FLAGSHIP FIIO Q15 PORTABLE HEADPHONE DAC AMPLIFIER

FiiO announce the Q15, their Flagship Portable Headphone DAC Amplifier with 1600mW High-power output.

 Featuring Dual AKM DACs; 32-Bit/768kHz & DSD512 decoding; Full-colour display; USB-C, Coaxial input, and aptX HD & LDAC Bluetooth; the FiiO Q15 Portable Headphone DAC Amplifier is the brand’s new flagship.

AKM DACS

Delivering support for up to 32-bit/768kHz, MQA, and native DSD512 Hi-Res audio files, the Q15 is a portable Headphone DAC/Amplifier featuring AKM’s newest DAC combination the AK4191EQ+AK4499EX. This DAC combination incorporates newly developed ‘DWA (Data Weighted Averaging) Routing Technology’ which suppresses noise caused by manufacturing process factors.

DESKTOP MODE

Whilst the Q15 is a portable device, FiiO’s engineers have worked to deliver a Headphone DAC Amplifier with desktop-grade capabilities. Featuring a switchable Desktop Mode together with a dedicated USB-C power connection , when the Q15 is powered externally, it will completely bypass the internal battery, ensuring a desktop-like experience, even on the go. When Desktop Mode is chosen, using a balanced output, the Q15 is capable of ia power output of 1600mW.

WIDE RANGING CONNECTIONS

Despite being a portable device, the Q15 offers USB, Bluetooth, and Coaxial decoding; ensuring a wide range of devices can be connected. Not only Smartphones, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), but also CD Players, Streamers and Games Consoles. ​ When using the USB connection, the Q15 will support audio files up to 32-bit / 768kHz (PCM), and DSD512. When using Coaxial, the Q15 supports up to 24-bit / 192kHz (PCM), and DSD64. ​ ​ When using the Bluetooth receiving mode, the Q15 supports a wide range of codecs, including aptX, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC.

FIIO Q15 PORTABLE HEADPHONE DAC AMPLIFIER

Featuring an XMOS 16-core XU316 and Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip — combining USB DAC, Bluetooth, and coaxial decoding in one — the Q15 has been meticulously designed from the ground up by FiiO’s audio engineers. In addition, its 5-level Audio Circuit incorporates a variable gain and variable voltage design — with separate low-voltage low-gain, and high-voltage high gain modes, ensuring compatibility with both In-ear Monitors (IEMs) and full-size headphones. Digital and analogue sections of the Q15’s internal audio circuitry have been separated and shielded, ensuring that crosstalk is kept to a minimum. ​

PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE

The Q15 allows end users to personalise their listening experience, thanks to the 10-band Global PEQ (Parametric Equalizer). Featuring 7 EQ presets, together with 3 customisable PEQ presets, the PEQ can be used in both the USB DAC and Bluetooth modes. Via an intuitive interface, frequencies along with gain levels and bandwidth can be fine-tuned.

PHONE MODE

The Q15 features a 1.3-inch full-colour IPS display, showing Mode, Sampling Rate, Volume Level, Battery Status, Gain, etc. The control knob allows user to quickly and access a number of functions including: adjusting the volume, input switching, and menu settings. The Q15 also features a ‘Phone Mode’ switch ensuring that – when connected via USB-C to a smartphone, such as the iPhone 15 power is drawn from the internal Q15 battery, rather than that of the phone.

FIIO Q15 PORTABLE HEADPHONE DAC AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS

DAC: Flagship AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX Combination

USB Chipset: XMOS 16-core XU316

Bluetooth Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5125

Max. Sampling Rate (USB DAC): Up to PCM 768kHz/32bit / Native DSD512

Max. Sampling Rate (Coaxial): Up to PCM 192kHz/24bit / DoP DSD64

MQA Support

SNR: ≥ 123db (A-Weighted)

THD+N: <0.0004% (LO/1kHz/10kΩ)

Bluetooth Codec Support (Receive): SBC / AAC / aptX / aptX LL / aptX Adaptive/ aptX HD / LDAC

Display: 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 Type-C USB2.0 (Charge/Data Transfer) 1 x Type-C USB2.0 (Charge)

Colour Options: Black / Titanium Grey

Dimensions (H x W x D): 143.5 x 71.75 x 21.75mm

Weight: 305g

FIIO Q15 PORTABLE HEADPHONE DAC AMPLIFIER PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Available in Black, and Titanium Grey, the FiiO Q15 will be available from December 2023, priced £379 / $399

HiFi PiG Says: A lot of DAC/headphone amp for the money, the FiiO Q15 looks like it will be very popular with Headfi fans.