The Questyle CMA Fifteen Review was loaned to me for the purpose of this review and is returned back . The review reflects my honest and subjective evaluation without intervention from the manufacturer. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links.
The price is $2499 and you can order it from here.
Questyle
Given the abundance of reviews and accolades, it would be unnecessary to burden you with extensive introductions. Questyle, a distinguished manufacturer of top-tier audio equipment, has garnered immense praise for their previous flagship model, the CMA Twelve. This exceptional device not only received numerous awards and positive reviews, but also secured a prominent spot on the desks of countless audiophiles.
Questyle CMA Fifteen
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Questyle’s groundbreaking Current Mode Amplification Technology, the Questyle CMA Fifteen has been introduced as the company’s latest flagship DAC/Headphone Amp.
The Questyle CMA Fifteen is a versatile all-in-one device that provides both balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, featuring 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR, and 6.35mm jacks.
For enhanced customization, the headphone amplifier includes a bias switch on the front panel, allowing users to set high or standard bias. Additionally, there are four gain switches located at the bottom of the amplifier, enabling users to select between standard and low gain. Although the location of the gain switches may not be the most convenient for on-the-fly adjustments, it was strategically chosen to ensure channel balance and prevent any imbalance issues.
Furthermore, the Questyle CMA Fifteen offers balanced and unbalanced line outputs with XLR and RCA jacks. These outputs can be configured as fixed or variable, providing two output levels: standard and studio. The RCA output delivers 2V in standard mode, while the studio mode can output up to 14dBu. On the other hand, the XLR output delivers 4V in standard mode, with the studio mode capable of outputting up to 20dBu.
In terms of connectivity, the device boasts four digital inputs, including two USB ports (featuring a high-priority USB Type-C interface and a USB Type-B interface), coaxial, and optical inputs. It supports high-resolution signals up to 768kHz/32bit PCM, Native DSD 512, and DOP DSD 256, making it a Full/Core MQA decoder. Additionally, there is an RCA line level input available for connecting external analog sources, such as a phono preamp.
While the Questyle CMA Fifteen supports high-resolution Bluetooth connection, it is important to note that it is compatible with SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs (offering 96kHz/24bit and 990kps/909kps), but does not support aptX HD or aptX codecs.
Current Mode Amplification
Current Mode Amplification is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes current instead of voltage to amplify audio signals. This innovative approach results in significant performance disparities compared to traditional audio amplifiers. Serving as the powerhouse of the audio system, Current Mode Amplification boasts a fully discrete and topological structure, enabling it to deliver exceptional sound quality that faithfully reproduces music, making you feel as if you are present in the original recording room. By employing Current Mode Amplification technology, listeners can elevate their listening experience, even when using consumer-grade headphones and speaker systems.
In the pursuit of unparalleled performance, nearly all high-end DAC chips from renowned manufacturers incorporate current-type output. These outputs are typically combined with an IV converter and classical amplifier architecture in most traditional amplifiers.
However, Questyle posed a thought-provoking question: if the DAC’s output is already current-type, why not amplify the signal in current-mode as well?
This question led to the development of the CMA Fifteen by Questyle. The CMA Fifteen utilizes the ES9038PRO current-mode DAC and integrates it with four Current Mode Amplifiers. These amplifiers work harmoniously in a fully balanced mode, resulting in a “system-level lossless” purity that is truly remarkable.
Build quality and layout
The Questyle CMA Fifteen shares the same design and compact size as the CMA Twelve, making it a space-saving high-end all-in-one unit. It features a black chassis made from 10mm aircraft-grade aluminum 6063, ensuring excellent build quality and finish. While the appearance is neat and minimalist, some may not be fond of the slightly extending and sharp edges on the front face. To address unwanted resonances, special attention has been given to the internal layout and the addition of a high-quality CNC foot with high-density absorbing rubber.
Control of the power and various functions is done through dip switches and a button on the front. These allow you to select the input source, choose between headphone amplifier and DAC output functions, and adjust the headphone amplifier bias. The High Bias option provides a longer range of Class A operation, while the Standard option is more efficient but operates with a lower cutoff to Class AB operation. Additionally, there are three switches at the back for toggling between fixed or variable level output, selecting the line gain between standard and studio, and entering Bluetooth pairing mode.
Included with the unit is a remote control, which can manage the input source and the motorized volume potentiometer. However, it does not control the functions assigned to the switches.
The headphone amplifier
The headphone amplifier’s maximum output is configured at 2W/32Ω balanced and 1.5W/32Ω unbalanced, ensuring that the single-ended output is indeed usable. With such power, it surpasses the requirements of most headphones, except for the exceptionally inefficient ones like the Susvara.
In terms of performance, the low gain mode boasts an impeccably low noise floor, rendering it suitable for even the most sensitive IEMs. This ensures a pristine audio experience without any audible disturbances.
The headphone amplifier itself is a remarkable performer and serves as the perfect companion for the DAC. In fact, there is absolutely no need for an external amplifier unless you specifically require significantly more power or desire to incorporate tubes into your setup.
Now, speaking about the bias operation, I must be honest. Any differences, if present at all, fall within the realm of placebo. However, personally, I found that the high bias setting complemented the Sennheiser HD8XX and the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth exceptionally well.
Listening impressions
The general consensus regarding the ESS ES9038PRO is that it prioritizes technicalities over musicality and naturalness of timbre. However, the Questyle CMA Fifteen challenges this notion by delivering exceptional musicality without compromising on technical performance. In fact, it enhances the engagement factor and provides a complete and immersive listening experience.
The Questyle CMA Fifteen seamlessly combines transparency, linearity, and impressive musicality, resulting in a realistic audio performance. It effortlessly blends the power, bass control, and dynamic range of a solid-state amplifier with the warmth and sound expansiveness typically associated with tube amplifiers. Whether you’re using headphones or speakers, the CMA Fifteen offers remarkable tonal accuracy and naturalness, with minimal digital glare.
Interestingly, the option to choose a digital filter is not provided to the user. This suggests that the engineers have carefully selected the best possible solution to achieve a less digital sound. The Fifteen excels in cleanliness and transparency, allowing for deep detail retrieval without sacrificing naturalness. It strikes a perfect balance and integration, creating a harmonious and well-rounded sound.
The presentation of the Questyle CMA Fifteen is impactful and full-bodied, yet it maintains excellent control and definition. The dynamics are convincingly reproduced, making it a joy to listen to large-scale symphonic works, especially when connected to a two-channel system.
The consistency of the mid-range and treble is exceptional, allowing for a rich display of overtones and deep harmonic expression that resembles the warmth of analog sound. There are no harsh treble notes, overpowering mid-range frequencies, or any rough edges to be found. In terms of ESS implementations, this is one of the closest to achieving an analogue experience, alongside remarkable offerings from renowned companies such as Violectric and the extravagantly priced Ideon Audio.
The soundstage is truly impressive, boasting precise imaging, a sense of grandeur in its presentation, and a three-dimensional sculpted relief that creates a holographic effect. While the CMA Fifteen excels as a pure DAC, it falls slightly short in terms of field depth, proportions, and image size when compared to dedicated DACs like the Denafrips Pontus II or the Ideon Audio ΙΩΝ.
Once again, classical music serves as the perfect example to showcase the soundstage properties of this remarkable audio equipment.
Vs the Violectric V380² (€2300)
The Violectric V380² is an exceptional all-in-one unit that delivers outstanding sound quality. It is equipped with four ES9026PRO DAC chips (two per channel), combining advanced technical capabilities with remarkable musicality. The unit offers three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) and two line level inputs. However, it does not support wireless Bluetooth connectivity or MQA decoding.
For headphone enthusiasts, the V380² provides three headphone outputs with different output jacks (4-pin XLR, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm). Additionally, it offers two line outputs (balanced and unbalanced) that can be configured as fixed or variable. The headphone amplifier is notably powerful, delivering 5000mW at 50Ω and 21VRMS into 600Ω.
Although the V380² does not come with a remote control, it features a high-quality potentiometer with a substantial aluminum knob. Both the build quality and appearance of the unit are exceptional, ensuring a premium user experience.
Both sound equally impressive, engaging, and musical with some subtle variations. The V380² offers a cleaner and more transparent sound, creating a presentation that is open and layered. It shares the same harmonic richness and natural timbre as the Violectric, but the Violectric manages to convey a slightly more convincing sound. The V380² boasts a more holographic soundstage while maintaining the same level of performance from both the DAC and headphone outputs.
Additionally, the V380² delivers a more visceral and fuller bass texture, with a dynamic quality that is slightly faster than the Questyle CMA Fifteen. On the other hand, the Questyle CMA Fifteen offers a more relaxed and naturally decaying sound, particularly in the treble. The battle between these two is intense and could potentially continue indefinitely without a clear winner.
In the end
The Questyle CMA Fifteen demonstrates that superior electronic components alone do not guarantee exceptional sound quality. Instead, it is the result of meticulous design, skillful implementation, and meticulous tuning by the ear. While there are numerous DACs based on the ES9038PRO, only a handful can match the outstanding performance and the organic, harmonious sound signature of the Questyle CMA Fifteen. This all-in-one device serves as the perfect centerpiece for your music listening setup, offering both technical excellence and a natural, musical listening experience.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2022.
+ Musical and engaging + Natural timbre + Clarity and transparency + Silent + Not much digital glare + Wide soundstage and precise imaging + LDAC codec + Powerful headphone amplifier + Line input + All-in-one + Well made + Remote control - Gain switches are at the bottom - No aptX HD and aptX. - Soundstage not that holographic - Sharp edges - Limited functionality of the remote control
Leave a comment