A nail in the coffin of all Amp DAC dongles under £500? The QUESTYLE M15 REVIEW..

Ойын-сауық

Featuring Chord Mojo 2, IFI Go Blu, Fiio BTR5, and Es100.
Questyle M15
questyleshop.com/collections/... (questyleshop.com/collections/....
Mimic audio
www.mimic-audio.com?bg_ref=dWvshwSvB1
Early reviews and the link to the audio lounge private telegram chat can be found here:
/ convincemeaudio
0:00 Chapters:
0:29 Intro
1:02 unboxing and hardware tour
3:16 Specs
5:00 Overall sound characteristics
07:15 Comparisons
10:48 FR breakdown
13:48 HP and IEM synergy
17:20 Caveats
18:19 Conclusion
The CMA Podcast:
You can access this podcast on Apple Music, Spotify and here!
open.spotify.com/show/2uAjuiw... =1
S O C I A L S :
Twitter @ConvinceMeAudio
Instagram / cmqscrmnvn2
Discord: / discord
Business enquiries
ConvinceMeAudio@gmail.com
Edited by
bitwolf.film
M U S I C
Music by Andre Louis
www.andrelouis.com/shorts/

Пікірлер: 101

  • @willie9537
    @willie95375 ай бұрын

    Sold! I'm buying this M15 tomorrow thanks my man excellent review!

  • @dasninjastix
    @dasninjastix Жыл бұрын

    I was able to find one on discount for under 200 USD. I didn't need another dongle, I was just curious about Questyle and this seemed like a cheap entry point to sample one of their devices. I've been absolutely floored by it as an all-in-one USB desktop source. I have a Mojo 2, but sonically I prefer the M15. I don't have expensive source equipment, I have an old reliable Zen DAC v1, an EF400, an Earmen Sparrow, and I have a Schiit Lyr3 and the Magni Piety from Niche. I prefer the character of the M15 to all of it. The M15 to the Lyr3 takes a drier amp and makes it sound fluid and glassy. Previously I found ESS-based implementations to be a bit harsh, maybe brittle in the treble, sharp and clear no doubt but a bit too thin for my preference. The M15 (to my ear) extends cleanly in both the lows and highs, is surprising punchy even with some power hungry headphones like the Liric or t60rp Argons, and some high impedance stuff like my 300ohm ZMFs in the Eikon and Auteur Classics. It's clean but full sounding, plenty wide, definitely "wet", I don't hear any dryness or grain. With the 109 Pro it is a near perfect pairing, one I struggle to imagine how it might be improved upon or beaten as a value proposition. I think you nail the highlights of the device in this review and admittedly I was very skeptical before I pulled the trigger. It's one of the pound-for-pound best investments I've made in the hobby. I do wish it had an optical in but for listening from a laptop, macbook, or phone, I prefer it to the more expensive if more versatile Mojo 2. Even with the Mojo 2's DSP correction, the default sound signature of the M15 is money. I've just been drowning myself in trip-hop listening to the 109 and Auteur with this little thing looking at all my bulkier gear and totally considering them redundant. Excellent review, agree 100%, and will continue to evangelize this thing to USB only listeners. I have heard of people having interference, static, feedback, when using it on an Android phone but that hasn't been my experience; however I wouldn't discount those reports either. ✌

  • @prinzexisalowqualityytber

    @prinzexisalowqualityytber

    2 ай бұрын

    aint no way this is cheap

  • @carminedesanto6746
    @carminedesanto6746 Жыл бұрын

    Wait ..what …you can plug it into an iPhone WITHOUT going through a camera connection/ power cable …MADNESS. I just started using my IFI Go Blue in hardwired off my iPhone ( though the aforementioned fuckery) and if you thought the Bluetooth performance was extraordinary..it’s a step up In performance when wired ! This unit you’re reviewing is super interesting as this maybe something that I may actually consider buying. Thank you and Best of the New Year to you and yours.

