FiiO expanded their series of DAC/Amps towards the latter part of 2023. And in this FiiO Q15 Review, we will look at what they included in their collection.
The FiiO Q15 is a portable DAC/Amp with an output power of up to 1.6W in desktop mode. We will discuss its other notable features, design, functions, specifications, and performance in this FiiO Q15 Review.
Before we look deeper into the product, let us see what FiiO included in the package.
FiiO Q15 Packaging
Like other DAC/Amps, the Q15 ships in a sturdy, durable package that protects the products. Aside from the DAC/Amp, FiiO includes several accessories to get you started.
- Dual Type-C data cable (fast charging)
- Dual Type-C data cable (short)
- USB Type-A to Type-C adapter
- Silicone Pad
- 2x Silicone Ring
- Storage Bag
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
FiiO Q15 Review – Design and Functionality
Since the Q15 is a portable DAC/Amp, it is battery-operated, has Bluetooth wireless functions, and a desktop mode. It lets you maximise its power output for headphones that are hard to drive.
Moreover, it is also the first in the company lineup to integrate an AKM AK-4499-EX DAC.
We noticed its build quality while observing the Q15 for our FiiO Q15 Review. It is undeniably flawless without any gaps, thanks to the premium materials used by the company.
It has a Gorilla Glass and aluminium front panel, while its back panel is an anti-scratch and fingerprint glass. The product also has a CNC-polished matte black case that is also aluminium, like its volume wheel.
Its design takes inspiration from the Q7 – a bulkier flagship product. Despite its looks, the product is still considerably portable since it weighs 305g.
Even if it is smaller, this DAC/Amp can sport the design style of the Q7. This aesthetic results in a premium and sleek look for the Q15. The company made notable improvements to its design, incorporating more colours, detailing, and contrast.
An example is the matte glass on its rear, giving it a hint of sophistication and elegance. To improve its aesthetic, FiiO included coloured USB-C ports for the Q15.
The company also paid lots of attention to detail since they opted to conceal the screws on this DAC/Amp. This design style provides a cleaner, polished look. It also contributes to a more refined appearance, giving the Q15 a premium and high-quality feel.
The Q15 has both 4.4mm BAL and 3.5mm PO outputs for versatile connectivity. It accommodates Coaxial and USB-C input, letting you connect CD transports, Bluetooth receivers, and more for digital interface. This connection will also allow you to enjoy audio via headphone outputs.
Moreover, the Q15 has dual USB ports, with one designated for PD fast chargers. When linked to this type of charger, the Q15 transitions into Desktop Mode. It delivers optimised power and performance for an enhanced experience.
The front of this product features a built-in IPS panel. It displays the current sample rate, volume levels, gain setting, and battery charge.
With a straightforward interface, you can effortlessly explore options and configurations by pressing the button and adjusting the knob. Even without the user manual, you can go through its intuitive and hassle-free settings.
Controls
Our FiiO Q15 Review will also look into its controls. The Q15 has a multi-functional volume knob for quicker menu navigation.
Its user-friendly nature lets you operate it single-handedly, thanks to the playback control buttons on its sides. This layout makes the DAC/Amp an easy-to-use USB decoder.
Activating Desktop Mode lets you use PD chargers when purchasing Smartphones or laptops by connecting them to the orange-coloured port. You can also switch to Desktop Mode through the control menu.
Complementing the Desktop Mode, the Q15 includes a Phone Mode. Activating it prevents the Q15 from drawing power via the connected phone. It offers a tailored and efficient power management solution.
Key Features of the FiiO Q15
Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth Chip
The Q15 has an independent Bluetooth chip that supports hi-res Bluetooth codecs like LDAC.
High Output Power
With up to 1600mW output power, the Q15 can effortlessly drive all IEMs and headphones.
Portable Desktop-grade Audio Solution
The Q15 has a new desktop mode and a separate USB-C power connector. It allows you to enjoy a desktop-like experience on the go.
AKM Flagship DAC Combo
The AK-4191-EQ+AK-4499-EX is the newest DAC combination from AKM. It significantly enhances audio performance with the newly developed DWA Routing Technology. This feature produces natural, lifelike, and more detailed audio.
Self-developed Digital Cores for Efficient and Stable Operation
The Q15 has the same digital components as the FiiO Q7. It also relies on the ARM processor to allow USB, Bluetooth, and coaxial decoding in one DAC/Amp. As a result, it can process digital audio signals efficiently and with low latency.
Bluetooth, USB, Coaxial Decoding – Compatible with Multiple Devices
FiiO packs Bluetooth, USB and coaxial decoding in the Q15, making it a highly versatile device that works with many devices. It is a handy feature for different usage scenarios.
Perfect Size and Feel
We noticed its build and design when we unboxed the product for our FiiO Q15 review. It uses anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch AG glass for its rear panel. Also, it has an 18:9 size ratio, making it comfortable for handheld use.
Full-colour IPS Display
The full-colour IPS display makes monitoring the status of your device more convenient. You can easily see the sampling rate, gain, volume, and other information.
Additionally, you can navigate through settings conveniently and adjust the volume with the intuitive volume knob.
Switch to Phone Mode With One Touch
The engineers at FiiO implemented a Phone Mode switch on the Q15 to make it user-friendly with phones. Switching it on automatically powers the Q15 with its built-in battery.
Complete Audio Signal Transmission with RCA Coaxial Connector
FiiO added a coaxial input on the Q15 for direct connection to digital streamers and CD players. You can use standard coaxial cables without loss of detail on the audio.
Specifications
- DAC: Flagship AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX Combination
- USB Chipset: XMOS 16-core XU316
- Bluetooth Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5125
- SNR: 123db (A-Weighted) or higher
- THD+N: less than 0.0004% (LO/1kHz/10kΩ)
- Bluetooth Codec Support (Receive): LDAC / aptX / aptX LL / aptX Adaptive/ aptX HD
- / SBC / AAC / Display: 1.30-inch TFT (240*240)
- Headphone Output: 1x 3.5mm Single-ended, 1x 4.4mm Balanced
- USB Connection: 1x USB2.0 Type-C (Charge/Data Transfer), 1x Type-C USB2.0 (Charge)
- Line In: 1x Coaxial (RCA)
- Line Out: 1x 3.5mm Single-ended, 1x 4.4mm Balanced
- Dimensions: 143.5 x 71.75 x 21.75mm (H x W x D)
- Weight: 305g
- Colour Options: Black, Titanium Grey
Hands-on with the FiiO Q15
Before discussing how the Q15 performs, our FiiO Q15 Review will focus on the FiiO Control App. The FiiO Control will let you unlock extra functions, allowing you to configure settings like EQ, balance, and parametric EQs.
Remember that it operates exclusively via Bluetooth. So, you need to activate BT mode and connect with your Smartphone to use it. Additionally, like the FiiO dongle DACs, there is no USB support.
In the application, you can manage the LEDs under its knob. You can also control Bluetooth codecs, channel balance, and EQ controls, including PEQ custom presets.
Before discussing how the Q15 performs, our FiiO Q15 Review will focus on the FiiO Control App. The FiiO Control will let you unlock extra functions, allowing you to configure settings like EQ, balance, and parametric EQs.
Remember that it operates exclusively via Bluetooth. So, you need to activate BT mode and connect with your Smartphone to use it. Additionally, like the FiiO dongle DACs, there is no USB support.
In the application, you can manage the LEDs under its knob. You can also control Bluetooth codecs, channel balance, and EQ controls, including PEQ custom presets.
The Q15 displayed how well it works even with a range of headphones and IEMs.
The product delivers sound that is natural, clean, and accurate. It upholds tonal balance, presenting a pleasant sound signature.
The Q15 delivered an and dynamic bass range, resulting in an impressive resolution. Lows were impactful and clean and never sounded muddy or too overpowering
When it comes to mids, the Q15 provided excellent clarity and balance. Vocals were crystal clear and textured. Instruments were able to hbe naturally reproduced providing impressive attention to detail.
This DAC/Amp combo offered a spacious and airy treble with excellent control. It was clean and resolving whilst never becoming too harsh.
The soundstage had an excellent dimension and width. We also noticed the height delivered impactful highs in all the headphones we tested with this DAC/Amp.
With the Q15, the audio never got too loud. Every volume adjustment remained comfortable to the ears. Instead of increasing the loudness, it only brought out specific details and frequency ranges with more transparency.
We connected different headphone models to this DAC/Amp and received impressive audio quality. Regardless of the headphones or IEMs used, we enjoyed our listening experiences.
The Q15 is exceptional in its performance, giving us unmatched natural timbre and tonality. Its sound quality is dynamic, detailed, and musical, contributing to an impressive profile.
Moreover, the Q15 is transparent, detailed, and rich-sounding for clean edges and richer inner-tone textures. It has well-extended open and airy highs to avoid harsh sounds.
FiiO Q15 Review Summary
The Q15 is an excellent audio solution packed with superb features and a high-quality build. It offers impressive sound quality with superior noise control.
After using the product for this FiiO Q15 Review, we can say it offers so much for its price. Aside from high-quality build and audio, we love its user-friendliness and versatility. Thanks to its Bluetooth, USB, and coaxial implementation, it can connect with most devices.
Another thing we appreciate about the Q15 is the inclusion of a screen display. It helped make monitoring audio more convenient.
We highly recommend the Q15 since it is the optimal powerhouse for devices. Its solid technicalities make it a reliable DAC/Amp. Since it is also affordable, it is one of the best options around.
Visit the official FiiO product page for more details about the Q15.
