grumpy213

100+ Head-Fier
Power bank turned audio
Pros: Powerful amplifier
Grand and big sounding
Versatile use cases
Orange LEDs go brr
Cons: Noise floor
Glass was an odd choice
Gets a little toasty
Could use more volume steps
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Preamble​

I purchased the Questyle CMA18 Portable (CMA18) at my own cost and Questyle have had no input on the below review. The rating is a mix of both Sound and Quality of Life and Value. For the CMA18, Sound gets 4.5 stars and Quality of Life gets 3.5 stars leading to the resulting overall rating.

I note that the above rating is based on the testing of the CMA18 with the following IEMs:

  • BLON BL-03 (Single DD budget);
  • Campfire Audio Supermoon (Single planar driver kilobuck);
  • Letshuoer S12 Pro (Single planar budget-ish)
  • Unique Melody MEST MK2 (Quad-brid kilobuck-ish); and
  • Unique Melody Multiverse Mentor (BA and Bone conduction driver hybrid TOTL),
meaning I had no testing with over-ear headphones.

It is rather ironic that in the quest for a better sounding portable setup that many end up with something that is less and less portable. It starts with a small USB dongle that evolves to a DAP which evolves to an even bigger DAP that is strapped to a separate discrete amplifier. Soon you will be carrying a car battery in your backpack to hook up to 4 amps daisy chained together. Whilst many may never end up at this point, it is important to look at what you get along this journey and whether sound quality is every worth the trade-off in convenience. Today’s review concerns a power-bank sized audio device, the CMA18 Portable from Questyle that promises a step-up from your tiny dongles but the question is, at what cost?

The Factual Stuff

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The CMA18 is a portable audio device featuring a DAC, amplifier and ADC in one rather sleek looking package.

Featuring an aluminium frame with two gorilla glass panels, there is a glimpse into the internal workings of the CMA18 much like my Gameboy Colour of yesteryear. Within the CMA18 is a single AK4493 DAC, 4x “PCT-class current-mode SiP” chips and a 4300 mAh battery.

The left side is flanked with a litany of buttons with power, input select, volume up and down, a hold slider and a gain slider.

In terms of input, there is a USB-C combo power and input at the bottom along with you choice of optical/TOSlink and Bluetooth with support for aptX and LDAC. In terms of output, you have a choice of either 3.5mm and 4.4mm. Out of the balanced output, you will be getting 1W through 32 ohms.

Within the rather cool box you get the CMA18, a charging cable, a USB-C to USB-C OTG cable, a USB-C to Lightning OTG cable and some literature.

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The Opinion Stuff​

Sound​

Whilst a source doesn't necessarily have a sound signature (or one at all if /r/headphones is to believed) that is universally applicable to all IEMs, there are a number of traits that I can discern that is generally applicable to the IEMs listed above.

Bass​

TL;DR: The CMA18 enhances the low-end, providing robust sub-bass and controlled mid-bass boosts that enriches the listening experience without overwhelming it, adding a fun and powerful depth to IEMs

The CMA18 seems to impart a degree of low-end oomph that is quite satisfying to listen to. The sub-bass frequencies, especially on the single DD BL-03 got a greater injection of physicality with the CMA18 providing something that was very robust in its power. There is a degree of overdoing it with already bassy IEMs but on the whole, this provision of low-end power is something that I feel is wholly enjoyable. This is not the old crank the left-side of your graphic equalizer up in terms of bass boost, it remains tight, controlled and not overly boomy to the ear. Mid-bass frequencies also seem to get a greater level of presence and punch with songs such as “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac which doesn’t seek to wow you with low-end production (I mean it was released in 1977) seems to get a great sense of rhythm and pace with the added mid-bass presence on the CMA18. Overall, there is a good sense of power and depth here that adds a great sense of fun factor to your IEMs.

Mids​

TL;DR: The CMA18 delivers a balanced and engaging midrange, with a slight forwardness and natural upper mids, enhancing both the emotional and technical aspects of music without being overly clinical.

The midrange on the CMA18 seems quite well balanced with neither male or female vocalists stealing the show from the other. There is a slight forward nature to the mid-range as vocalists seem to sit slightly forward in the stage. The lower-mids sound quite nice to listen to with the aforementioned bass boost injecting a sense of weightiness in this presence that enhances my emotional engagement with music. This is a rather welcome signature as I feel that a lot of audio devices, not just sources, seek to be over clinical at times. Upper-mids sound sweet and natural with songs like “Billie Bossa Nova” by Billie Eilish presenting in a very natural and slightly forward manner, as if Billie was whispering into your ear.

Instrumental-heavy music such as orchestral pieces like “One-Winged Angel” by Nobuo Uematsu sound engaging and quite well timbred. The details of the strings sound coherent and well presented in the stage.

