FiiO Q15 Flagship DAC Amp Review & Comparison

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#donglemadness taking a deep dive into the flagship grade portable DAC/Amp from FiiO, Q15
Sections:
00:00 Intro & Price
00:21 Price & where to buy
00:40 Q15 Configuration
02:23 Q15 as A Portable DAC/Amp
03:02 Q15 Features
07:19 Q15 as a Bluetooth DAC/Amp
08:40 Q15 Desktop Mode & Power
10:38 Q15 Sound & Performance
15:56 Sound Timbre & Comparison
20:00 Conclusions/Final Words
Get FiiO Q15 from Red Ape Audio Malaysia (Shopee):
shopee.com.my/FiiO-Q15-Portab...
Shot On:
- Sony Alpha A6700 (Native 4K50P XAVC HS 4.2.2)
- Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM (36mm APSC)
- Sony FE 50mm F2.5 G (Stills)
- RØDE Wireless Pro
- Monitoring Headphone: Sony MDR7506 JDM
#donglemadness Dongle Ranking List:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
My Tidal Version Playlist:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/ba3...
My Gaming Channel:
/ @feveredpitchdelirium
My Twitch Channel:
/ fpdelirium

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Опубликовано:

8 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 153

@fiddlix 4 месяца назад

Hey Andy, I’ve had the Q15 for a couple of months. I couldn’t be happier. This thing is an absolute beast, from its build to its sound. My best before the Q15 was the ifI Gryphon. The Gryphon is no slouch it is no match for the Q15. Power, sound, build the Q15 sweeps the floor with the Gryphon. Excellent review. TonyTex aka Akros brought it to my attention last fall. I saw top of the line AKM I knew I had to get one. I couldn’t be happier. Your review is spot on imho. I do love your reviews because you get in to the nitty gritty of what makes these things tick. I learn something new with each review you publish. Thank you Andy. 🎻🎸✌️😊

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

A beast indeed, it is like HIBY FC6 on steroids, lol. And thanks! 🤘🤘

@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices 2 месяца назад

I already have the HiBy for earphones but I may use this FiiO with 🎧

@MaZEEZaM 2 месяца назад

I love the close-up and the way you have shown both points of view. I wish more reviewerswere like yours.

@interstellar8642 3 месяца назад

I'm loving all of these reviews!! i have been looking for reviews on this and the btr15. i must say i am so glad i found this channel and will be coming to this channel more and more as i see what is coming out and seeing what is posted. I love the honesty and the transparency on all these reviews!! loving your channel!!!

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Thanks. You made my day. Really appreciate the support 😃. Cheers

@stephendevincentis Месяц назад

best reviewer i have heard for a long long time.....love your work Thank you.

@donglemadness Месяц назад

Wow, thanks!😁

@waiik76 4 месяца назад

Thanks for your review q15 😊. I got one. Organics and nature sound. Fantastic!

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Enjoy!

@marcelpfeiffer6587 4 месяца назад

Hi Andy, great review of an outstanding product. Thank you.

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

No worries, and thanks

@nailedit05 4 месяца назад

Amazing review Andy 😁

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thank you! 🙏

@MaZEEZaM 2 месяца назад

Really great review. Thanks. 😃

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

🙏

@ernest4483 4 месяца назад

great content and great review Andy hoping to get the Q15 down the road or by the end of the year, already have the Fiio dongles the KA13 and KA17

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thanks man

@MaZEEZaM 2 месяца назад

Its my first time watching one of your review videos, I really like that you demonstrated how you use this product while out and about rather than simply talking about the product as other reviewers tend to do. I have paused the video @3:02 to comment as this really stood out as a real positive, +1 Subscriber from Australia. 🤔 btw, I also really like cargo pants, they are so practical with all their pockets.

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

Hey thanks for the support!. Oh yes that cargo pants is my favorite, for a gadget nerd like me, I can fir in so many stuffs, LOL. It is a Levi's Cargo Pants by the way, quite thick

@pappsa8 Месяц назад

Andy,i bought one yesterday,like new,with almost 2 years guarantee,at half price! I cant wait to arrive to me!💪💪

@jasmeetsinghism 4 месяца назад

Just received it yesterday, bought it after watching your review satisfied with the sound, very natural and organic. Thanks

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Awesome. Enjoy your music!

