Questyle has a number of portable amplifier options now, each delivering its own list of specs for those looking to get the most out of their mobile devices. Let it be better audio for your smartphone or improving the audio from your laptop (if it doesn’t have its own fancy embedded DAC solution), and driving just about any pair of headphones, the company has options. Now, it also has an affordable entry into the line for those looking to keep costs reasonable, with its new Questyle M15C Portable Headphone Amp.
The company has taken its M15 series and reduced costs, passing savings to the customer. It has done this by making a few changes and developing an entry-level solution that (currently) barely costs you more than $100. Making for a decent deal and something to shake up the industry a little for competitors like AudioQuest while trying to offer a little more.
The MSRP of the new M15C is listed on Questyle’s website as being $199, but it is currently (at the time of writing this) on sale for around $130, and this feels quite fitting for this model. Making for a solid boost in savings when compared to $249 or $299, which would cover the company’s M15 and M15i models.
So clearly, Questyle is looking to cover as much of the market as possible, using these portable amplifiers. Each of them maintains a similar size and profile that makes them convenient to carry around and use with virtually any device that supports USB audio.
This one doesn’t differ at all regarding this footprint, running similar to the size of most thumb drives. Allowing you to carry it in any size of bag or slip it into your pocket while on the go. It’s also incredibly user-friendly as there is only one setting for the user to adjust, which is switching between standard and high for the gain. Most headphone models would simply need standard gain, while high-impedance models would benefit from the boost.
Embedded within the board inside is one of the ways the company has seemed to reduce costs by a bit, by (this time) making use of a Cirrus Logic DAC chip (CS43198). At the same time, not sacrificing too much when it comes to performance.
It is capable of decoding PCM audio from 16Bit/44.1kHz to 32Bit/384kHz and supports up to DSD256.
Like its brethren models, it comes with a short USB-C to USB-C dongle for connecting to your devices and includes a small USB-C to USB-A adapter for devices that do not support USB-C.
Also like the other models, it offers a regular 3.5mm output, as well as a 4.4mm balanced output Hence being able to use it with virtually any pair of headphones.
We have been testing it with around a dozen headphone models. It is crisp, and clean, and virtually no noise whatsoever. Exactly what you’d expect in a portable amp solution like this.
Although it doesn’t quite compare to the Questyle M15i, which takes its place as the next best solution, it doesn’t fall flat either. The M15C still offers a noticeable performance that adds to the music you are listening to. It also opens compatibility for your mobile devices to higher-impedance headphone models that would normally result in little to no volume using basic USB to 3.5mm dongles.
Switching between the two Questyle models, we felt that the M15i offered more power and a little more of a soundstage when paired with certain headphones. While the M15C was still able to deliver with these models, volume and impact fell slightly (which was to be expected).
Some tracks, like Alan Parsons – Rubber Universe (in FLAC format), had a bit of a balanced sound to them that was similar to listening to 320 kbps MP3s. While others, like Ariana Grande – R.E.M. (also in FLAC format) resulted in a crisp, clean, and vivid experience that really brought the track to life.
Clearly, it isn’t an audiophile solution that is going to change your world. However, it is going to sound better than the audio coming straight out of most mobile devices that don’t already offer a built-in DAC solution. It offers a great entry-level DAC experience that introduces you to what Questyle has to offer the world.
Our Conclusion
As mentioned, this is a great entry-level solution that competes with brands like AudioQuest, HELM Audio, FiiO, and more. Opening Questyle to a much larger market, as not everyone is looking to spend $200-$300 for a portable amp.
It is definitely worth the price, especially when you consider that Amazon (at the time of writing this) has it for $109, which is a great place for this one. Of course, if you only care to listen to subpar entry-level headphones with your mobile device, a simple USB dongle would be more beneficial. If you are looking for more than what a simple dongle can provide, then this is a great place to start if you are looking to be easy on your wallet.
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