Overall, there is not much to hate here with a well-natured approach to the mids that seeks to enhance musicality and technical performance in a balanced way.

Treble​

TL;DR: The CMA18 smooths treble for comfortable listening without sacrificing detail, offering a relaxed and enjoyable sound that may not excite treble enthusiasts but remains hard to fault.

Moving to the treble, the CMA18 also does a good job at rendering the upper-regions of the FR curve in a well-meaning manner, remaining quite enjoyable to the ear. There is seemingly, a slight smoothing out going on here with rather sharp IEMs such as the S12 Pro, quite often fatiguing at times managing to be quite listenable over longer-periods of time. I do not feel that this region loses out in terms of quantity but it seems to get relaxed a little and presents in a manner that is more laid-back. Some trebleheads may dislike the spine-tingling rendition of percussion and I found myself wanting a little more from songs like “Reckoner” by Radiohead but overall, I cannot fault the CMA18 here.

Whilst not the forefront of the CMA18, treble doesn’t seem to lose out its detail and its extension, with a greater sense of dynamic range compared to the Shanling M6U but its engagement level with me had dropped significantly.

Overall, the CMA18’s treble region is well-meaning and hard-to-hate for me. I don’t mind it but it’s definitely not the standout here.

Technicalities​

TL;DR: The CMA18 delivers dynamic, detailed sound with an expansive soundstage and clear imaging, but it’s marred by a noticeable noise floor that introduces a hiss in quieter tracks.

The technical performance of the CMA18 is likely its most impressive element. The music sounds dynamic, wide and just big in nearly every aspect. Detail retrieval and resolution is a definite bonus with the CMA18 when compared to lesser sources. The single AKM chip and the rather impressive amplifier in the CMA are working overtime to produce some very well defined notes that don’t seek to overwhelm you with detail but rather, balances musicality at the same time.

Soundstage on the CMA18 is seemingly expanded from the likes of the M6U and there is a greater sense of stage width, depth and height that comes to life on well-produced tracks in my library.

Imaging on the CMA18 is also excellent. When paired with a technically proficient IEM, there is a clear separation of notes and a great level of identifying certain lines of instrumentalization and vocalisation in busily produced tracks such as “Fine” by Taeyeon.

Where the CMA18 suffers however, is its noise floor. Noiser amplifiers fail to produce a ‘darker’ background which detracts from a sense of dynamism and just overall enjoyment of more sparsely produced tracks. “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish has some sections with limited instruments and yet you hear a faint hiss throughout. This is something that I have been conditioned to notice after owning an Andromeda for a period of time and for some, this is a non-issue. However, it is something to note with the CMA.

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Quality of Life & Value​

TL;DR: The CMA18, priced at $700, is a versatile, portable device serving as a DAC, amp, ADC, and Bluetooth player. It pairs well with certain IEMs but has drawbacks such as a potentially-fragile build and noticeable noise floor.

The CMA18 is priced at approximately $700 USD and for that you get a very versatile source. It is a DAC, amp, ADC and wireless Bluetooth player in a rather pocketable package. Based on versatility alone and its sound quality, I feel that the CMA18 represents great value. The ADC is a bit of an odd inclusion as I don't really have any use for it but I suppose measureabators and music-makers will enjoy it. I would have preferred the potential to use the CMA18 as a pure amp utilising the line-out of a DAP or external DAC in the same vein as popular solutions such as the iBasso PB5 Osprey, Brise Audio Tsuranagi or the Mass Kobo MK475. This is not to say you can pass through some analogue audio but it will be converted back to digital for processing by the CMA18's DAC.

There is perhaps a consideration for what IEM you seek to pair with the CMA18 as well. In my testing, the planar drivers and the dynamic driver IEMs that I had on hand seemed to work well with the CMA18 with an increased degree of shift in sound compared to my multi-BA sets. This may just be with my lineup of IEMs but is something that I noted with my Mentor seemingly sounding rather pedestrian with the CMA18. Some input from fellow audiophiles have stated that theoretically, a current-focused amplifier stage (such as that in the CMA18) will enliven dynamic drivers more so than balanced armatures. Snake oil? Perhaps. Coinciding with my anecdotes? Yes. Now taken as a truth for me? Sure.

Outside of the spec sheet, there are some quality of life issues that I would be remiss not to note. The CMA18, whilst quite cool looking with its industrial design, is glass and as such, is unlikely to handle the bumps and falls of other devices. It is also quite slippery on services and no one wants their device to be flung across the room when they forget to unplug it. The case that I have received with my CMA18 which is from a brand named Jutem (which I understand to be a China-centric brand) is a very necessary purchase.

