To clarify - q15 has 5 gain modes: low, mid, high, super high and ultra high. 1600mW are only available on Ultra High mode and when the desktop mode is ON. Super high gain gives around 1000mW and can be used on the go with BT
Yes. My thought was that it goes straight up against the IfI but at a lower price point. On paper not as powerful, but IfI overstate their power output significantly.
I was considering the purchase of this product but I eventually found a used FiiO M17. Thanks for the review, Sir! Reverend Dr. Thomas, The Vegan Vicar.
Really enjoyed your video, I've been thinking of getting the Q15 and am looking at all the reviews for it. Subscribed and will look out for more videos from you.
Good review. A lot of people like it, but I am into ultra portability. My player is now a Tempotec V1 transport, which does not emit audio, it's tiny, runs on the ubiquitous Hiby os, I plug my tempotec sonata bhd pro dongle into it, and the whole thing fits in one closed hand. And it sounds fabulous, frankly. The whole setup slides into a pocket, and is barely noticible, and has 2 way Bluetooth up to LDAC, yes, bi directional Bluetooth, and it can be operated from my phone, including playing the files on the device, which has two card slots. Due to LDAC, streaming Tidal sounds fabulous.
Is there a good portable DAC/Amp that is suitable for driving difficult headphones. Things like Tungsten, Caldera Closed, etc. Not necessarily something that you use while walking around, but something that can be used stationary at least, but easy to move from location to location in a bag.
This one... I've been looking for the same and I simply got this one and I'm pretty happy with it. On ultra high gain mode, its output voltage is around 11VRMS, which is the highest out of any portable unit and perfect for 600ohm headphones. You can buy a power bank and get like 4 days of usage on ultra high mode.
Questyle cma18p, this one, the ifi diablo 2, Xduo xd05pro...they have high current(planar) or high voltage (dynamic 300ohms) modes...this is the cheapest
Why do Scientific Audiophile videos have such terrible sound quality? That constant hum in the background makes me suspect that his mom likes to vacuum while he is recording. Not surprising given how he treats her.
It’s as good as any desktop amp, but those headphones aren’t very sensitive, plus in lower gain modes you won’t get anywhere near the power to really drive your DT1990’s. So I would probably pass on the Q15 if you like to listen loud. The PEQ is nice to boost the bass on those headphones, so if you don’t listen too loud, it would be an excellent choice.
Ive never understood the appeal of these clunky brick-phone daps. Who needs to run their 600ohm headphones on a plane? Also my ifi go blu has a very tasty knob
I agree. I think the appeal is for someone with a weekend home where they grab and go. Maybe someone who has an apartment in the city and takes a three hour train ride Friday night to get back to the family.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Well, I must have serious audiophile issues. But frankly, you can use a dongle, no need for a huge brick. And if you have LDAC that's just fine for Bluetooth. No one could seriously have a problem with that.
@@wahid-lg1kk I used to carry around a small portable dac and a headphones amp and wired headphones, it sounded great. But the freedom of 1 pair of Bluetooth headphones makes up for the very slight drop in audio quality, I don't miss my dac / amp at all and I'll never know what I'm missing because I don't compare the 2 anymore. As the Dead Kennedys said, give me convenience or give me death.
To clarify - q15 has 5 gain modes: low, mid, high, super high and ultra high. 1600mW are only available on Ultra High mode and when the desktop mode is ON. Super high gain gives around 1000mW and can be used on the go with BT
thanks for the correction. I’ll pin this comment.
I’ve had the Q15 for over 6mo. now and I couldn’t be happier. This thing is an absolute beast, it beats my Gryphon, hands down..!
Yes. My thought was that it goes straight up against the IfI but at a lower price point. On paper not as powerful, but IfI overstate their power output significantly.
I was considering the purchase of this product but I eventually found a used FiiO M17.
Thanks for the review, Sir!
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
The Vegan Vicar.
The consistent buzz in the audio is killing me.
I'll lower audio gain for future videos.
For God's sake, stop watching! No audio review is worth losing your life!
Need a buzz kill
Its for audiophole flys
@@scientificaudiophile I was thinking
"Is this guy really an audiophile if this buzzing was overlooked?"
Really enjoyed your video, I've been thinking of getting the Q15 and am looking at all the reviews for it. Subscribed and will look out for more videos from you.
