This effectively means that M15 is among the few that has been designed and built from scratch with versatile compatibility to iOS.ĭespite being a “larger than normal” Dongle, M15 appeared to be adequately efficient with power draw to the host. Included in the stock package, M15 comes with both USB C and iOS Lightning cables. This will allow for swapping of cables to suit the needs. But what I do know, the Current Mode amp stage of both M12 and M15 plays huge role in shaping up the sonic characteristics they offer.Īs with most other Dongles nowadays, M15 comes with female USB C interface for the data link. I honestly don’t know much about this technology, so I would not dwell too much talking on it. In alignment with what was already introduced with M12, M15 also offers the latest iteration of Questyle Current Mode amplification. This has allowed them to push the power output higher and will work great with power hungry partners. Balance circuitry that offers discrete power each channels (L/R) instead of shared GND. While M12 came with just 3.5mm SE, M15 stepped up to the current standards of including a 4.4mm BAL Pentaconn port. But at least I can tell natively M15 does offer “less jumpy” gain between levels as observed with some other devices. So in order to have fine adjustment, it is necessary to use HiBy Music App (Software Volume Mode) or UAPP Volume Steps. Perhaps Questyle can consider this in earnest in upcoming Dongle line-ups.Īs for the volume adjustment itself on the host side, like most other Dongles without independent/dedicated adjusters, M15 depends largely on the volume steps resolution of the source. As observed with the likes of Cayin RU6, DACport HD and Lotoo PAW S2 – all of which comes with super refined volume adjusters, the ability to fine tune volume levels has help to elevate music listening greatly – at least in the manner of how I normally use the Dongles – set the volume at Max on the host and let the DAC/Amp regulate the output. What I have learned so far, independent volume adjustment does have big role in fine tuning listening loudness. I must admit that I wished it would have include some sort of independent volume adjusters.
However, M15 does not offer any sort of volume adjusters on the Dongle itself. On one side, there’s user selectable hardware switch for gain selection. One for power/resolution and another one for High/Low gain. They forgo the need to downsize in favor of innovation, to ensure that M15 will have all the bells and whistles of a top of the line performer.įeature wise, despite the size, M15 offers equally simple stuffs like imbedded led lights that can be seen through the glass window. The rationale behind this, Questyle opted to go purist route on M15. Clearly showing generous real estate of components. The glass window would allow us to savor looking at the beautifully crafted internals. Most prominent feature would be the glass faceplate on one side. The traditional rectangular design being simple as it is functional. By current standards, M15 is one hell of a solid device construction wise. Apogee Groove being the largest then followed by CEntrance DACport HD. It is probably the 3rd largest Dongle I ever owned. M15 is a huge Dongle, in fact I daresay it is 3x the size of M12.
PS: As noted above, my M15 has undergone a Firmware update and the entirety of my review are based on it – post FW update. Let’s see how does M15 fares in the real world shall we? I know Questyle has great tuning principle and this is a known fact among many audio enthusiasts. When M15 was released, gleefully I took the opportunity head first to have it delivered to my doorsteps. I even prefer it more over Apogee Groove and the slew of Hidizs S9 Pro, E1DA 9038 or REIYIN DA-Plus – all of which prime examples of properly tuned ESS Sabre units. It is no secret that among over 120 Dongles I owned, the M12 ranks the highest in my book for ESS Sabre unit. Questyle M15 marked the progression and evolution introduced with M12, the only Current Mode amplification Dongles to exist now.
At the time of my review, my M15 has been upgraded from FW Build 9086 to Build 9277 which can be downloaded directly from Questyle here: