline in nature. But when paired with the CMA 18P, vocals become one of its primary strengths.
Treble response is a massive improvement from the previous 15 lineup. I no longer notice the digital sheen, a total killjoy that somewhat ruined the M15’s treble for me. CMA 18P’s treble is slightly velvety and mellow but without being overly warm. This works well with energetic sets like the Project M, FATFreq Grand Maestro, and Craft Ears Omni. However, I will not recommend pairing the likes of FATFreq Scarlet Mini or Symphonium Titan to it, as these sets are already very subdued in the treble.
Detail retrieval and micro and macro dynamics are standouts, as usual; it is a Questyle product, after all. Imaging and instrument layering are truly holographic, and combined with massive staging capabilities, they create a vast soundscape. Given its small footprint, the output power is rather impressive. I had zero trouble running the Hifiman Arya Organic to its full potential in high gain.
There are a few cons, though. Thanks to the gorilla glass coating around the device, CMA 18P is highly slippery and must be handled cautiously. Accidental falls can result in cracks. Glass is glass, and glass breaks. I would highly recommend buying the leather case separately for additional safety. The unit runs a bit warm, but it is tolerable. I also wish the USB/optical inputs were on one side and outputs on the other. There is some hiss with overly sensitive IEMs (Campfire Audio Ponderosa and Flipears Artha, for example), but it's faint and not noticeable when tracks are being played. Battery life is good and remains consistent. I did not measure the exact run time, but the unit can be comfortably used for a day or two before needing to be charged again.
Bluetooth is generally an afterthought in such devices (iFi Gryphon's terrible Bluetooth performance, for example). CMA 18P’s BT implementation is as perfect as it gets. BT sound from the CMA18P easily outclasses flagship-level dongles like the Cayin RU7, L&P W4, and Questyle M15. I am not kidding; it is really that great. Bluetooth range and stability are both top-notch.
Comparisons:
iFi Gryphon: The Gryphon is significantly warmer but still provides ample clarity. 18P is a few notches above the Gryphon. It has a more coherent and organic sound signature. 18P’s technical prowess outclasses the Gryphon’s with ease. Gryphon cannot drive planars properly despite the big power numbers on paper, a con 18P does not have. It still cannot drive the Susvara or Abyss, though
Chord Mojo 2: I think the Mojo 2 is an equal performer but less versatile and not impressive in terms of staging capabilities. You can pair the Mojo 2 with the Poly and turn it into a streaming device. Pairing the CMA 18P with the WiiM mini essentially does the same thing.
Shanling H7: The H7 is too large and too warm. However, it does offer MQA decoding, which is a plus if you are into that. I appreciate the H7 and enjoyed its sound when I owned one, but the CMA18P is a much better pick in value, form factor, and performance.
iFi Diablo: I struggled to like this iFi product. Diablo is a bit dry and soulless, the opposite of what iFi devices tend to be. It lacks versatility, and the battery life is terrible. However, it can power stubborn headphones like the Susvara and HE6SE, which is an advantage.
Earmen Angel: Angel is an exceptional value at a now-discounted price of $399. It is a bit heavy and bulky, though. The CMA 18P is significantly better sound quality wise but in case you are on a tight budget, I cannot recommend the Angel enough.
However, none of them necessarily blew my mind. That was until I got my hands on this super weird and exciting product Questyle has been cooking and has recently released: the Questyle CMA 18 Portable. By the way, the CMA 18 P is not to be confused with the CMA 18 Master. The 18 Master is Questyle’s current desktop flagship and an evolution of the CMA 15, while the 18P is somewhat of an evolution of the M15.
Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews
Specs:
AKM 4493SEQ (departure from the ESS sabre chip used in the M12 and M15, which were more budget-oriented devices)
Equipped with four sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips.
Peak power of 1W @32 ohms. Questyle uses bespoke current mode amplification, so power figure numbers differ from traditional amplifiers.
Supports up to PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 playback. Questyle, interestingly, has dropped MQA support this time.
Price: $699
Connectivity Options and features:
USB-C, Optical/TOSlink, and Bluetooth inputs (aptX-HD + LDAC).
Vinyl to Digital recording function.
3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs and line outs.
Battery Capacity:
4300 mAh (runtime: up to 10 hours. Takes around 2.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent)
Build Quality and aesthetic observation:
The CMA 18P is a weird stunner, for sure. It is surprisingly compact and thin despite housing a fairly large-capacity battery. The outer body features sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum surfaces with silver high-gloss buttons and side panels. It boasts custom Corning glass coatings on both front and back panels. I quite like the gradient dot design, which adds an element of subtle beauty to the transparent front panel, which showcases the beautifully intricate PCB like an aquarium.
There is no OLED status screen, and in typical Questyle fashion, all current statuses are conveyed via tiny LEDs. There are separate LEDs representing different inputs, and four separate LEDs briefly light up, indicating volume level increase/decrease or charge level (via a single power button press). 4 more LEDs further down indicate whether the SiP modules are operational. There is also a separate LED indicating USB connection status. All of these might sound exhausting and troublesome, but it actually took me less than 10 minutes to get used to, and I personally love this unique Morse code ‘esque approach instead of yet another dull, monotone screen.
