FiiO Q15 portable DAC with Bluetooth review

Подписаться 39 тыс.

Просмотров 7 тыс.

50% 1

And here comes yet another opportunity to get an excellent sound for a lower price. FiiO spent a lot of effort trying to do Q15 as well as possible.
Official site: www.fiio.com/q15
0:00 - Introduction
2:54 - Unboxing and accessories
5:13 - Design and controls
10:27 - Companion app
12:47 - Sound
22:05 - Pairings and comparisons
Tracks mentioned in the review
Robert Len - Good Morning, Heartache
Snarky Puppy - Gemini
Notre Dame de Paris Cast - Le Temps Des Cathédrales
Battle Beast - Resurrection by Erection (Powerwolf cover)
Arne Domnérus - Out Of Nowhere
A-ha - The Living Daylights
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Наука

Опубликовано:

26 июл 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 113

@jasonbonneville5061 5 месяцев назад

As a French-Canadian, let me tell you your French pronunciation is spot-on 👍🏻 Thanks for your review videos, I watch them regularly and your analysis is really informative and helpful. I should receive my q15 in a few days, can’t wait to test it with my gear and fav songs 🎉

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

Wow, thank you! I'm pretty sure you'll like Q15

@IvanLozadaC 7 месяцев назад

Love your videos, cheers!

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

thank you!

@ChunVuong 6 месяцев назад

Hey Porta.Fi, great review as always. I'm really interested in the Q15 for a desktop solution but also leave a portability option hanging just in case I need it. I have a question that I've been trying to find the answer. When in desktop mode (skipping battery power), how many cables do you need to connect to your Q15? Is it only 01 type C which will perform charging + transfer data from your PC or you have to run a dual usb-C one for charging and 01 for data transfer?

@PortaFi 6 месяцев назад

Hello. You'll need to use second cable with a separate power supply

@fredericbrousset 6 месяцев назад

Hello, and thanks for this great review I'm hesitating between Q7 and Q15, and I would like to make sure that I would not be disapointed by Q15 in terms of sound and dynamics 😊. Which one have the better sound for metal or Techno , where lot of energy (and probably georgous bass) are required in the sound ?

@PortaFi 6 месяцев назад

Hello, unless you need a ton of power that Q7 provides (which is unlikely), then you can select purely based on usability and price. Q7 is a little bit better in terms of SQ (I described difference in the last part of the video), but Q15 is cheaper and much more portable, so subjectively, I'd select it )))

@Andyhandle 7 месяцев назад

Great reviews (and accent). I've been considering dacs, I've got a zoorlo ztella mqa at the moment (which is small enough to just be just like a small extension of my iem cable and does sound very good). Just wondering how much better other dacs sound (using losseless uncompressed audio).

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

thank you! unfortunately, I didn't test Zoorlo, so I can't say how it's better or worse

@youp1tralala 7 месяцев назад

Great review, thanks. What makes it stand out to me (besides excellent audio quality) is how versatile it is, usable for a lot of varied use cases. As someone looking to buy one and only one DAC/headphone amp, this thing look excellent and the only thing I'd need for years. Can the firmware be updated, supposedly with the phone app or via PC?

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

Totally agree!

@migialyn 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the review. How Q15 sound compared to Chord Mojo 2?

@zenboy2000 5 месяцев назад

I know its been a little while, but yeah, I'd also like to know how it compares against the Chord Mojo 2.

@MarcLie90 5 месяцев назад

Me2

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

I guess Audiophiles buy pants with big pockets. 😊 The Q15 is considerably bigger than the BTR7, and the MOJO is relatively huge

@zenboy2000 5 месяцев назад

Yeah, the biggest. @@Metal_seer

@user-rq1tz6bj5r 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the review! I would like to ask, how this dac sounds compared to btr7? Also it seems Q7 sounds better than Q15?

@user-nw2uy1ry2l 7 месяцев назад

Definitely much better sound than btr7

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

yes, it's better than BTR7, especially on non sensitive load. And Q7 is slightly better in terms of dynamics and control

@anmic3590 7 месяцев назад

Hi! Thank you for the review. For my fiio fh9, should I upgrade to q15 or stay with the btr7 thx mqa? Is there such a big difference in sound quality? My auditions are not loud. Thank you and have a blessed New Year!

@marcolombardi5759 6 месяцев назад

@@anmic3590 Hi I have the fiio fh9 +qudelix 5k, I also had fiio btr7, topping g5! I returned all my current setup and fiio fh9 +Qudelix-5k. Price performance is not worth it you only get 5% and you have to be very careful to find where it feels best! The same goes for fiio q15 a lot of money for a 10/15% improvement, is it worth it?