  • @ImDino

    @ImDino

    Жыл бұрын

    I've been using Shanling UP2 wirelessly because I kept wearing out my USB-C port. I use it with bluetooth on my android set to LDAC 96 kHz 32-bit 990kb/s, but bluetooth _still_ filters those super high frequencies and kills the air of the sound. So I don't get that standing on top of a mountain feeling ever which is important to me. Whenever I bring this up ppl say "most ppl can't hear those frequencies" or "I can't hear the difference", *sigh*... I'll be happy to go back to wired.

  • @HotRatsAndTheStooges
    @HotRatsAndTheStooges Жыл бұрын

    Damn, this is really in depth. But seeing all that expensive equipment behind you, I'd love comparisons with the top of the shelf systems you have there. That could be a good patreon perk - compare the equipment you review on youtube with the absolute best of the best

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Although I would love to explore every avenue of combination and reviews, unfortunately time just does not allow, due to the fact that this is not my daytime job, but I’m splitting my time 50-50 at the moment But as a rule, Patreon members can ask me any questions, and I usually answer in depth in our telegram chats via voice, and we usually discuss a lot more things than ever appear on video Maybe there is something in this though for the fireside chat series

  • @HotRatsAndTheStooges

    @HotRatsAndTheStooges

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Have you paired these with the stellia? After seeing your review I'm 90% i'll be getting the stellias.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@HotRatsAndTheStooges Liric and atrium, apologies those headphones left a long time ago but I don’t see it having any difficulties. In fact, I think it will be great The tunnel balance I think would play nicely

  • @mcdirt7838
    @mcdirt7838 Жыл бұрын

    Ordered one (on your rec) but it's not here yet. Got it for IEMs when out walking but I'll be interested to see how this high current amp thing goes with my HiFiMan Aryas.

  • @devranayaz4349
    @devranayaz4349Ай бұрын

    Good Review Well Done 👍 I got a question for you Did you use cayin ru6 or ru7 r2r dacs? Would you you recommend them? I know size wise and value close each to each other with qc15.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Ай бұрын

    I would definitely recommend both of them they are exceptional unfortunately they’ve not come in for review yet but I tested them at Munich

  • @russianchoc
    @russianchoc6 ай бұрын

    Great video! I was wondering, how do iFi dongles in a similar price range fare performance and sound-wise? Thank you.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    6 ай бұрын

    I’m really a big fan of the go blu But M5 is the next step up by quite a bit

  • @letsmobiles3396
    @letsmobiles3396 Жыл бұрын

    Have you tried ibasso dc03 pro and xduoo link 2 balance?

  • @vpconcepts9838
    @vpconcepts98385 ай бұрын

    Since this video, the Ifi go blu added 2 new filters (magenta & green) that really improved the sound. Also the new iPhone 15 allows full resolution connection through USB -C, improving on the sound by a large margin over the low rez lightning connector, again. Have you listened to these updates to compare the quest style in 2024? Thanks! P.S. the 15i is coming out right now to replace the 15. Love your channel, subscribed! 👊🎼🎉✨

  • @kmnaniak
    @kmnaniak Жыл бұрын

    thank you for review; I would also love to see a review of TempoTec V6 DAP which is praised for what it can deliver for it's price

  • @ROCKSTAR3291
    @ROCKSTAR3291 Жыл бұрын

    i'm thinking of getting the M15 and a cheap used iphone as my portable setup, probably better than many DAPs in the market

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Unless you’re planning to spend serious money with a PA W, 6000, I recommend it, even Mojo2 with an iPhone is cumbersome as hell

  • @johnt3500

    @johnt3500

    Жыл бұрын

    Get an used ipod touch, even cheaper. The M15 will make it a serious portable setup for cheap.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@johnt3500 not only that, that thing is so thin, it will be very pocketable

  • @TheMMadmaXX
    @TheMMadmaXX Жыл бұрын

    Hello, this device seems quite interesting, especially since it also has a balanced output. Currently I‘ve got the Dragonfly Cobalt, do you know how the M15 compares to that? Thanks in advance!

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi, I’ve not used that product in such a long time. Honestly it’s very difficult for me to recall But I remember being not overly impressed with the black and the red I find M 15 exceptional

  • @TheMMadmaXX

    @TheMMadmaXX

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Hi there, thank you for your fast reply! Greetings from Vienna!