Sound :
The CMA 18P is quite different sonically from the CMA 15 and M15. It sounds significantly wider and three-dimensional than both. Soundstage has not been the strongest suit of Questyle products before. Yet the exact opposite happens here. The only portable DAC Amp under 1000 USD that can compete with 18P’s staging is the Aroma Audio Air. Both iFi Gryphon and Chord Mojo 2 sound noticeably “closed in” in comparison, especially the Mojo 2.
Bass response is top-notch. It's quick and super snappy and reaches deep. The overall bass response has this textured, hyper-layered vibe to it, which I find to be quite rare in DAC Amps under $1000.
The midrange is sweet and romantic, a characteristic I found missing in previous Questyle products. The vocals sound lush and euphoric. DITA project M, for example, is an IEM I do not associate with lush vocals. It is rather crystalline in nature. But when paired with the CMA 18P, vocals become one of its primary strengths.
Treble response is a massive improvement from the previous 15 lineup. I no longer notice the digital sheen, a total killjoy that somewhat ruined the M15’s treble for me. CMA 18P’s treble is slightly velvety and mellow but without being overly warm. This works well with energetic sets like the Project M, FATFreq Grand Maestro, and Craft Ears Omni. However, I will not recommend pairing the likes of FATFreq Scarlet Mini or Symphonium Titan to it, as these sets are already very subdued in the treble.
Detail retrieval and micro and macro dynamics are standouts, as usual; it is a Questyle product, after all. Imaging and instrument layering are truly holographic, and combined with massive staging capabilities, they create a vast soundscape. Given its small footprint, the output power is rather impressive. I had zero trouble running the Hifiman Arya Organic to its full potential in high gain.
There are a few cons, though. Thanks to the gorilla glass coating around the device, CMA 18P is highly slippery and must be handled cautiously. Accidental falls can result in cracks. Glass is glass, and glass breaks. I would highly recommend buying the leather case separately for additional safety. The unit runs a bit warm, but it is tolerable. I also wish the USB/optical inputs were on one side and outputs on the other. There is some hiss with overly sensitive IEMs (Campfire Audio Ponderosa and Flipears Artha, for example), but it's faint and not noticeable when tracks are being played. Battery life is good and remains consistent. I did not measure the exact run time, but the unit can be comfortably used for a day or two before needing to be charged again.
Bluetooth is generally an afterthought in such devices (iFi Gryphon's terrible Bluetooth performance, for example). CMA 18P’s BT implementation is as perfect as it gets. BT sound from the CMA18P easily outclasses flagship-level dongles like the Cayin RU7, L&P W4, and Questyle M15. I am not kidding; it is really that great. Bluetooth range and stability are both top-notch.
Comparisons:
iFi Gryphon: The Gryphon is significantly warmer but still provides ample clarity. 18P is a few notches above the Gryphon. It has a more coherent and organic sound signature. 18P’s technical prowess outclasses the Gryphon’s with ease. Gryphon cannot drive planars properly despite the big power numbers on paper, a con 18P does not have. It still cannot drive the Susvara or Abyss, though
Chord Mojo 2: I think the Mojo 2 is an equal performer but less versatile and not impressive in terms of staging capabilities. You can pair the Mojo 2 with the Poly and turn it into a streaming device. Pairing the CMA 18P with the WiiM mini essentially does the same thing.
Shanling H7: The H7 is too large and too warm. However, it does offer MQA decoding, which is a plus if you are into that. I appreciate the H7 and enjoyed its sound when I owned one, but the CMA18P is a much better pick in value, form factor, and performance.
iFi Diablo: I struggled to like this iFi product. Diablo is a bit dry and soulless, the opposite of what iFi devices tend to be. It lacks versatility, and the battery life is terrible. However, it can power stubborn headphones like the Susvara and HE6SE, which is an advantage.
Earmen Angel: Angel is an exceptional value at a now-discounted price of $399. It is a bit heavy and bulky, though. The CMA 18P is significantly better sound quality wise but in case you are on a tight budget, I cannot recommend the Angel enough.
Last edited:
BonGoBiLai
@syazwaned I do not use EQ, plus I do like the Mojo 2 equally, as I have already mentioned. I have compared similar products across different price ranges, not necessarily the same price point.
BonGoBiLai
@Hanesu Aroma Air is more transparent and airy (sound sig can be tweaked via opamp swap). Awesome bass performance, just like the CMA 18P. The stage is slightly bigger than the CMA18P if my memory serves me right. It is similar to the sound of the Earmen Angel if you are familiar with that DAC Amp. Not as resolving as the Air is a BT-only device. My general gripe with the Air is that it has an abysmal BT range. You must keep it within 4-5 feet of the BT streaming source. CMA 18P+ Aroma A100TB is a whole different beast, though. Portable endgame for me.
Hanesu
@BonGoBiLai Cool, thanks so much for your impressions! I am actually owning the Aroma Air, but when buying it, I was drawn between the Air and the CMA18 (that I have not had the chance to hear yet). That is why I was so interested in this comparison. But is seems in BT both devices are comparable? - and since I got the Air for a great price, I think I have made a good decision.
