Fiio Q15 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier

The FiiO Q15 is a portable flagship that borrows its converter stage from high end digital audio players: the AKM AK4191 and AK4499EX working as a two chip team. Add a 5500mAh battery, Bluetooth with LDAC and a desktop mode that unleashes 1.6W of balanced power, and you have one device that anchors both your commute and your desk.

Type and Technology

The Q15 is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier using AKM's flagship AK4191EQ modulator and AK4499EX DAC in a fully separated digital and analog design. An XMOS XU316 handles USB audio up to 768kHz/32bit and native DSD512, while a Qualcomm QCC5125 provides Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, aptX Low Latency, AAC and SBC.

Sound Character

The AKM pairing is known for its velvety, natural tone: rich timbre, deep controlled bass and treble that resolves without etch. With up to 1610mW per channel balanced in desktop mode, the Q15 drives planar and high impedance headphones with genuine authority, while multiple gain levels keep sensitive IEMs dead quiet.

Build and Features

A 1.3 inch bezel free TFT display and a machined aluminum chassis give it flagship feel. Outputs include 3.5mm single ended and 4.4mm balanced; dual USB-C ports separate data from charging, and desktop mode runs the amp from external power to spare the battery and raise output. Expect around 8 to 9 hours per charge in portable use.

Best For

Listeners with demanding headphones who want one source for travel, office and home, or DAP quality sound feeding from a phone. See how it compares with our other portable DAC/Amps, or explore the DACs collection and the FiiO collection.

What's in the Box

• FiiO Q15
• USB-C to USB-C data cable
• Quick start guide
• Warranty card

Specifications