  • @nikhilsrl
    @nikhilsrl Жыл бұрын

    Man, you make me want to get these. Comparable to Mojo 2. Now that's some hefty praise. I just got the Hiby FC4 to give company to my S12s. I don't want to spend money immediately, but will eventually want to get something better, especially since I will be getting an HP sometime this year.

  • @JtwasLuck
    @JtwasLuck Жыл бұрын

    You should try out the Cayin RU7 it’s the only portable 1-bit DAC in the world and it’s a dongle dac/amp with 400mW of power! I’ve had mine for a few days now and I am hooked! Soundstage is enormous!!

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    I had a listen at Munich high end, I think it’s coming in soon

  • @JtwasLuck

    @JtwasLuck

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Can't wait to hear your thoughts! It is one magnificient piece of hardware. In DSD64 mode, it strikes a great balance between R2R smoothness while retaining the detail of a traditional delta-sigma DAC. Best of both worlds really!

  • @minhbu95
    @minhbu95 Жыл бұрын

    How would you compare this to the RU6 from Cayin? I currently have the Cayin but I sometimes crave a lil bit more details, but the sonic characteristics of the RU6 is so satisfying...

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    This is actually on the way to me, it hasn’t arrived yet when it does. I will update this post.

  • @minhbu95

    @minhbu95

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio That's amazing! Thank you for all the quality videos, would appreciate it if you could get your hands on a CA Ara, they're currently my daily driver. I would love to hear your thoughts

  • @Luinitari

    @Luinitari

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio I second the request for an RU6 take from you! Awesome to hear that it is in the way to you. 🎉

  • @colddish

    @colddish

    Жыл бұрын

    I sold my M15 for the Cayin RU6. I actually do not find the M15 having wide soundstage despite everyone including CMA feeling otherwise. While the bass is good the treble extremely annoying. I don’t find the M15 suitable for headphones either, my HD6XX sounded weak and congested, again, so annoying that I had to disconnect it from the dongle. In the end I find even the Jcally sounds better especially in the treble department. My Topping G5 which I was able to get at a lower price than M15 beats it in all areas and as a bonus it has Bluetooth plus aux connection.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@colddish hd6xx HD 600 barely have sound stage as it is, it’s not a good indicator for reference They were always very hard to drive properly, two, there is that factor to be considered to, atrium and LIRIC are far easier As for the tribal region, it’s one of the smoothest from any dongle I’ve had here, except the one you mentioned up top which will be coming in the next couple of weeks, absolute tops, so no idea But with all the testing, we have done here, versus some very very heavy hitting equipment up to $700, including the Mojo2, million 500 nothing touches it when it comes to dongles

  • @laphonhatthakan7468
    @laphonhatthakan7468 Жыл бұрын

    This dongle is great like everything you said. However, I found one thing, only one thing, that can tick the using experience is the gain switch. It is hard stiff switch to move between low and high, but it is also a good thing that it does not move easily.😂

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    How intriguing, the one I have is very clicky tactile, and has no problems, maybe reach out and get a replacement

  • @laphonhatthakan7468

    @laphonhatthakan7468

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Interesting, but I don’t think mine is faulty. Possibly inconvenient to adjust switch in the tiny hole of the leather case.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@laphonhatthakan7468 oh, you’re using that, no doubt, I just use it naked LOL

  • @NiSHAN256
    @NiSHAN256 Жыл бұрын

    I would love to hear you thoughts on the new and hot Ifi Go Bar.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    It and Neo stream are coming

  • @tuathadedanann195
    @tuathadedanann195 Жыл бұрын

    Bandwidth is oft neglected both FR bandwidth and loop bandwidth. Higher loop bandwidth means feedback has less deleterious effects due to lower feedback loop latency. Current feedback also sounds a lot better. So does discrete. Wider FR bandwidth keeps the sound cleaner. It is all down to lower nonlinear distortion on broadband time varying signals. Something THD or IMD measurements on a single state state sine wave will never reveal!