I'd like to thank @gadgetgod for lending his unit for an audition and review. I loved it so much that I've now purchased my own.The CMA18 Portable is a portable dacamp featuring high-quality audio performance and a sleek design. It is designed for audiophiles who want to experience their music with exceptional clarity and detail while on the go. The Questyle CMA18 Portable is a remarkable device offering huge headroom and high fidelity in a portable design. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a bag or pocket, making it perfect for traveling or commuting. The CMA18 Portable incorporates AKM's AK4493SEQ chipset as DAC and has four sets of self-developed current-mode patented SiP chips (СС630/CA630).
The CMA18P supports a wide range of inputs including USB (type c), SPDIF (via 3.5mm), 4.4mm Balanced line input, 3.5mm SE line input, and Bluetooth with support for codecs such as LDAC, aptxHD, SBC, AAC. The CMA18P has a 4300 mAh battery which is quite a lot considering how compact and lightweight the unit is.
The Questyle CMA18 Portable features a high-performance headphone amplifier based on Questyle's renowned Current Mode Amplification (CMA) tech that delivers clean power to drive even the most demanding headphones. The device has a solid build quality and an intuitive user interface, making it easy to operate on the go.
In terms of sound quality, the CMA18 Portable delivers a transparent, detailed, and dynamic sound signature, with a wide soundstage and excellent instrument separation. It brings out the nuances in the music and provides a truly immersive listening experience. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the move, the Questyle CMA18 Portable enhances the audio quality of your music and elevates your listening experience to new heights.
If you are looking for a portable dacamp that can truly provide an exceptional audio experience while you're on the go, the Questyle CMA18 Portable is worth considering. Its high-quality components and innovative design make it a standout choice for audiophiles who demand the best performance from their portable audio gear.
Overview:
The Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp showcases an intriguing blend of portability and performance, offering a sleek design, versatile connectivity, and promising sound quality. Let's delve deeper into the various aspects highlighted in the review.
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-dac-amp
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Specifications:
The CMA 18 Portable presents an impressive array of technical specifications, catering to diverse audio needs. Supporting inputs via USB, Bluetooth, mini coax, optical, and 4.4mm analog line input, it provides flexibility in connectivity. Moreover, its compatibility with multiple Bluetooth codecs ensures seamless integration with various devices. Notably, the device features a headphone output power of 1W @ 32Ohms, delivering robust performance, especially with over-ear headphones.
Sound:
CMA 18p has commendable soundstage and imaging, particularly with over-ear headphones. Despite its compact size, the device delivers an immersive audio experience, accentuating bass frequencies with depth and clarity.
Vocals:
The CMA 18 strikes a balance between reference and romantic sound signatures, contributing to the natural rendering of vocals. Its ability to maintain clarity and warmth enhances the listening experience, making vocals stand out with authenticity.
Treble:
The device's refined treble performance is noted, characterized by natural extension and minimal graininess. Unlike some competitors, the device manages to deliver extended treble without causing listener fatigue, ensuring a pleasant listening experience across various genres.
Usage with Headphones:
The CMA 18 impresses with its ability to drive a wide range of headphones, from easy-to-drive models to moderately demanding ones. Despite its portable form factor, it provides ample power, elevating the listening experience with each pair of headphones used.
I particularly noted that CMA 18p paired extremely well with Planar HPs probably because of its current mode amplification.
Usage with IEMs:
While the CMA 18 excels with headphones, caution is advised for highly sensitive IEMs due to potential background noise.
It did drive moderate to extremely power demanding IEMs effortlessly.
However, for users primarily utilizing over-ear headphones, the device offers exceptional performance and versatility.
Quirks:
The battery life indicator is not accurate at all times.
I was initially disappointed that I couldn’t charge CMA18p simultaneously while playing music when connected to my laptop but later found a thread on head-fi on how to enable it.
With charging disabled in DAC/AMP mode, it drained the battery of my phone within few hours.
The back is prone to scratches and needs a case.
It is extremely slippery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp emerges as a compelling choice in the portable audio landscape. Whether seeking advanced connectivity options or refined sound performance, the CMA 18 delivers with finesse. While not claiming absolute superiority, it presents a viable option for discerning listeners seeking a portable DAC/Amp that strikes the perfect balance between functionality and sonic excellence which is rare.
The Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp showcases an intriguing blend of portability and performance, offering a sleek design, versatile connectivity, and promising sound quality. Let's delve deeper into the various aspects highlighted in the review.
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-dac-amp
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Specifications:
The CMA 18 Portable presents an impressive array of technical specifications, catering to diverse audio needs. Supporting inputs via USB, Bluetooth, mini coax, optical, and 4.4mm analog line input, it provides flexibility in connectivity. Moreover, its compatibility with multiple Bluetooth codecs ensures seamless integration with various devices. Notably, the device features a headphone output power of 1W @ 32Ohms, delivering robust performance, especially with over-ear headphones.