@nikokomac3185 4 месяца назад

this fiio q15 sound fantastic now for me also akm is something special....very very good

@totorokitano 4 месяца назад

Great review!I need the same trousers 😄The Q15 is on my short list with the Shanling H5 (smaller and with support of SD card)

@dheny3007 4 месяца назад

I'm waiting also comparison this two DAC, with same chip, but the price still win fiio Q15, fortunately i got andy's review, thankyou andy 🙏🙏🙏

@justinmerrill3548 4 месяца назад

I went from the Ifi zen v2 stack to the Q15 and I couldn’t be happier. So glad I got a proper amp for my IEM’s. Sweet Godflesh shirt btw!

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

I can totally relate to that. Cheers 🤘🤘

@justinmerrill3548 4 месяца назад

Keep up the good work your passion really shines through your videos and I enjoy your work. I’ve been following you since I got the VE SIE and megatron. What a lovely combo that is with the impedance adapter. Thanks for the recommendation the SIE is my favorite set by far in the 100 range. Long live analog!!!! 🤘

@ruffandruff 4 месяца назад

Excellent review mate!!!!. If you get the chance do review the Xduoo XD05 Pro

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thanks!. If I can get hold of one, absolutely want to review XD05 Pro, looks impressive on paper

@sydbarrett5289 4 месяца назад

Good review 👍

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thank you 🙏

@benjamincabacunganjr.2495 4 месяца назад

Most definitely Analytically reviewer in audio gadgets in RU-vid 🇵🇭💯😘😋👍👏👏👏👏✌️❤️‍🔥

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

😂 Thanks

@adnansamiayon573 4 месяца назад

Tried q11 and just blown away But this is another level lest see if I can try them out

@quanai9012 4 месяца назад

Waitting for Fiio Ka17 review

@user-uc9ro9tf6q 4 месяца назад

Me too... please Andy 🙏😊

@Krishnakumar-wl7ih 3 месяца назад

This DAC-Amp has quietly gone under as none of the "big channels" are ready to review this majestic work of art. I wanted FiiO Q7 but didn't want something that comically large. So when this came up I went at it on the first day to get it. This is pretty much endgame level good with Senn HD 600 or Hifiman Sundara.

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Victoria Concordia Crescit. COYG

@kanegforce3974 4 месяца назад

love my Q15 as well. Sounds really wonderful even compared to my Hifiman EF400 Desktop DacAmp. using Hifiman Arya Organic and Fiio FH-9

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

No joke, this Q15 competes with desktop stuffs

@zenboy2000 3 месяца назад

Great review Andy, I ordered one last night based on your review, I tried to use the Mojo 2 as a mobile source but it doesn't work very well in ones pocket, even if it and the phone are in different pockets. The BTR7 is a good pocketable source, but doesn't sound as good as the Mojo 2. The Mojo 2 is now connected to a Burson Soloist 3XP which is a great combo. If the Q15 has some Chord and Burson elements to its sound, but is also mobile, then I'm in for a real treat.

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Thanks. Q15 offers denser and less edgy sound compared to Mojo 2, a bit more musical and less emphasis on technicalities (but it is still very technical nonetheless)

@zenboy2000 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the clarification, still really looking forward to it@@donglemadness

@radiofreealbemuth 3 месяца назад

how would you compare the q15 with the mojo 2? @@zenboy2000

@Alex-dj7nc 4 месяца назад

Thanks

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

🙏

@matisa2190 4 месяца назад

Would be interesting if you could review and compare the IBasso D16 Taipan

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

I would be VERY interested in that one too 😁😁

@angelopolcaro5508 2 месяца назад

Great review as usual, I wanted to ask you which filter do you prefer among those available? Thank you.

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

Thank you. Most of the time I use Slow filter, but really at least to my own hearing, these filters don't influence much at all

@FATfreq 4 месяца назад

Binge-watching all your videos which i missed recently .... Andy again a request if possible please review The Fosi Audio SK02.. and did you get the FiiO KA17 or the KA11 yet?

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

I don't have any of them with me and I don't know when, so I can't promise anything. Thanks for your support, always ✌✌

@slothninja5180 Месяц назад

I am heavily considering this thing after doing a quick demo of it. Have you done thorough comparisons to the iFi Gryphon? That’s the DAC/Amp I currently have but I am considering on selling it for this.