@fiddlix 6 месяцев назад

@@marcolombardi5759to me it is.

@nusu5331 7 месяцев назад

great review as always, thank you! It would be great if you might do a comparison between this, the Q7, Toppinf G5 and a proper desktop setup in the future. Much appreciate.

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

thank you for feedback and suggestion, comparison with Q7 is already in this review, as for the G5, for me Q15 is better. I'll think about such video, but I'd like to get xDuoo XD-05 Pro for it, but don't have an opportunity so far

@nusu5331 7 месяцев назад

thanks for your feedback, much appreciate! Yes, if a xduoo xd05 pro would be available somewhere in germany i would immediatly buy it with the AK dac card and Burson vivid opamps. unfortunatly i can only find them in china, which means additional costs for customs. @@PortaFi

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

@@nusu5331 oh yes, EU's customs are harsh

@nusu5331 5 месяцев назад

meanwhile it is available and in stock at audiophonics. if you would do a review, please incude the Sparkos SS3602 opamps, which push the soundstage and layering on a whole new level. even tho they arent cheap, they are highly recommended by pretty much everyone that uses them in their XD05pro@@PortaFi

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@nusu5331 audiophonics is too far for me :) So I'll need it to appear at local distributors to ask them for a loaner unit :)

@sudipchatterjee 7 месяцев назад

If this had THX amps along with those AKM DACs, it would’ve been a killer deal at this price point! But alas. Nonetheless, it is still a compelling choice! Thanks for the neat review. 🙌

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

I suspect that with THX AAA it would've been bigger than Q7 )))

@sudipchatterjee 7 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi Well, in that case, I'm happy with this config! 🙃

@aspide2pideas221 6 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi nice review thanks, I saw that FiiO will be releasing the small ka17 which uses the: THX AAA78+. Are you thinking of reviewing the ka17? I can't wait for it to come out!!!

@PortaFi 6 месяцев назад

@@aspide2pideas221 hello, thank you! Yes, I'm going to review KA17 )))

@Krishnakumar-wl7ih 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the detailed review... Can u pls tell the power in mW regarding low, medium, high and super high gain mode ??? Thanks

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

Hello, all specs FiiO provided are here: www.fiio.com/q15_parameters All my knowledge is based on their specs list

@ilovecoldplayyyy 7 месяцев назад

Hey nice Review. How would you compare it to the Shanling H7?

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

Q15 is closer to neutrality and has better dynamics. While H7 is more "comfortable" in sound (but not too much). And of course built-in player is a nice feature

@jorgeluisfernandez2560 2 месяца 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

@PortaFi 2 месяца назад

I didn't test HD660, but for HD800S I'd rather recommend some desktop gear to unveil their full potential. Q15 in desktop mode will be better than R6-3, but I'm not sure that it'll be the best possible level

@smtan24 7 месяцев назад

I just bought it. Waiting for it to arrive.

@chocolatetie2 7 месяцев назад

Me too bought it early November and I’m still waiting should be here by the end of the week can’t wait

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

congratulations on your purchase! hope you'll enjoy it

@smtan24 7 месяцев назад

Just got it today. Upgraded to the latest firmware. Sound very spacious

@r00s. 7 месяцев назад

Hello, Paul. How would this compare with the Hiby R6 Pro II? Thanks!

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

Hello. They indeed share some traits in sound, like balance, refinement, sense of "exquisiteness". But due to amp difference Q15 is a bit more "forward" with more highlighted dynamics and emotions.

@topandrun126 4 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing. I have a question. Is it possible to use this dac as a usb output. I will like to connect it to a vehicle usb input. Thanks

@PortaFi 4 месяца назад

no, it's a DAC, it doesn't work as USB output

@wahyuidris6834 7 месяцев назад

Im currently driving my ananda with M11s on med gain 90vol, do i need q15 to bring the full potential of the ananda? with M11s it adequately loud enough to drive the ananda

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

unfortunately, I didn't test M11S with Ananda. but I'd suggest you not to pursue "full potential", but ask yourself, do you enjoy Ananda with M11S now or not. Q15 will improve sound indeed, but at the same time, it requires price and noticeably reduce comfort. so, maybe upgrading to M15S can be a better option. from another hand, you can sell M11S and use Q15 with a Smartphone. Or keep both and enjoy 2 sound variations. So, first of all, I suggest you to think, what scenario is the most appealing to you

@wahyuidris6834 7 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi thanks

@AbalMarius 7 месяцев назад

Good and fast review I was looking at this new amp to buy. So big thanks for this. From your understanding, is it at similar level form sq perspective as dekstop amp K9 non pro. Because was thinking to get k9 but q15 could be transportable and at the same time could be used in dekstop for pc. So it has more usage scenarios, but main question do we lose something in sq with q15 or it is at the same level in technicalities. I understand tuning will be a little different as k9 should be more analytically tuned. But q15 also is a little cheaper so it could be best bang for bucks from high tier fio amps dacs such as m15s, q7, k9pro k9 and m17. Thanks

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

> it at similar level form sq perspective as dekstop amp K9 non pro no, it's not. it has similar sound "signature", but K9 Pro has better control, dynamics, stage etc. in general, by the "bang for the buck" Q15 is great, but "for the buck" plays a vital role here also, Q15 has less disadvantages compared to "higher" models if you'll use it with sensitive IEMs. on something tough to drive superiority of "elder brothers" will be more noticeable

@AbalMarius 7 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi thank a lot, as always good experienced answer. Only just to be sure only pro version of k9 is better than q15 or also k9 ( you wrote k9pro:) ? I will thinking to get k9 or q15 , just looking at sq , nothing else. K9 is close to k9pro so it should be still better than q15

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

@@AbalMarius sorry, I meant regular K9, of course. Just used to writing "k9pro" as it was the only K9 for some time ))) Yep. Regular K9 is better to, which is not surprising taking into account it has no limitations by power supply/size/thermostability, etc

@AbalMarius 7 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi thanks a lot now it is clear. Yeah physics is physics. ;) have a nice day and keep reviewing everything that is sound related.

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

@@AbalMarius thank you! all the best wishes to you too!

@user-dh8hn9fh3f 7 месяцев назад

BTR15 is a very interesting item to look at. Hope you'll try it!

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

sure I will, I've already started work on review :)

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

I would like a comparison between the BTR15 and the Q15. If price is any indication, Fiio rates the Q15 higher.

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@Metal_seer Q15 beats it in every aspect besides the size, of course. It's not fair competition, as Q15 has one of the best DAC chips and a much more powerful amplifier.

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

@PortaFi thanks. I have the Q15 in my "saved for later" items on Amazon,awaiting when I have $400 I'd rather spend on it than anything else I want. I can't say I really need it.

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@Metal_seer welcome to the club :) "I don't know why I need this, but everyone is praising it, so I'll save some to buy it" is the main rule here :)

@s18018 6 месяцев назад

what do you set your Macbook Audio Midi settings to when using external dac?

@PortaFi 6 месяцев назад

I'm using Colibri player, and it switches output sample rate automatically. Before I used Audirvana for same feature, but they switched to subscription mode, so I've found Colibri and happy with it :)

@SethiBybel 3 месяца назад

Hello, I know each device has it's own unique use case, but in pure sound quality, how would you compare this on bluetooth mode to dongle dacs like cayin ru6, ru7 or l&p w4. Would you say this Q15 is 10% 15% better? Or worse? Or is it more a matter of sound preferences?? Thank you very much for your help. Nice review!

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

first of all it's not fair to compare BT vs USB. also, it depends on the load you'll be using. with some not-super-sensitive full-size cans Q15 will dominate. With some IEMs it'll be more of preferences in sound, with Q15 being more monitoring and dynamic

@SethiBybel 3 месяца назад

@@PortaFi Yes, I understand. It's just that some dongles drain the phone's battery too fast so I wanted to know if I could save the battery using the Q15 on bluetooth without losing too much on sound quality. I now have a clearer picture. Thanks! 👍

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

@@SethiBybel, sure, battery drain is a drawback for dongles. Anyway, the Q15 can be used as a wired DAC with a smartphone without draining the battery. It will use its own accumulator. So, you can get a no-compromise solution :)

@SethiBybel 3 месяца назад

@@PortaFi ohh thank you very much! I didn't know that. I'll look into it. Have a great one my friend!

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

@@SethiBybel thank you! you too!

@user-qs9mv7dv6c 2 месяца назад

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

@PortaFi 2 месяца назад

PEQ works with all signal, transmitted via Bluetooth

@user-qs9mv7dv6c 2 месяца назад

@@PortaFi According to FiiO - The PEQ also working in USB connection in this model. Thanks 🙏

@PortaFi 2 месяца назад

@@user-qs9mv7dv6c yes, by USB too, sorry, have to mentioned that

@davidmichael3189 3 месяца назад

Which is better for sound, the ifi Griphon or the Fiio Q7 for my Dan Clark Aeon Noires? Thankyou. What is the sound differences, ifi and Q7.

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

I didn't test this Dan Clark, but in general I prefer sound of Q7 more, it's more natural and dynamic

@davidmichael3189 3 месяца назад

I compared the ifi Gryphon with the Fiio Q7 and yes, it is much, much better. You confirmed what I thought. Slava Ukraine, welcome to the EU🎉

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

Glory to heroes!

@davidmichael3189 3 месяца назад

@@PortaFiIt's True - Zelenski should have a statue for his leadership, he will go down in History as leading an Army of Lions

@PortaFi 3 месяца назад

@@davidmichael3189 welp… you know, while Zelensky looks great on the international arena, internally, things looks different. But it's not important now probably

@johngault-9597 4 месяца назад

Confused. When you have the flagship M17 DAP, why would you need an external headphone dac amp?

@PortaFi 4 месяца назад

I use M17 just to showcase some tracks and as an example transport. Of course, vast majority of people will use it with smartphone, but my smartphone is busy filming this video :)

@mac34252 7 месяцев назад

Which will be better for ananda v1? This or Shanling M6 21?

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

it's totally a matter of your tastes. M6 21 is more warmer, while Q15 is more neutral and balanced

@marcin178 7 месяцев назад

hello mate nice video 👍👍 You test a lot of things, so I have a question for you. Which in-ear headphones (wired) under 60 euros would you recommend? Thanks to your video, I bought Shanling M3s a few years ago and I am very pleased with the performance of this audio player, but unfortunately my old headphones recently broke and I need to buy new ones and I would be very grateful for your advice. Most often I listen to Rock, Punk, Nu Metal, Grunge, Alternative, J-Rock from time to time Hip Hop, J-Pop, Gigi D'Agostino, 80's Pop, Drum and Bass Thanks you for your time, best regards.

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

hello, friend, thank you! as for earphones, there are tons of options on the market, so it's a matter of your preferences. if you want a technical earphones that will highlight small nuances, consider 7Hz Sonus. If you don't like harsh treble and want a "comfortable sound" - Tangzu FuDu. Subjectively, in this price tier I like FiiO JD7, they are a hidden gem here. But they can be a bit aggressive sometimes

@marcin178 7 месяцев назад

@PortaFi hello mate, I checked your review on Fiio JD7 and from what I heard in your video I think them will be perfect for me :) thank you very much for your advice and help 😀 take care and all the best 👌

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

@@marcin178 hello! I hope your taste is close to mine, so you'll enjoy them as much as I do! All the best wishes to you too!

@marcin178 6 месяцев назад

@PortaFi I bought them before Christmas and they are awesome, I really enjoy the sound and build quality, thank you very much for your recommendation and help. Take care and all the best in 2024, good luck mate👍

@zurgeonzurgeon4720 7 месяцев назад

How is it compared to xduoo xd05 plus?

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

more neutral and dynamic, with better refinement

@lekoev 6 месяцев назад

Hi. please help me with the choice. Fiio q15 or iFi Gryphon?

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

I like Q15 more, new DAC chip makes wonders

@lekoev 5 месяцев назад

@@PortaFi Yes, I have already ordered and tried both pieces. I also liked the q15 better. I'm going to keep it for myself and return the Gryphon.

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@lekoev thank you for sharing! :)

@r00s. 7 месяцев назад

So, this DAC is basically Goldilocks?

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

If I understand meaning of "Goldilocks" correctly, they yes. It's a versatile device with a good sound, ability to drive ast majority of the load, having lots of features… One drawback this, it's not a player :)

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

I just ordered a innioasis DAP for $80. I may order the $399 Q15 to drive my Sennheiser Momentum headphones. Perhaps I should have just bought a $500+ DAP.

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@Metal_seer that should be a pretty noticeable "plus" over $500 to beat Q15 )))

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

@PortaFi I am definitely tettering on the edge of the audiophile rabbit hole. I'm on the verge of spending lots of $ to achieve something I didn't realize I needed a few weeks ago. I saw one RU-vid where the man had a $7000 setup to listen to music walking down the street.

@PortaFi 5 месяцев назад

@@Metal_seer@Metal_seer typical audiophile community :) I'm a humble guy, so I think $700 is more than enough, or even less if a dongle is OK for you. Or $400 TWS, but their life is limited by the battery degradation.

@zeza8603 7 месяцев назад

Hi Paula

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

Hello. But I'm Paul. There is a one small difference )))

@avavaviv1 7 месяцев назад

that's some extreme measure for portability..

@PortaFi 7 месяцев назад

you're underestimating average audiophile's carrying capacity :) this one is regular in size. there are much bigger things like FiiO Q7 and others :)

@Metal_seer 5 месяцев назад

Yeah, the BTR7 wins in terms of portability. My plan is to plug the DAC into a decent DAP, and put both in my backpack, so I don't have junk hanging on my smartphone.