Sound:
CMA 18p has commendable soundstage and imaging, particularly with over-ear headphones. Despite its compact size, the device delivers an immersive audio experience, accentuating bass frequencies with depth and clarity.
Vocals:
The CMA 18 strikes a balance between reference and romantic sound signatures, contributing to the natural rendering of vocals. Its ability to maintain clarity and warmth enhances the listening experience, making vocals stand out with authenticity.
Treble:
The device's refined treble performance is noted, characterized by natural extension and minimal graininess. Unlike some competitors, the device manages to deliver extended treble without causing listener fatigue, ensuring a pleasant listening experience across various genres.
Usage with Headphones:
The CMA 18 impresses with its ability to drive a wide range of headphones, from easy-to-drive models to moderately demanding ones. Despite its portable form factor, it provides ample power, elevating the listening experience with each pair of headphones used.
I particularly noted that CMA 18p paired extremely well with Planar HPs probably because of its current mode amplification.
Usage with IEMs:
While the CMA 18 excels with headphones, caution is advised for highly sensitive IEMs due to potential background noise.
It did drive moderate to extremely power demanding IEMs effortlessly.
However, for users primarily utilizing over-ear headphones, the device offers exceptional performance and versatility.
Quirks:
The battery life indicator is not accurate at all times.
I was initially disappointed that I couldn’t charge CMA18p simultaneously while playing music when connected to my laptop but later found a thread on head-fi on how to enable it.
With charging disabled in DAC/AMP mode, it drained the battery of my phone within few hours.
The back is prone to scratches and needs a case.
It is extremely slippery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp emerges as a compelling choice in the portable audio landscape. Whether seeking advanced connectivity options or refined sound performance, the CMA 18 delivers with finesse. While not claiming absolute superiority, it presents a viable option for discerning listeners seeking a portable DAC/Amp that strikes the perfect balance between functionality and sonic excellence which is rare.
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Yarbles
I am curious as to how this sounded as I am a big Chord fan & the Questyle M15 sounds like a 'mini Mojo 2' - it is also one of only two dongles I've ever thought was impressive (It's also the one I bought as I got it for about 100 USD 2nd hand & the other one I liked, the L&P W4 was 250 2nd hand. I hardly use a dongle so the cheaper the better).
I've heard so many people claim their new toy (OP this isn't aimed at you; you haven't claimed this) is better than a Mojo 2, but I find that very difficult to believe - recency bias is fortunately something I have become immune to & I don't think a lot of people are very good at being objective... eg I understand why people love HD600's but I personally find them dull as dishwater.
Mojo 2 cult members
have you heard this thing & how does it measure up?
I only own two portable dac/amps; a Mojo 2 & another Mojo 2 in case I lose/break/forget to charge the other.
I've heard so many people claim their new toy (OP this isn't aimed at you; you haven't claimed this) is better than a Mojo 2, but I find that very difficult to believe - recency bias is fortunately something I have become immune to & I don't think a lot of people are very good at being objective... eg I understand why people love HD600's but I personally find them dull as dishwater.
Mojo 2 cult members
have you heard this thing & how does it measure up?I only own two portable dac/amps; a Mojo 2 & another Mojo 2 in case I lose/break/forget to charge the other.
OhmsClaw
CMA18P is too noisy for IEM's unfortunately. Mojo2 reigns supreme, if even a little less convenient. (No LDAC) The CMA18P requires the leather case from the jump to protect it from sliding/scratches. Works fine with the RN6 but the EVO and Campfire offerings, the background hiss on pause with cellphone processing noises passed through is unacceptable for 700$ I really wanted a portable version of the RME ADI 2 chip, but this wasn't it. Hopefully a future revision brings the background down and I would 100% recommend it. I originally wanted to replace my BTR7 with this for in the pocket OTG LDAC use case with wired as a back up.
This is my review of the Questyle CMA18P that I got sent from Questyle in exchange for an honest review.
Well, where to begin? The design!
It´s gorgeous. I don´t have to tell you that. When you are holding it in your hands, it is even more obvious that the Questyle team did a wonderful job here. And it is not only beautiful to behold, it is light enough too for portable use and the size is perfect for stacking it with my iPhone 15 (I ordered this one: https://amzn.eu/d/4vPymbW for attaching it on the mobile phone´s back and it works perfectly). Yes, the CMA18P gets warm, but not hot by any means, so I never had problems putting these into my pocket together with my iPhone.
A quick look into the manual is sufficient. In fact it is very intuitive to switch between Bluetooth or USB etc.
I am loving the orange lights (there is also a red light for high gain). The “Hold” button comes in handy, too. I use it almost daily, because I won´t need the other buttons to change anything.
Why? I maxed out the volume on the Questyle and use my source for changing the volume, because the CMA18P does only have 32 volume steps. So few steps are not sufficient for finetuning the sound intensity. At least for me. I would have liked to see at least 100 volume steps (120 septs to 150 steps would even be better). So now I always have to activate my iPhone to change the volume. It would have been much nicer to just use those volume buttons. Also there is no play/pause or skip track button. In my view, the device would have been big enough to implement those buttons. But this is all nitpicking, because you will see, when we get to the description of the sound, those little troubles are all forgotten.