  • @nikokomac3185
    @nikokomac3185 Жыл бұрын

    please can you tell me which is better ifi go bar or m15 i like smooth sound?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    M15

  • @zellcrs
    @zellcrs4 ай бұрын

    Did this require more setup to plug into phone? it does not work with my oneplus 7t pro, and I've tried every setting

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely not, USBc to USBc you should be fine

  • @nikokomac3185
    @nikokomac3185 Жыл бұрын

    for sounstage and more depth to sound and more reviling is mojo 2 or 15m?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Mojo two is the next level up, I recommend going to that one, but it’s much bigger three times the price and has a battery

  • @jamesbush2720
    @jamesbush2720 Жыл бұрын

    This review was Phenomenal sir!!!! I am planning on purchasing a IFI I Can Pro signature for home use and a BTR 7 for on the go with IEM,s. -Senn IE600 -About the same price. What would you pick, BTR 7 or M15?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    If you require Bluetooth, the seven, if not, M 15 all the way

  • @jamesbush2720

    @jamesbush2720

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Wow!! Thanks for the fast response 👍 🙂 M15 it is. Just need to make my cell phone battery is up to the task... I use my phone a LOT.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jamesbush2720 it uses very very low power, scarily, so

  • @jamesbush2720

    @jamesbush2720

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio ??? That is amazing if it can also drive full size cans with "current drive". How?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jamesbush2720 for what it does, and its size and the money it costs it’s ridiculous as for the technical aspects, I honestly don’t quite understand I don’t build amplifiers, but most amplifiers lack current that’s half the problem

  • @hdsarma
    @hdsarma Жыл бұрын

    SQ is very good...except one thing (which is a dealbreaker), the random clicks and pops which makes it very annoying to listen to after some time, even more frustraing is i am not able to pinpoint whats causing it, it is worse in some days some day it works better, I used both a long and short cable still not fixed.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Unfortunately, that’s not the unit, the Mojo2 is exactly the same it’s down to your 5G connection antenna on your phone. Unfortunately even the Diablo suffers the same problem. It’s an indicator of your phone, not having enough signal and the antenna constantly Ricci

  • @hdsarma

    @hdsarma

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio Checked with Airplane mode on still some noises are there, then closed all background apps and enabled exclusive USB access for Hiby player which seemed to help, so yes my phone seem to be causing the issue, I have a Mojo 2 as well which interestingly seems less susceptible I think it has bit better noise rejection, but that's expected given its higher price.

  • @Maxiimko1989
    @Maxiimko1989 Жыл бұрын

    It’s a similar in size to EarMan Colibri…how would you compare it sonically to M15?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    That unit has not come in for review as of right now

  • @Maxiimko1989

    @Maxiimko1989

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio here is a good review kzread.info/dash/bejne/qKKXzJKPZdeYpbQ.html

  • @shawnpwatsons1
    @shawnpwatsons14 ай бұрын

    So I thought I'd put in a review request on this video since I don't know how to contact you. Could your review the new premium iFi Audio GoBar Kensei dongle DAC. $449 This is iFi Audio's finest effort on dongle DACs. It's a premium product so that's why I thought of you. Can it replace a desktop dac away from home? Is it worth the extra scratch? How does it compare to your beloved M15? We all need to know.

  • @SamHocking
    @SamHocking Жыл бұрын

    Was interested in this, but as there's no ASIO driver will stick with the Apogee Groove.

  • @shahkhan110
    @shahkhan110 Жыл бұрын

    how does it compare to DAPs you have tried?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    I definitely prefer it over the FIIO M11 pro and some of those are the little ones that sort of dangle below 600 without a doubt

  • @newkid7
    @newkid7 Жыл бұрын

    Which is more musical between M15 and Mojo2?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating question The tonality and portrayal of the track is very different Honestly, I think this will come down to subjectivity and for me, CMA m15 for the tonality

  • @MykeBinaryMan
    @MykeBinaryMan Жыл бұрын

    Wonder how this compares to the ifi GO Bar.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s the best of under 500 nothing comes close

  • @shashank6393
    @shashank6393 Жыл бұрын

    Adding in my request for ru6 vs questyle15. (Try commenting them paired with a mest mk2)- Thank you😊

  • @BogdanWeiss
    @BogdanWeiss Жыл бұрын

    @8:00 stage???!!! you mean sound-stage ??