Thanks for the sub!
Good review. A lot of people like it, but I am into ultra portability. My player is now a Tempotec V1 transport, which does not emit audio, it's tiny, runs on the ubiquitous Hiby os, I plug my tempotec sonata bhd pro dongle into it, and the whole thing fits in one closed hand. And it sounds fabulous, frankly. The whole setup slides into a pocket, and is barely noticible, and has 2 way Bluetooth up to LDAC, yes, bi directional Bluetooth, and it can be operated from my phone, including playing the files on the device, which has two card slots. Due to LDAC, streaming Tidal sounds fabulous.
Huzzah! I've been looking forward to this review! :D
Great review!
Glad you liked it!
Great review, thank you.
Hi from New Zealand.
Thanks for watching!
A reference quality transportable DAC amp for $400 with peq is hard to beat for value.
Agreed. I’ve got an even more valuable FiiO product I’m reviewing.
@@scientificaudiophile which is what?
JA11
Love the noise on the mic. Put some fake wind noise too.
it should have optical input as well
Another great review sir! Does this amp enhance the soundstaging/ holography in similarly priced product ?
Yes it does!
Is there a good portable DAC/Amp that is suitable for driving difficult headphones. Things like Tungsten, Caldera Closed, etc. Not necessarily something that you use while walking around, but something that can be used stationary at least, but easy to move from location to location in a bag.
EarMen Angel is powerfull DAC/Amp, but is very hot used. But, excellent sound quality/price.
Not that I’ve heard.
This one... I've been looking for the same and I simply got this one and I'm pretty happy with it. On ultra high gain mode, its output voltage is around 11VRMS, which is the highest out of any portable unit and perfect for 600ohm headphones.
You can buy a power bank and get like 4 days of usage on ultra high mode.
Questyle cma18p, this one, the ifi diablo 2, Xduo xd05pro...they have high current(planar) or high voltage (dynamic 300ohms) modes...this is the cheapest
Quite funny. Thanks for sharing.
Seems to be cheapest on Aliexpress but can they be trusted
Nice 👍
Something different from Xduoo…as always 😎
Doesn't charge via charger pad? 😮
Why do Scientific Audiophile videos have such terrible sound quality? That constant hum in the background makes me suspect that his mom likes to vacuum while he is recording. Not surprising given how he treats her.
I need to ask you is it going to run my beyerdynamic dt1990 pro(250ohm) with its maximum performence like a desk dac/amp ??
It’s as good as any desktop amp, but those headphones aren’t very sensitive, plus in lower gain modes you won’t get anywhere near the power to really drive your DT1990’s. So I would probably pass on the Q15 if you like to listen loud. The PEQ is nice to boost the bass on those headphones, so if you don’t listen too loud, it would be an excellent choice.
@@scientificaudiophile in fact i like to listen to my music with loud and power level so as i can see you dont recommend it for me ??
Correct. You need more power.
@@scientificaudiophile is there any portable dac/amp can support that much of power 100% like desk dac/amp??
@@alimatook8962questyle cma 18 or diablo 2
I'm missing the "Pro" (it's not a hobby!)
Just a comment for the algorithm...
Ive never understood the appeal of these clunky brick-phone daps. Who needs to run their 600ohm headphones on a plane?
Also my ifi go blu has a very tasty knob
Neither do I, if Bluetooth headphones aren't good enough while you're away from the house you have serious audiophile issues.
I agree. I think the appeal is for someone with a weekend home where they grab and go. Maybe someone who has an apartment in the city and takes a three hour train ride Friday night to get back to the family.
@@scientificaudiophile
So it's for rich wankers, got it 👍 😆
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Well, I must have serious audiophile issues. But frankly, you can use a dongle, no need for a huge brick. And if you have LDAC that's just fine for Bluetooth. No one could seriously have a problem with that.
@@wahid-lg1kk
I used to carry around a small portable dac and a headphones amp and wired headphones, it sounded great.
But the freedom of 1 pair of Bluetooth headphones makes up for the very slight drop in audio quality, I don't miss my dac / amp at all and I'll never know what I'm missing because I don't compare the 2 anymore.
As the Dead Kennedys said, give me convenience or give me death.
Would it be okay to send you a massive pile a trash, please let me know. Thank you.
Absolutely!