So let´s dive into the sound characteristics of the CMA18P!
I listened to the CMA18P with the flagship Austrian Audio “The Composer” headphones. And the first thing I immediately heard in combination with the CMA18P was the grandness of its presentation. The stage is holographic and huge. Both in width and depth. Layering is as good as it gets with a portable DAC/amp with pinpoint accuracy in the stereo image and a pitch-black background. So the technicalities are all together top notch.
The sound characteristics? Overall I would say the CMA18P (besides the intrinsic grandness) has a kind of winning sweetness to its sound. Both male and female vocals shine. I don´t hear an exaggeration of any frequency band. No added colour. The vocals stand in the middle of the stereo panorama. Beautifully rendered and clean. Not too near but also not too far away either. An engaging portrayal of the recorded music.
Bass is very nicely rendered. Plenty of power down below. But not overdone in any way. Very good extension in the sub-bass region. Bass hits hard if needed but don´t get me wrong: this is a neutral presentation that won´t bleed into the lower mids. As it should be in this price range!
The mids, as I told you above, seem to have a kind of sweetness. Certainly they are not “in your face”. But not smoothed out either. Just right. A linear interpretation. A vast stage for the most important frequency band, where the vocals shine on the stage (as well as the instruments).
The highs are nicely extended but not overdone. This device by no means is a treble heavy or harsh sounding DAC. You have all the sound information you need. But the CMA18P does not need that upper mids/ lower treble bump of some other DACs for its resolution. Quality over quantity. Extension!
What about driving power? Well, I am quite confident the CMA18P will drive every IEM you throw at it with ease. But what about over the ear headphones? It drives my Austrian Audio Composer to very loud levels. And as I know from an audiophile friend, it also drives all the similarly easy to drive FOCAL headphones without taking a sweat. But you have to know that the CMA18P won´t drive harder to drive headphones to very loud levels (talking about the DCA models Stealth, E3, Expance; but also Susvara etc.). If you are a quiet listener, then it should work. But if you, like me, love to crank up the volume from time to time, then be warned not to pair them with the beforementioned headphones that need even more juice to shine.
So if I would use the CMA18P only with the SE output, it wouldn´t have enough power to drive my Composer. When connected through the 4.4mm balanced port, there is plenty of juice. Though I do have to say that when listening to older, not as loud mastered albums, I am getting near the 100% volume on my iPhone. But those albums are rare. Most of the time I am at about 50-75% on my iPhone with the Composer (when maxed out the volume at the CMA18P and in High-Gain mode) and so I have got plenty of headroom.
That being said, I guess it wouldn´t have hurt if the CMA18P would have had more power (or a super gain button) for really hard to drive over the ear headphones like the DCA models etc.
What else? I hear no interference with my iPhone at all! And that´s really great. No matter if paired via USB or Bluetooth. This device is solidly grounded and dead silent which is quite an achievement (compared to other dongle DACs).
As I was talking about Bluetooth: This is perfectly implemented. Sounds fantastic and to be honest, on the go I probably wouldn´t even be hearing that much of a difference compared to the USB connection. When listening critically I hear a slightly warmer presentation with a touch less dynamics when paired via Bluetooth. But as you guys probably know, the iPhone only has an AAC Bluetooth connection, so AptX and L-DAC will without much doubt sound even better.
But if you want to pair the CMA18P via USB, then at this point I recommend you guys to upgrade the short USB cable. Not that there is any problem with the cables that came with the CMA18P. In fact they are really nicely crafted and you have got everything in this beautifully, minimalistic packaging you´d need (USB-C to USB-C, lightning to USB-C, long charging cable etc.). That being said, I highly recommend the (alas rather pricey) ddHifi TC09S cable or the lightning equivalent MFI09S. There shouldn’t be a difference because it’s a digital cable, I know I know, haha, but maybe there is one because of the separated cable for the power supply? Twister6 also came to the same conclusion when he reviewed this short USB cable. Just buy a ddHifi cable online, test it with your system in comparison with other cables and if you don’t think you hear a difference, just return it and get your money back. But if you (like me) hear an even more expanded soundstage, then it´s a win win situation not only with the CMA18P but with any DAC!
Oh, and I also got this really nice leather case (see pics below) for the CMA18P (a screen protector for the glass front would also have been great! You know, I do love that faceplate but it will get scratched somewhere down the road). Anyway, the CMA18P fits perfectly into the case. The buttons work through the leather as they should. I would recommend getting this case so that your beauty stays save when you are travelling from A to B. https://questyleshop.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-leather-case
For instructions concerning simultaneous charging and audio playback, I´d like to refer to the following post from Questyle: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/que...dphone-amplifier.969449/page-13#post-17961864
And now let´s move on to the DAC comparisons:
How does the CMA18P stack up against the Quloos MUB1?
For starters, the MUB1 does have much more power. I don´t even need the super gain mode to drive my headphones to earbleeding levels. Also the volume buttons of the MUB1 have 100 steps so I used them a lot! In addition it has a play/pause button and skip track buttons and some filters and and and … But - and this is a big BUT – it doesn´t sound as good as the CMA18P. You immediately hear a loss of dynamics, the stage gets smaller, it loses on the holographic portrayal, it sounds a bit flat and also a touch too warm in comparison to the CMA18P. So that´s that. I think I won´t need to dig deeper
How does the CMA18P stack up against the (somewhat exotic) Calyx K?
Well, the Calyx K does have no buttons at all. A plug and play DAC. Very high-quality for not even half the price of the CMA18P. No Blutooth, no balanced out, interference with the iPhone, way too less power etc. But concerning its sound alone this is not as easy as with the MUB1 above. Because as the technicians of the Calyx K opted for a touch of elevated mids, you do get with this device a very touching vicinity to the singer. This DAC excels with singer/songwriter music or small chamber music where you won´t need a vast presentation and more intimacy. As said above, because of the pronounced mids you can hear the guitar strokes even better and the voices move very close to the listener. You can hear the tiniest stroke of the violin. This can be too much (and most of the time it is). But for some occasions this is very touching, too. All in all of course I do prefer the sound of the CMA18P by quite a margin (for Pop, Rock, Jazz, orchestral music, electronic, well, in fact for ANYTHING!)
Did I forget something? Oh, yes, the battery is what it is. Could be better (could also be worse). But 10 hours is more than enough for me to get through the day
Also you can use the CMA18P (with the 3,5 mm and 4,4mm inputs) to record music but I didn´t test that. Of course the device supports every possible music format you throw at it!
Edit: Of course the CMA18P has much more power when connected to my MacBook Pro! There I wouldn’t even need the balanced cable. Also not the „high gain“ mode. Gobbles of juice available here for driving my Composer.
So, I think that´s it. I would like to thank the Questyle team, especially Zach! And I congratulate you guys (and especially your technicians) for designing such a gorgeous, portable DAC. I didn´t hear a better sounding yet!
And finally here are some pics:
Well, where to begin? The design!
It´s gorgeous. I don´t have to tell you that. When you are holding it in your hands, it is even more obvious that the Questyle team did a wonderful job here. And it is not only beautiful to behold, it is light enough too for portable use and the size is perfect for stacking it with my iPhone 15 (I ordered this one: https://amzn.eu/d/4vPymbW for attaching it on the mobile phone´s back and it works perfectly). Yes, the CMA18P gets warm, but not hot by any means, so I never had problems putting these into my pocket together with my iPhone.
A quick look into the manual is sufficient. In fact it is very intuitive to switch between Bluetooth or USB etc.
I am loving the orange lights (there is also a red light for high gain). The “Hold” button comes in handy, too. I use it almost daily, because I won´t need the other buttons to change anything.
Why? I maxed out the volume on the Questyle and use my source for changing the volume, because the CMA18P does only have 32 volume steps. So few steps are not sufficient for finetuning the sound intensity. At least for me. I would have liked to see at least 100 volume steps (120 septs to 150 steps would even be better). So now I always have to activate my iPhone to change the volume. It would have been much nicer to just use those volume buttons. Also there is no play/pause or skip track button. In my view, the device would have been big enough to implement those buttons. But this is all nitpicking, because you will see, when we get to the description of the sound, those little troubles are all forgotten.
So let´s dive into the sound characteristics of the CMA18P!
I listened to the CMA18P with the flagship Austrian Audio “The Composer” headphones. And the first thing I immediately heard in combination with the CMA18P was the grandness of its presentation. The stage is holographic and huge. Both in width and depth. Layering is as good as it gets with a portable DAC/amp with pinpoint accuracy in the stereo image and a pitch-black background. So the technicalities are all together top notch.
The sound characteristics? Overall I would say the CMA18P (besides the intrinsic grandness) has a kind of winning sweetness to its sound. Both male and female vocals shine. I don´t hear an exaggeration of any frequency band. No added colour. The vocals stand in the middle of the stereo panorama. Beautifully rendered and clean. Not too near but also not too far away either. An engaging portrayal of the recorded music.
Bass is very nicely rendered. Plenty of power down below. But not overdone in any way. Very good extension in the sub-bass region. Bass hits hard if needed but don´t get me wrong: this is a neutral presentation that won´t bleed into the lower mids. As it should be in this price range!
The mids, as I told you above, seem to have a kind of sweetness. Certainly they are not “in your face”. But not smoothed out either. Just right. A linear interpretation. A vast stage for the most important frequency band, where the vocals shine on the stage (as well as the instruments).
The highs are nicely extended but not overdone. This device by no means is a treble heavy or harsh sounding DAC. You have all the sound information you need. But the CMA18P does not need that upper mids/ lower treble bump of some other DACs for its resolution. Quality over quantity. Extension!
What about driving power? Well, I am quite confident the CMA18P will drive every IEM you throw at it with ease. But what about over the ear headphones? It drives my Austrian Audio Composer to very loud levels. And as I know from an audiophile friend, it also drives all the similarly easy to drive FOCAL headphones without taking a sweat. But you have to know that the CMA18P won´t drive harder to drive headphones to very loud levels (talking about the DCA models Stealth, E3, Expance; but also Susvara etc.). If you are a quiet listener, then it should work. But if you, like me, love to crank up the volume from time to time, then be warned not to pair them with the beforementioned headphones that need even more juice to shine.