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    Corse

  • @fongkongyiew
    @fongkongyiew7 ай бұрын

    I've tested this dongle recently. Very good for IEMs but not powerful enough for wired headphones (open-back or otherwise). For the price, I would rather go for something else like the iFi Hip Dacs..

  • @iikatinggangsengii2471

    @iikatinggangsengii2471

    6 ай бұрын

    honestly forgot where it placed, but really smooth possibly another 'sweet spotter'

  • @syanhc
    @syanhc2 ай бұрын

    Will you review the M15i?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    2 ай бұрын

    Is that the Weiss DAC?

  • @syanhc

    @syanhc

    2 ай бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio It’s the new version of the Questyle M15 called the M15i.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    2 ай бұрын

    @@syanhc oh yes of course, I currently have the CMA18p here for review

  • @InternetUser-d7s

    @InternetUser-d7s

    27 күн бұрын

    ​@@ConvinceMeAudiolook forward to your thoughts on Cma18p. I have both Cma18p and M15i myself, both compliment one another.

  • @frankie3248
    @frankie32487 ай бұрын

    your review and a comment from another post stating the M15 is better than the MoonDrop MoonRiver TI (which I love) sold me on grabbing this for my computer, so thanks Brah!! I'm new with the iem's but. my Moondrop Kato with the right DAC and ear trips sound like a $6,500 car stereo system... What's strange is there's not a lot of female Audiophiles... maybe they're afraid of The Dongle's out there...

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    7 ай бұрын

    Thank you, I’m glad it was useful to you 🐅 Very few female members active in our community indeed, or maybe they just don’t care to talk about it LOL and just actually enjoy music 😆 Even at shows et cetera

  • @kylerclarke2689
    @kylerclarke2689 Жыл бұрын

    Almost twice the price of a BTR 5 in Canada. No shot.

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    Жыл бұрын

    You guys and Australia, really get the raw end of the deal By the way, sonically, it’s no competition 😀

  • @kylerclarke2689

    @kylerclarke2689

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio what I've never heard can't hurt me.

  • @kirit1665
    @kirit16656 ай бұрын

    Fantastic review mate but are you an android or cyborg or even part machine part man

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    6 ай бұрын

    If you were an android, the philosophical question would be, would you know it? LOL, I don’t think I quite understand what you’re referring to, a little more context 😂

  • @kirit1665

    @kirit1665

    6 ай бұрын

    @ConvinceMeAudio many thanks for replying, the way you explained the M15 was really great. Its the first time I've stumbled on your channel and will be definitely subscribing. I need some real though about my choice in headphones though. Please reply back dude

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    6 ай бұрын

    @@kirit1665 i’m glad the content of the channel is to your liking, and welcome to the fam 🐅 Let me know what you require Headphones wise, and I’ll do my best

  • @0dB_
    @0dB_2 ай бұрын

    Your lav saturates

  • @REX4340
    @REX4340 Жыл бұрын

    M15 is quite poor

  • @cxmxc
    @cxmxc6 ай бұрын

    the m15 is not as powerful for the price....the fiio KA5 has more power at 300 ohms and measurements are better....less half the price

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    6 ай бұрын

    Xounds like ass FIIO meh

  • @cxmxc

    @cxmxc

    14 күн бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudioI have the newest version m15i , is not that great honestly for the price - keep drinking the kool-aid lmao your full of sh*t lmao

  • @cxmxc

    @cxmxc

    14 күн бұрын

    @@ConvinceMeAudio are u f**ng blind ?

  • @elimgrc1292
    @elimgrc12929 ай бұрын

    are you blind?

  • @ConvinceMeAudio

    @ConvinceMeAudio

    9 ай бұрын

    I don’t know, let me run really hard into a wall and see 😎

  • @paulzapanta154
    @paulzapanta15410 ай бұрын

    is he blind?

  • @rawjugv.u9519

    @rawjugv.u9519

    5 ай бұрын

    nope..he is Neo

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