@donglemadness Месяц назад

I don't have Gryphon so I have no idea how they would compare, sorry

@Hijynx87 3 месяца назад

I’m wondering which to get (right now I have a btr7, qudelix 5k and a shanling m3 ultra dap). I was wondering between questyle m15, fiio q15, hiby fc6 or Cayin ru7. Mainly for iems, but I also have a fiio ft3 350ohm and an edition xs….oh and a beyer dt990 pro 250ohm but I don’t enjoy cymbals smashing the side of my face lol.

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Such a wide choice, but since you consider Q15 in the bunch, then get Q15 and you get everything in one package. Otherwise I would narrow it down to FC6/M12i/BTR15 for something more portable, and a bit more preference to BTR15 if you need MIC and wireless convenience. FC6/M12i/BTR15/Q15 will all synergize great with DT990 Pro

@matthewhilty4209 4 месяца назад

Very Nice Little Amp. The other one that looks promising is the upcoming $699 Questyle CMA18 (ouch that price !). I don't know if the CMA18 will be competitive due to the price being even more than the Chord Mojo2. A 3 way shootout between the CMA18 , Mojo2 and Q15 would be very interesting. I have a feeling that the Fiio will be a better value since it is half the price.

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Yep on price alone for a flagship DAC/Amp, Q15 is hard to beat

@BrianVallotton 3 месяца назад

Hi Andy. I ordered the Q15 and will have it tonight! I have a lot of confidence buying this due to your excellent review here. I like the AKM chips which is a big part of why I am buying this particular unit. Do you find that the software has any issues? I use a iPhone 13. I have heard people have issues with the Fiio app. Other than that I think I am really going to enjoy this unit! Thanks.

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

I personally don't find any issues with the app. The majority of things can be done with the built-in controls Q15 offers. I think the reported issues are mainly related to PEQ and I practically never use PEQ or EQ, so I don't encounter any issues there

@BrianVallotton 3 месяца назад

@@donglemadness Thank you for the encouragement!

@oreozrelsion8818 Месяц назад

Andy, did you go through the filter option? Is it big diff?

@donglemadness Месяц назад

For Q15, barely any difference at all if any

@FrantaPo-bc5mu 4 месяца назад

Andy, could you share tracks you use for testing pinna glare?

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Just have a look at my shared Playlist. Alison Krauss is a good example. And also if you listen to Black Metal from Burzum, he uses a lot of E Minor guitar chords on top of his vocals being sharp sounding

@wardaug_ 4 месяца назад

Nice review as always. Wondering how it compares to iFi Gryphon 😁

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thank you!

@fiddlix 4 месяца назад

I have the q15 and the gryphon. Both are excellent. But the q15 has that special sauce that the gryphon is lacking. Andy’s review said it best.

@adamtan3919 4 месяца назад

I have the colorfly m1p and absolutely loved this device. Can I ask what improvement can I expect from using the fiio q15? I will assume that this fiio will not sound as rich and analog as colorfly. Mainly use with phone/dap and iem.

@sunnydayz77 2 месяца назад

Hi Andy. Nice review. I am pkanning to buy the q15 as an uograde to my BTR7. Is the q15 an upgrade to the BTR7 ?

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

I never tried BTR7 so I would not know. But to give you an idea I see Q15 being on par to FiiO desktop DAC/Amp of K9 and I even prefer Q15 more for being smaller and richer sounding

@ronenbuium7699 2 месяца назад

Hi Andy, Can you compare it to xDuoo XD05 Pro sound wise? (with the AKM DAC card) (and with Sparkos SS3602 Op-amps if you can)

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

I wish I can help with that but I don't have neither one of them accessible to me. But if can get them, then yes I would do it. Thanks

@Gilliboy82 4 месяца назад

I have the chord mojo 2. Is this device an upgrade or not? You said the Q15 is more balanced?

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

At this level, both at the upper tier of things, it is more like different tuning. Mojo 2 focuses a bit more on technicalities and as mentioned in this video, being a bit brighter sounding too, Q15 is smoother, richer with sound texture and more organic sounding. Which sound style you prefer more will determine which one you like better

@c.k1523 4 месяца назад

Hey Andy. How is the sound of this compare with FC6? I got the FC6 through your review and I love it but most of my gears are 4.4 so I'm trying to get a dac with 4.4 with a wide soundstage.