So if I would use the CMA18P only with the SE output, it wouldn´t have enough power to drive my Composer. When connected through the 4.4mm balanced port, there is plenty of juice. Though I do have to say that when listening to older, not as loud mastered albums, I am getting near the 100% volume on my iPhone. But those albums are rare. Most of the time I am at about 50-75% on my iPhone with the Composer (when maxed out the volume at the CMA18P and in High-Gain mode) and so I have got plenty of headroom.
That being said, I guess it wouldn´t have hurt if the CMA18P would have had more power (or a super gain button) for really hard to drive over the ear headphones like the DCA models etc.
What else? I hear no interference with my iPhone at all! And that´s really great. No matter if paired via USB or Bluetooth. This device is solidly grounded and dead silent which is quite an achievement (compared to other dongle DACs).
As I was talking about Bluetooth: This is perfectly implemented. Sounds fantastic and to be honest, on the go I probably wouldn´t even be hearing that much of a difference compared to the USB connection. When listening critically I hear a slightly warmer presentation with a touch less dynamics when paired via Bluetooth. But as you guys probably know, the iPhone only has an AAC Bluetooth connection, so AptX and L-DAC will without much doubt sound even better.
But if you want to pair the CMA18P via USB, then at this point I recommend you guys to upgrade the short USB cable. Not that there is any problem with the cables that came with the CMA18P. In fact they are really nicely crafted and you have got everything in this beautifully, minimalistic packaging you´d need (USB-C to USB-C, lightning to USB-C, long charging cable etc.). That being said, I highly recommend the (alas rather pricey) ddHifi TC09S cable or the lightning equivalent MFI09S. There shouldn’t be a difference because it’s a digital cable, I know I know, haha, but maybe there is one because of the separated cable for the power supply? Twister6 also came to the same conclusion when he reviewed this short USB cable. Just buy a ddHifi cable online, test it with your system in comparison with other cables and if you don’t think you hear a difference, just return it and get your money back. But if you (like me) hear an even more expanded soundstage, then it´s a win win situation not only with the CMA18P but with any DAC!
Oh, and I also got this really nice leather case (see pics below) for the CMA18P (a screen protector for the glass front would also have been great! You know, I do love that faceplate but it will get scratched somewhere down the road). Anyway, the CMA18P fits perfectly into the case. The buttons work through the leather as they should. I would recommend getting this case so that your beauty stays save when you are travelling from A to B. https://questyleshop.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-leather-case
For instructions concerning simultaneous charging and audio playback, I´d like to refer to the following post from Questyle: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/que...dphone-amplifier.969449/page-13#post-17961864
And now let´s move on to the DAC comparisons:
How does the CMA18P stack up against the Quloos MUB1?
For starters, the MUB1 does have much more power. I don´t even need the super gain mode to drive my headphones to earbleeding levels. Also the volume buttons of the MUB1 have 100 steps so I used them a lot! In addition it has a play/pause button and skip track buttons and some filters and and and … But - and this is a big BUT – it doesn´t sound as good as the CMA18P. You immediately hear a loss of dynamics, the stage gets smaller, it loses on the holographic portrayal, it sounds a bit flat and also a touch too warm in comparison to the CMA18P. So that´s that. I think I won´t need to dig deeper
How does the CMA18P stack up against the (somewhat exotic) Calyx K?
Well, the Calyx K does have no buttons at all. A plug and play DAC. Very high-quality for not even half the price of the CMA18P. No Blutooth, no balanced out, interference with the iPhone, way too less power etc. But concerning its sound alone this is not as easy as with the MUB1 above. Because as the technicians of the Calyx K opted for a touch of elevated mids, you do get with this device a very touching vicinity to the singer. This DAC excels with singer/songwriter music or small chamber music where you won´t need a vast presentation and more intimacy. As said above, because of the pronounced mids you can hear the guitar strokes even better and the voices move very close to the listener. You can hear the tiniest stroke of the violin. This can be too much (and most of the time it is). But for some occasions this is very touching, too. All in all of course I do prefer the sound of the CMA18P by quite a margin (for Pop, Rock, Jazz, orchestral music, electronic, well, in fact for ANYTHING!)
Did I forget something? Oh, yes, the battery is what it is. Could be better (could also be worse). But 10 hours is more than enough for me to get through the day
Also you can use the CMA18P (with the 3,5 mm and 4,4mm inputs) to record music but I didn´t test that. Of course the device supports every possible music format you throw at it!
Edit: Of course the CMA18P has much more power when connected to my MacBook Pro! There I wouldn’t even need the balanced cable. Also not the „high gain“ mode. Gobbles of juice available here for driving my Composer.
So, I think that´s it. I would like to thank the Questyle team, especially Zach! And I congratulate you guys (and especially your technicians) for designing such a gorgeous, portable DAC. I didn´t hear a better sounding yet!
And finally here are some pics:
sofastreamer
Much enjoyed reading this review. Very well written, thank you!