The litany of buttons on the side is a rather necessary evil but they are quite rattly and loud to use. Furthermore, the volume steps that you get with the CMA18 is quite limited. It’s not hard to go from “I can’t hear anything” to “I can’t hear anything, anymore, ever”.

Bluetooth works a treat if you’re into that thing and I quite enjoyed having it in the pocket whilst playing around on my phone or just walking around the house whilst whatever device was doing playback remaining stationary. Range is not hugely impressive but it is completely fine for my rather limited adventures. Do not expect to have several double-brick walls between your CMA18 and your PC is what I am getting at.

Battery life was decent in my very unscientific testing. No run-time measurements were taken but through a variety of listening and input sources throughout a single charge, it didn't drop dead in a single day. I found myself reaching for a charger two or so times a week with an averaging listening time of 2-3 hours a day so I don't believe it hits its stated run time of about 10 hours but hey, what does nowadays?

The CMA18 also has a tendency to get a little toasty over longer listening sessions. Residing in my jacket pocket on a commute, it go noticeably warm over time and whilst it never got to the point of being nipple burning, this is something to note for more sensitive listeners out there.

The biggest L that the CMA18 takes is in its noise-floor. It is simply just not enjoyable to have a lapse in sound in a brief refrain of a song and be greeted with SSSSSSSS. This is not to say that it is deficient to the point of breaking the CMA18 but it is merely a disappointment that I cannot unhear. With some manufacturer-stated measurements (which is always to be taken with a grain of salt) and some bad math, my calculation of the noise floor is in the region of 5.66 microvolts, which is not exactly world-beating for portable gear. For comparisons sake, my calculations for the Chord Mojo 2 yields around 5 microvolts and for the Shanling M6U, 2.7 microvolts.

On the balance of things, the CMA18 presents good quality sound with a neutral + bass-boost sound signature that aligns with its portable use. Fun on the go seems to be the theme here and it sure is fun.

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Comparisons​

Shanling M6 Ultra (M6U)​

TL;DR: The M6U offers a warm, v-shaped sound with less clarity and a smaller soundstage, while the CMA18 provides superior bass definition and clearer mids and treble, making it a notable upgrade in sound quality.

The M6U is a more expensive all-in-one device that presents with a more v-shaped signature and a significant injection of warmth in the low-end. The M6U seems more musically inclined at the cost of technical performance with a smaller stage, more fuzzy imaging / detail retrieval and just overall lower resolution. The sub-bass physicality on the CMA18 is greater and the mid-bass tightness is better. The M6U has a seemingly more bloaty low-end that bleeds slightly into the lower-mids and whilst this may be enjoyable for its enhanced note-weight, it is also more woolly sounding overall. Mids feel more clear and crisper on the CMA18 with strings and wind instruments seemingly floating out to you in a clarity that the M6U cannot match. The treble is more forward on the M6U that seeks to enhance a sense of detail and it does well to balance out the warmth. The CMA18 is smoother in this region and seems to extend further.

However, the M6U does also have all the features of the CMA18 (outside of being an ADC) with the addition of a screen and a fully fledged Android OS to allow you to stream and otherwise play with apps.

The CMA18 is an upgrade in sound quality outside of tonal considerations over the M6U and for that, I applaud the CMA18 for being better than my daily driver.

Chord Mojo 2 (from memory and notes)​

TL;DR: The Mojo2 and CMA18 offer similar sound quality with subtle bass boosts, but the Mojo2 has advanced DSP features while the CMA18 is more versatile and powerful. Both struggle with noise floors, impacting quiet listening.

I let go of my Mojo 2 but the sheer number of hours of listening I conducted on that device leads me to believe that I can make some statements in this comparison section. The Mojo2 and the CMA18 are quite similar in many aspects, as they seek to provide a rather neutral sound signature with a low-end boost that is subtle and enjoyable. Both devices are technically impressive with an etched rendition of notes that seeks to heighten a level of detail retrieval that is not found on many lower-end devices. Where they deviate is that the Mojo2 has the benefit of a litany of rather excellent DSP features including cross-feed. Both trade blows in terms of technical performance and I would state that the CMA18 is a close match with the Mojo2 with the benefit of a much more versatile use-case. Both also share similarly poor noise floors with both producing a water-fall like hiss with more sparsely produced songs and more sensitive IEMs.

Overall, I’d go with the Mojo2 only if you could live with the lack of versatility due to the DSP features but the amplification on the CMA18 seems to add more oomph to music and runs well with more power-hungry sources.

Conclusion​

The CMA18 is the best oversized dongle that I have ever used. It is versatile, cool to look at and sounds excellent. Where it loses with me is that I simply don’t want to use it over an all-in-one solution such as a DAP and the noise floor.

The latter portion is particularly disappointing with more sensitive gear but if you have a lineup of Singaporean IEMs (notorious for being power hungry) and headphones then I do not feel that you would be missing out on much.

I characterise the CMA18 as a modernised Mojo2 without the oddities of Chord. I believe it represents good value and is let down only by its rather noisy amp and its questionable design choices. If those caveats are worth living with for a very useful and nice sounding device, then I can heartily recommend the CMA18 as your next step beyond a dongle.

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noplsestar
noplsestar
@sebiambrus wow, that´s insane. Yeah, maybe the current is the problem. But that would be strange, too ... but hey, if the CMA18P soundwise stays on top, you saved yourself a LOT of money :wink: Except you would want to pair power hungry headphones with the CMA18P where wou´d still need a desktop amp. Ps.: I found that the Lavricables Reference silver cable (with the AWG26 version) pairs unbelievably good with my iPhone15 and the CMA18P. A small investment IMO (I also tested the Audioquest and the WireWorld cables) but those short Lavricables are phenomenal (added clarity and soundstage!!)
Anthny
Anthny
@grumpy213 - This review was helpful, thanks for taking time to write it up. This right here is priceless to me:

> "my calculation of the noise floor is in the region of 5.66 microvolts, which is not exactly world-beating for portable gear. For comparisons sake, my calculations for the Chord Mojo 2 yields around 5 microvolts and for the Shanling M6U, 2.7 microvolts."

@sebiambrus thanks for the intro to the M15i. This might go well with Campfire Audio IEMs. The noise floor of -130 dB is ultra sexy.
RONJA MESCO
RONJA MESCO
so wait, you cannot run a dac through the CMA18 and use it as a amp source?

Ichos

Reviewer at hxosplus
Style and sound
Pros: + Impressive audio performance
+ Excellent technicalities and transparency
+ Natural and organic timbre
+ Resolving and refined
+ Musical and engaging
+ Holographic and immersive soundstage
+ Plenty of inputs and outputs
+ High resolution Bluetooth connectivity
+ Powerful enough for the size
+ ADC recording function
+ User friendly interface
+ Compact sized and slim
+ Unique appearance
+ Excellent build quality
+ Accessories
Cons: - Too many LEDs
- Mediocre battery duration
- No application support
- A protective case is missing
- Slightly noisy background with sensitive earphones
- Glass surfaces easy to break
Questyle Audio is dedicated to the research of high-tech lossless audio systems with perfect sound aesthetics and convenient listening experience, and provide the corresponding products, system solutions or key components according to customer requirements.
They are famous for their Current Mode Amplification topology that uses current, instead of voltage, to amplify audio signals.

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Questyle CMA18

Questyle Audio is a high-end brand with many successful products like the desktop DAC/amps CMA15 & CMA18, and the portable USB DAC, the M15i. The newly released CMA18 Portable is designed to bridge that gap by achieving performance comparable to top-tier desktop setups within a portable size.

Technical stuff

The latest XMOS XU316 USB receiver is combined with the AK4493 DAC chip that supports D/A conversion up to 768kHz/32bit and DSD512. The Questyle CMA18 Portable incorporates four sets of the patented PCT-class current-mode SiP modules, each with a peak power of up to 5W and peak current of 2A. The two gain settings, coupled with high-energy current-mode amplifier technology, ensure powerful and flexible performance.

The CMA18 Portable is MFi certified, joining the mobile true-lossless era with Apple and is compatible with USB-A, USB-C, and Lightning interfaces, available for all smartphones and PCs. It supports Linux, iOS, macOS, HarmonyOS, Android and Windows with input sampling rates up to 768kHz/32bit PCM and native DSD512.

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Bluetooth

The Bluetooth mode of the CMA18 Portable supports both aptX HD and LDAC, high resolution codecs, ensuring optimal wireless sound quality with a stable wireless connection. Pairing is done easily and fast after you select the Bluetooth input option by long pressing the source button. The connection is stable without dropouts and the performance is as good as the LDAC codec permits. USB decoding is definitely better but the wireless audio is still very competitive and handy when you can't utilize a cable.

Recording ADC Function

The Questyle CMA18 Portable supports the unique analog input recording function through its two stereo line-in inputs (3.5mm AUX IN and 4.4mm BAL IN). They can be connected to any audio equipment that has line-out analog outputs, including turntable systems, pre-amps, mixing consoles, and more. Once connected, the CMA18 Portable is capable of functioning as an external, lossless, high-performance analog-to-digital (ADC) recording device for either of these inputs. It also allows the user to simultaneously monitor the input during the recording process via the 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs. Please note that this is a monitoring function and not a true analog amplifier. What you hear through your headphones is the audio signal after the ADC conversion.