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Thanks. Check again 15:58 at Sound Timbre and you would see how close Q15 is with FC6 when it comes to sound signature, Q15 is practically on par with DACport HD and Colorffly CDA-M1P when it comes to sound timbre, texture richness and temperament. And you are right, this is like having FC6 with 4.4mm BAL if you prefer to use 4.4mm BAL since your cables are mainly 4.4, Q15 also as noted in my review, is like having more open staging with a bit more of headstage versus FC6 and DACport HD

@c.k1523 4 месяца назад

Thank you Andy.

@user-qs9mv7dv6c 2 месяца назад

Hello, Does the PEQ in the FiiO Control App working also with streaming services like Qobus or Tidal? Thanks 🙏

@YoungstersYGN 4 месяца назад

I hope you review Calyx K DAC Dongle in 2024 too...😃

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Noted

@lior3385 15 дней назад

hey Andy, for sundara and warm sound...fiio q15 or ifi zen dac V3?

@donglemadness 15 дней назад

Q15

@radiofreealbemuth 3 месяца назад

9:02 i'm a bit confused here. when you set it to desktop mode and it's not charging the battery, can you just supply power to the q15 through the USB charger? So for example, if I connect one USB to the phone and one USB to a USB charger (plugged to a wall), can the q15 just use the power from the USB charger (wall) or does it still drain battery from the phone?

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Whenever there is a supply of power is fed to Q15 on the 2nd USB port marked in orange/red. Q15 will never draw from the host or your phone. So yes it will not drain the battery of your phone

@TheWorldTeacher 4 месяца назад

Terima kasih kerana tidak salah sebut "timbre" kali ini. 😅

@radiofreealbemuth 2 месяца назад

Can i ask how is the noise floor/hissing on the Fiio Q15 with sensitive iems?

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

I have tested it with 2.9 Ohm hybrid IEM with 121 dB of sensitivity, zero floor noise, total silence

@radiofreealbemuth 2 месяца назад

@@donglemadness ah, I'm wondering if the noise floor rises when you set it to ultra high gain mode. From what I understand, when you set it to desktop mode by connecting it to the wall via a USB charger and bypassing the battery, it shifts into ultra high gain mode, and I'm guessing that could raise the noise floor

@jorgeluisfernandez2560 Месяц назад

If i already have a dap hiby r6 III do you recommend me this device for headphones like senn hd660 s2 and hd800s? Or my hiby can deliver enough power for those headphones? Thanks

@donglemadness Месяц назад

Power is not an issue here as R6 III already offers all the power you need. You swap DAC/Amps to try different synergy and tuning, different experiences

@hariramv7764 2 месяца назад

Hi Andy should I buy FC6 on sale around 175 or should I stretch and get Q15? Will. It worth it?

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

$175 for FC6 is s steal. I love both FC6 and Q15 equally but with that price, FC6 is a clear choice if you ask me

@radiofreealbemuth 3 месяца назад

Can i ask how you like the user interface of the Q15? I've heard some people say that the software is buggy.

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

I like it a lot. The ones saying it is buggy probably due to issues with PEQ, and I almost never touch PEQ at all so I don't get any issues

@FrantaPo-bc5mu 4 месяца назад

Do you think would you be using Q15 more than BTR15 when on the go/outside (with IEMs)?

@Rezzzn0r 4 месяца назад

Nice review, thank you. Too bad you didnt mention software issues with Q15, EQ is almost unusable through USB until Fiio fix it.

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

The reason for that was that, I never use EQ on any of my audio gears, so from that perspective I really don't know there was even an issue with EQ

@Rezzzn0r 4 месяца назад

@@donglemadness I see, thank you. I own Q15 and I think it's a great sounding device. On the other hand I do not like how Fiio treats customers. Releasing a product that clearly has not been tested enough from a software perspective.

@bourjuva Месяц назад

which one is best combine for fa19 for pc gaming this one or fa17?

@donglemadness Месяц назад

You mean KA17? while both Q15 and KA17 are great with imaging and resolution, I find that KA17 will be more suited for spatial holographic presentation which means it will also be more suited for FPS/TPP type of gaming, Q15 however is superior with natural timbre which is more applicable for music and immersion

@topandrun126 4 месяца назад

Those this dac support usb output? Where I can connect it to a vehicle usb input

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Yes the USB C is the primary output from this Q11, assuming that your car system can accept USB in then it will work

@topandrun126 4 месяца назад

@@donglemadness thanks for the info

@topandrun126 4 месяца назад

@donglemadness I was referring to the q15 not the q11.