I would buy it immediately but as it seems not to bypass the battery when connected to a laptop, it might die in about 2-3 yrs with my heavy usage.
I would buy it immediately but as it seems not to bypass the battery when connected to a laptop, it might die in about 2-3 yrs with my heavy usage.
noplsestar
Hmmm, yeah, that´s something to think about. I never used my DACs (with battery) that much so that it died. But of course it could happen.
Thanks to gadgetgod for the review unit of the Questyle CMA18.
Questyle is well known for quality audio products for a while now. The CMA18 is a portable dac amp that sounds like the swiss army knife of portable audio products.
Package and Build
The CMA18 comes in a fairly large carboard box, with foam inserts for the dacamp and accessories. The dacamp itself is a sight to look at on opening the box.
The large transparent window showcases the circuitboard with all the components on display. The size of the dacamp is about 3x the size of the M15 dongle.
While the unit itself isnt heavy, I wonder how the transparent top will take a fall from a considerable distange. This is one of my main worries of transparent units.
The accessories that come with is a very good selection. Lightning cable (for apple devices), usb-c cable for android and windows alike, toslink cable, adapters. wow this will fit almost all use cases
Features
The dacamp supports ios, android and desktop (linux/mac/windows) out of the box thanks to the xmos USB decoder.
It support the following inputs - USB, optical, bluetooth
Output - USB out, bluetooth (LDAC, aptx), 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced and lineout on both outputs.
The volume is controllable via volume rockers on the side, and from the source device.
With support for multiple codecs (BT, DSD512 Native, PCM768 etc) the device can run in so many configurations.
Sound
Boasting a 2W x 2 power output with the current mode amplification, the device can drive a lot of hard to drive iems and headphones with ease.
I tried a lot of headphones including HD650, Fostext T50rp mk3 and a selection of iems to determine its ability to drive. Aside from the T50rp, the CMA18 was able to drive all the devices thrown at it with ease.
The DAC duties are performed by a well implemented AK4493 chipset. The characteristic house sound questyle - clear all through while being musical at the same time is the tuning here too.
The dacamp itself does not add color to the sound in a perceptible way. However, with excellent clean power, the CMA18 sounds dynamic with a large stage (again depending on the transducers being driven).
Boasting a 10hr battery and 60hr idle time, this will keep the music flowing through the day.
Another feature that I didnt test out but am very impressed with is the analog line in on both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced connectors. This enables usage of the device for recording from analog sources.
While playing back, the device does get a bit warm. So they may not be exactly pocketable over a little bit of time, but play a suberb role on the desk.
Conclusions
The CMA18 is a no brainer device for those looking to drive hard to drive gear, or even for recording analog audio with very good fidelity. This device is a veritable swiss army knife of the portable audio world.
Well done again, Questyle !
Questyle is well known for quality audio products for a while now. The CMA18 is a portable dac amp that sounds like the swiss army knife of portable audio products.
Package and Build
The CMA18 comes in a fairly large carboard box, with foam inserts for the dacamp and accessories. The dacamp itself is a sight to look at on opening the box.
The large transparent window showcases the circuitboard with all the components on display. The size of the dacamp is about 3x the size of the M15 dongle.
While the unit itself isnt heavy, I wonder how the transparent top will take a fall from a considerable distange. This is one of my main worries of transparent units.
The accessories that come with is a very good selection. Lightning cable (for apple devices), usb-c cable for android and windows alike, toslink cable, adapters. wow this will fit almost all use cases
Features
The dacamp supports ios, android and desktop (linux/mac/windows) out of the box thanks to the xmos USB decoder.
It support the following inputs - USB, optical, bluetooth
Output - USB out, bluetooth (LDAC, aptx), 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced and lineout on both outputs.
The volume is controllable via volume rockers on the side, and from the source device.
With support for multiple codecs (BT, DSD512 Native, PCM768 etc) the device can run in so many configurations.
Sound
Boasting a 2W x 2 power output with the current mode amplification, the device can drive a lot of hard to drive iems and headphones with ease.
I tried a lot of headphones including HD650, Fostext T50rp mk3 and a selection of iems to determine its ability to drive. Aside from the T50rp, the CMA18 was able to drive all the devices thrown at it with ease.
The DAC duties are performed by a well implemented AK4493 chipset. The characteristic house sound questyle - clear all through while being musical at the same time is the tuning here too.
The dacamp itself does not add color to the sound in a perceptible way. However, with excellent clean power, the CMA18 sounds dynamic with a large stage (again depending on the transducers being driven).
Boasting a 10hr battery and 60hr idle time, this will keep the music flowing through the day.
Another feature that I didnt test out but am very impressed with is the analog line in on both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced connectors. This enables usage of the device for recording from analog sources.
While playing back, the device does get a bit warm. So they may not be exactly pocketable over a little bit of time, but play a suberb role on the desk.
Conclusions
The CMA18 is a no brainer device for those looking to drive hard to drive gear, or even for recording analog audio with very good fidelity. This device is a veritable swiss army knife of the portable audio world.
Well done again, Questyle !