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How to record

When the CMA18 Portable is set to either AUX IN or BAL IN mode and connected via USB to a host device (any phone, tablet, or computer, etc that supports recording over USB), both the USB connection and REC indicator lights will appear, signaling that the recording function is enabled. The procedure is simple and there are no special requirements for recording software as long as it supports recording via external USB sound card/audio interface.

Non audio stuff

The CMA18 Portable has a rectangularly shaped chassis with beautifully rounded corners and smooth edges. The device measures 10.5 x 6.6 x 1.3cm and weighs 160g so it is slim, compact and pocket friendly while it gets easily operated with one hand. This is not a dongle so you can't have it hanging out from your phone but you can place it under the back of the phone or leave it on a desk.

The chassis is made from sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum with silver high-gloss buttons and side panels. The custom corning glass at the front face allows a view to the internal board and the amber-colored notification LEDs. It also features a gradient dot pattern and an extra RF signal suppressing coating. The back is also reinforced with corning glass that nicely highlights the Questyle logos.

The CMA18 Portable has a stylish and unique design that successfully combines luxury with minimalistic simplicity. However, the glass back can get slippery on certain surfaces and the lack of a protective case requires careful handling in order to avoid possible damage.

User interface

Operating the CMA18 Portable is a simple and straightforward procedure. All control buttons and switches are located in the left side of the chassis and all input/output interfaces at the bottom. After you power on the device, you can use the input selector button to select the desired source. (4.4mm Balanced Analog in, 3.5mm Analog in, optical, USB and Bluetooth). You can listen through balanced or single ended wired headphones and earphones. A gain switch is used to select between high and low according to the load. Volume level is adjusted with the aid of two buttons. You can increase/decrease the volume in single steps or continuously. Using the hold switch you can lock the device to avoid accidental actions.

The CMA18 Portable is not compatible with an application for further customization and doesn't include features like an equalizer or digital filters.

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The LEDs

When in use, the amber-colored notification LEDs will display the current working status. At the upper part of the front face there are three parallel rows of LEDs. First row are three status indicator LEDs for displaying REC function (red), Gain high or low (red or amber) and input Data rate (red for high and amber for standard resolution). The second row are the five source indicator LEDs: Balanced, AUX, USB, OPT and Bluetooth. The third row are the Battery/Volume indicator LEDs. Four LEDs in total for %25, %50, %70 and %100. With the device switched off and charging, the LEDs will display the charge level. With the device switched on, the LEDs will display the volume level. Short pressing the power button will instantly display the remaining battery level.

At the bottom of the front face there is an extra row of four LEDs that display how many SiP modules are currently working. There can be either two for the single ended output or four for the balanced. An extra sole LED at the bottom left side is for displaying USB connection status.

Too many LEDs simultaneously working, that can't be dimmed or switched off, make the CMA18 Portable look like a Christmas tree. Furthermore, the lettering around the LEDs is barely visible so the user must memorize what is actually displayed.

Battery

The device runs from its own, 4300mAh battery so it will not drain the battery of the host device and additionally it gets isolated from any electrical noise. The battery doesn't support fast charging and needs about 3.5 hours for a full charge. Questyle promises about 10 hours of running time which is a little optimistic since I never got more than 6-7 hours from the balanced output at low gain with high resolution material and the Bluetooth switched off.

You can charge and use the device at the same time. To manually enable “Charge and Play” mode when connected to a USB playback device, long press the Function Button for approximately 4 seconds. The Battery Indicator lights will illuminate and flash, indicating the CMA18P is charging, and audio playback will continue uninterrupted.

Accessories

The package includes Lighting to USB type-C, type-C to C OTG cables, a longer type-C to C charging cable, a type-A to C adapter and a 3.5mm to optical connector. Documentation includes a quick start guide and the warranty card. A luxurious protective case is available as an optional ($49) purchase.

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Power output with comparisons

The CMA18 Portable can do 1Wpc/32Ω with 2A peak current from its balanced output thus making it quite powerful for a portable, battery powered device. For the sake of comparison, the Chord Mojo 2 is rated at 600mWpc/32Ω (single ended) and the FiiO Q7 at 1.5Wpc/32Ω that doubles at 3Wpc/32Ω with the external power supply. Of course, the FiiO Q7 is considerably bigger than the CMA18 Portable and needs an external power adapter to reach its maximum power. So let's compare with the FiiO Q15 which is more compact and it only needs a phone charger to enable the desktop mode. The power rating of the Q15 is 1Wpc/32Ω with the internal battery and 1.6Wpc/32Ω with the desktop mode enabled. As we can see, they share the same power output under battery mode but the Q15 can do better with the power adapter. However, the Questyle CMA18 Portable is a slimmer, less heavy and more pocket friendly device.