@_Xc3lL3Nc3_ 2 месяца назад

Is it worthy to sacrifice portability from KA17 and upgrade to Q15?

@donglemadness 2 месяца назад

The reason to upgrade to Q15 is to get a more natural and richer sounding output, but technically both of them are really on par, and Q15 offers more features including a very good LDAC decoding, yes you lose portability, but KA17 is already very solid as it is

@ruslanbodnarchuk8580 3 месяца назад

Hi Andy, How do you compare Q15 to L&P W4 ?

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

Q15 is superior especially with sound texture richness,, outright power, analog timbre and balance between musical/analytical. W4 is exceedingly competent with technicalities but to me just a bit lacking with sound texture and timbre, so if you ask me, Q15 is superior

@ruslanbodnarchuk8580 3 месяца назад

Many thanks for sharing your opinion

@ibrahimsincap3705 3 месяца назад

Hi, how is this compared to DC Elite?

@donglemadness 3 месяца назад

DC Elite is flatter and more neutral with lows and mids. As noted in my review here Q15 offers enhanced neutral sound frequency for Mids and Lows, making it richer sounding with imaging and texture, it is also more analog than DC-Elite. Technical wise they are pretty much on par

@afonsograde5531 4 месяца назад

Next review is -> Fosi Audio SK02 👌👌👌

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

That's my wish too

@muhamadrafi7694 4 месяца назад

Review tempotec V3 sir That DAP using AKM too

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

I can only review what I can get, if I can get it, yes of course

@pradiptawork Месяц назад

Sir, you really look like my uncle 😅

@donglemadness Месяц назад

🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Malik08902 4 месяца назад

Can you compare with cayin ru7?

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Just like comparing RU7 vs FC6, except that Q15 is like a supercharged FC6, it has richer sound texture and analog tonality a bit more than RU7

@Malik08902 4 месяца назад

@@donglemadness thank you very much for the quick reply!

@Maj0rTac0 4 месяца назад

There's a similar device by Xduoo xd05 balance 2 with 1.5W power on the balance output. Anyone have tried it?

@Sarmat52 4 месяца назад

Он хуже fiio q15.

@endrizo 4 месяца назад

and the xd05 bal2 has optical input as well. q15 does not include optical. only coaxial

@Maj0rTac0 4 месяца назад

@endrizo you can also change the omp amp of the xd05 bal 2 but the gain though it only has hi-lo compared to Q15's 4/5 stages. Bal 2 uses ESS and FIIO is AKM. I hope Andy can get hold of the Xduoo for comparison

@endrizo 4 месяца назад

@@Maj0rTac0 yes i know. i wont get into thay craze of op amp rolling. a side by side comparison would be great.

@Maj0rTac0 4 месяца назад

@endrizo would you go with the q15 or the Xduoo if you were to decide

@gogo8033 4 месяца назад

I guess fiio k9 akm outperforms a little bit.😁

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

I guess it would, considering that K9 AKM is a flagship too with larger real estate and components

@AbalMarius 4 месяца назад

K9 akm is q15 on steroids, it sounds even better but is stationary device not portable so depends how you use it

@GetID 4 месяца назад

Hy Andy, have you try Fiio KA17 DAC Dongle? I'm curious about sound quality that dongle has. The output power about 2 x 650mW Bal

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

No, I don't have it yet

@sydbarrett5289 4 месяца назад

I have this dac. it's not bad, but the sound quality is slightly worse than ifi go bar.

@raynerstuelgalid 4 месяца назад

That's desktop size.

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

Yep, a brick still lol

@karolkedzierski5824 4 месяца назад

IBasso Elite eats all of them alive.

@SAyar-so9ur 4 месяца назад

😂

@donglemadness 4 месяца назад

😂

@VanDungLe2510 4 месяца назад

Doubt, but okay😂

@karolkedzierski5824 4 месяца назад

You can laugh but i know what im talking about. Ive had the Fiio M15s which is better than the q15. I compared the M15s to my AK sp1000 and it took 5 min to send the M15s back, no chance. The Elite on the other hand stands to the sp1000 better than the M15s. There is no way the q15 is better sound wise.

@VanDungLe2510 4 месяца назад

@@karolkedzierski5824 yeah but... Andy has both q15 and dc elite. Your opinion is just an opinion. Glad to see that you like it tho