Associated gear

The Questyle CMA18 Portable is very skilful driving a diversity of headphones except some really difficult ones. During the review, I used the Meze Liric 2, Focal Clear Mg and HIFIMAN Arya Organic without any issues. The CMA18 Portable drives them with great dynamics and plenty of headroom. The CMA18 Portable is also capable with high Z headphones, like the Sennheiser HD660S2, but the truth is that it really excels with lower Z loads as it can provide considerably more current than similar competitive devices.

Noise floor is very low but the CMA18 Portable is not dead silent. With very sensitive earphones, like the FiiO FX15 and the Soundz Avant, you can hear some background noise but everything else is completely silent. Thus said, the Questyle CMA18 Portable has a blacker background than the Chord Mojo 2 but it is not as dead silent as the FiiO Q7.

As per usual practice the CMA18 Portable was left playing music for about 100 hours before listening evaluation. During the review, I used headphone and earphone cables made by Lavricables to ensure maximum transparency.

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Audio stuff

The sonic performance of the CMA18 Portable is nothing short of spectacular. Questyle promises desktop-like performance and the CMA18 Portable really delivers by successfully bridging the gap between the Questyle M15i and their desktop flagships. The CMA18 Portable bears Questyle’s house signature, a blend of neutrality with a nice warmth, and it manages to sound a bit more musical and organic than the other members of the Questyle family. The AKM DAC chip matches exceptionally well with the current amplification modules in a combination that delivers engaging and full bodied sound backed by strong technicalities and transparency.

The bass is visceral and weighty but still fast, tight and controlled with exceptional clarity and definition. The dynamic behavior and the physical impact of the Questyle CMA18 Portable are reminiscent of a desktop amp rather than a battery powered one. Pair it with a transducer that is within its power limits and you will be rewarded with powerful and thundering bass performance, the CMA18 Portable will definitely make your headphones sing like a pair of good speakers.

The mid-range is harmonious and melodic but never lacking in transparency and fidelity. Colorful harmonies and rich overtones are weaved together to offer a melodious sound that never fails to engage the listener while it excels in producing instruments and voices with a natural timbre in a lifelike manner.

The treble is extended, crystal clear and luminous, highly resolving and refined but not bright or fatiguing. Detail retrieval is excellent but the presentation doesn't veer towards analytical or sterile. The timbre is realistic and devoid of any metallic sheen, there are only a few instances where you can spot some traces of digital glare which are mostly dependent on the recording rather than the DAC itself. The CMA18 Portable is far from sounding dry or clinical, the sound is natural and not artificial with textures that are full bodied and not lean.

The soundstage of the CMA18 Portable is one of its best strengths as it can make your headphones sound big and expanded. Wide and spacious but not artificially stretched, it offers a holographic and immersive soundscape with great depth layering, laser sharp imaging and plenty of ambient information. The Questyle CMA18 Portable is one of the most accomplished portable DAC/amps for listening to large scale classical music, especially when paired with an equally capable headphone.

Comparison with the Chord Mojo 2

The Chord Mojo 2 (about 600-650$) is one of the most popular battery powered, portable USB DAC/amps. A well made device with a rather unique appearance and a somewhat awkward user interface. In terms of connectivity it supports USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs with two, single ended, headphone outputs that can be used simultaneously. It doesn't support Bluetooth connectivity (but you can buy the Chord Poly to add not only Bluetooth but also WiFi server reception) and it does have a transparent (lossless) digital signal processing EQ and crossfeed functions while you can also charge and play at the same time. On the other hand, the CMA18 Portable has a more friendly interface, it offers higher power output with a blacker background, it supports ADC recording function and is more compact.

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In terms of sound signature, they are not that different, the Mojo 2 is a neutral and very transparent audio source with a touch of extra musicality and a bit of warmth. In a side by side comparison though, the Questyle CMA18 Portable produces a more effortless and naturally flowing sound with a bit more realistic and organic timbre. The Mojo 2 is the most transparent of the two, with deeper detail retrieval and an enhanced sense of clarity. It also images a little better but it doesn't sound as holographic and immersive as the CMA18 Portable.

Conclusion

The truth is that the Questyle CMA18 Portable is rather expensive than some of the competition but it justifies the premium price tag thanks to the impressive sonic performance, many features, excellent craftsmanship and the slim design. If you need a battery powered USB DAC/amp that is compact but still powerful enough and offers the best possible sound quality then look no further than the Questyle CMA18 Portable.

The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

The price of the Questyle CMA18 Portable is $799 and can be ordered from Questyle online shop.
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Ichos
Ichos
Hi @Xinlisupreme . Between these two, I believe that the CMA18 has more transparency and airs while it is punchy enough. The S9C is more punchy but it is also less transparent and more organic sounding.
Xinlisupreme
Xinlisupreme
Great looks I need a CMA18P 🤦‍♂️
Did you compare it with a Cayin N7 or IBasso DX320X?
Ichos
Ichos
Not side by side so i can't offer valid feedback.

SherryLion

New Head-Fier
The Defination of Refinement! The Questyle CMA18P
Pros: 1. Transparent and refined response
2. Packed with almost every feature for portable use.
Cons: 1. UI could've been more intuitive and detailed.

Review Of The Questyle CMA18P


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Introduction


Questlye is a Chinese company focused on researching and creating high-tech lossless audio systems with exquisite sound aesthetics and a comfortable listening experience. The company began creating headphone amplifiers in 2012, when it released the CMA800, and more recently, the CMA18P, M15i, and M12i. The company also released a lossless audio IEM. Personally, I bought their M15, which I loved for its design, form factor, and, most importantly, sound. At the time, there was no other dongle dac that sounded as clear and transparent. I was lucky enough to get my hands on CMA18P, their battery-powered portable DAC/AMP, but before going with the review, I'd want to clarify a few issues.

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Disclaimer


*Since this unit tour was organised by the kind people at Questyle, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to this device as “CMA18”
*Finally, I will only evaluate the CMA18 based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.


Specification


The CMA18 includes four sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips capable of producing up to 5W of peak power, along with the XMOS XU316 platform and AK4493 DAC chip for HD D/A conversion up to PCM768/DSD512. It has two stereo line-in inputs (3.5mm AUX IN and 4.4mm BAL IN) for analog-to-digital recording, with monitoring via 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs and seamless USB connection. It features a 4300mAh lithium battery for over 10 hours of battery life, MFi certification, and compatibility with multiple interfaces. Questyle's 3.5mm-RCA and 4.4mm-XLR cables allow connections to 2-channel Hi-Fi devices for home audio or monitoring purposes in recording and musical production. More technical specifications are mentioned below.

USB Playback:
Maximum support PCM768kHz/32bit
DSD Native: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
DSD Dop: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Supports:
Win XP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
/ Linux / Android / HarmonyOS / macOS and iOS
USB Recording:
Fixed 48kHz/32bit stereo recording
OPTICAL:
Supports 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz/24bi
BLUETOOTH:
Supports SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX-HD/LDAC D/A Convert
Maximum headphone output power:
BAL:1000mW@32Ω
THD+N:
<0.0003%@20mW,300Ω
SNR:
>120dB


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Design And Aesthetics


The CMA18's body resembles a flat block or numerous M15s stacked together. The frame is sandblasted aluminium, the front panels are glass with a gradient dot pattern, and the back has glass slapped on it. On the left side, there are four buttons and two toggle switches, and four output jacks with a USB-C OTG connector are located below the device. The buttons are used to move between functions while also acting as a volume rocker, hold and power button, while the toggle switch is used to change gain levels. When the device is turned on, the LED lights illuminate according to the function being used. Overall, the object has a computerized vibe, reminiscent of 1990s electrical equipment.

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Usage


During my use, I discovered that these were not easily pocketable, but I was able to fit them comfortably in my pockets. The nicest aspect is that the form and design are not larger than my smartphone, and it provides a stronger grip when attached to the back of my smartphone. When it came to exploring all of its functions, I was only able to fully utilize the USB and Bluetooth modes, where the Bluetooth connection was quite dependable. Also, I usually used IEMs, but I never needed to use high gain, thus I never had any difficulties with power or SQ. Like I was with my M15, I am a bit concerned about the glass over it, but I have never heard of any quality concerns with M15, so I have great expectations with CMA18 as well. With my usage at regular gain and simply utilizing IEMs, I was able to achieve approximately 10 hours of use, which is what one should expect from a premium product. Finally, these are quite portable to utilize.

Sound Impressions


IEMs


Thieaudio Prestige LTD

Prestige LTD is the very reason I am now able to find the truth in my musical dreams; I have never heard another IEM that ploughs your ears with faith in each note, no matter how those notes should sound and nurtures your senses with dynamics and presentation as if I were hearing reality. Previously, I owned the Monarch MKII, which established what one would expect, but once the prestige's magic began to flourish, I knew I could explore so much more with it, especially when it came to the air and presence of each nuance the notes were able to grasp over and tingled my senses. To summarise the prestige's response sounds as if the Monarch MKII were given steroids and enhanced the upper frequencies in all directions with better authoritative flow in the lower response. The response is neutral with sub-bass boost, similar to the Monarch MKII, with the exception that the notes are airier and more revealing than any other IEM before this era. However, the thinner notes and excessive clarity provide obnoxious features that expose bad mixing and recordings, which were highly obvious when heard on my V6 but smoothed out on my WM1A, indicating source dependence.


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When I listened to this pair, it seemed really clear and fluid. The notes hit close together, capturing the listener's attention and keeping them interested. The soundstage sounded near, yet full of details that were easily pushed. The stereo image was improved by arranging the notes precisely and ensuring that the notes were distinguishable. The vocals in the higher section shine brighter, and the instruments have an added zing. Female voices and percussion, in particular, have an alluring quality that makes the music seem engaging.

Thor Mjolnir MKII

Mjolnir is a very bassy set that has a lot of sub-bass emphasis. The treble and upper mid-range are also very forward in the mix. The upper treble has great extension as well. The bass is very punchy and boomy while acting fast. Mjolnir is a great V-shape-sounding IEM with a different approach to explosive bass that has better technicalities, especially in this price range. The stage is great with a nice surrounding stage and depth where the separation of each element sounds distant enough to procure space to breathe and distinguish themselves. The attack and decay of the driver capability are really quick and perform great. The vocals may feel lean and sparkly, but the warmth or the fuller experience is something that these lack. The bass response does vary from source to source whether I listen to a warm source or a neutral one, the bass becomes either overwhelming authoritative or both.


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While listening to this pairing, The smooth response sounds clearer since the vocals seemed more engaged in the mix and the instruments sounded less emphasized but more detailed. The overall approach of the response has improved. The bass sounded controlled, with a more textured bottom that helped to distinguish each note in the low end. Normally, the response does not sound as cohesive, but this pairing did make it seem nicely balanced. However, I did notice some white noise in the background on both analog outputs.

7Hz Aurora

Trust me when I say that Aurora is a literal detail monster, as every aspect of the presentation oozes out details and clarity with a versatile tuning that allows the intricacies and nuances to shower over the mix, bringing excellent clarity and transparency to the presentation. Though I notice that the existence of such notes results in sharp characteristics, I have never experienced a metallic nature. The crispness and air in the treble area, as well as the lively tone of the midrange, combined with a large stage that allows notes to breathe and sound full, result in remarkable detail retrieval. The nicest thing of the entire response is that the definition and tonal balance are nicely established, resulting in a lean yet coherent sounding presentation. If I look at the graph, it appears frightening with peaks and dips over the treble area, however such a presentation produces a vibrant and enticing response that isn't overly bright while also including crsip and the sparkling aspect of the notes. On the other side, the midrange sounds broader and clearer without adding hotness or peakiness to the mix, while the bass may become a touch too controlled but still present enough to make the response feel full-bodied.


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Aurora's response was able to have the appropriate breadth and depth when listening to this pairing since the response was presented more frontally and backward. The vocals and instruments sounded more expressive than previously; with CMA18, the refinement in the notes increased in terms of details and contrast, providing more transparency and linearity throughout the response. The notes were clearer and revealed certain elements.

Rose Technics QT-X

QT-X offers a mid-centric and neutral tone, with a focus on the sub-bass and an overall clean sound. When I first started listening to them, I noticed that whichever source I used changed the quality of the sound without affecting the tuning, which made me understand how versatile they are in terms of technical aspects. The sound is characterized by its cleanliness and transparency, with a particular emphasis in the midrange that gives the vocals and instruments a spacious and well-defined presence. While the graph may indicate that the treble lacks energy and the bass is lean, the tuning of this IEM actually allows the treble to sound expansive and smooth without being dark, and the bass to provide good depth and presence. However, there is a slight lack of warmth and note weight in the mid-bass region that is noticeable throughout the sound signature. Finally, I feel the response has been properly calibrated to sound neutral and accurate, particularly in the midrange, rather than offensive or bright.


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While listening to this pairing, the response sounded revealing, but not in an energetic way, but rather in a more soothing manner, with better contrast in overall reaction. The treble sounded more comfortable, with better extension. The voice and instrumentation both sounded more direct and appealing. The whole response sounded clearer and airier than previously.

Tracks


Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun


Conclusion


To summarize this evaluation, CMA18 is quite competent and filled with features that will completely gratify its user. I believe the power and sound quality it provides make it a highly practical device as a portable product, and in terms of sound performance, I have never heard anything that sounds this cohesive and smooth while improving on details and clarity. The whole presentation is synergistic and linear, making it versatile and mature-sounding portable DAC/AMP. As a result, I believe Questyle done an excellent job with CMA18, and I recommend them.

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BonGoBiLai

100+ Head-Fier
Winning in Style
Pros: 1. Unique and elegant design
2. Uber compact and slim, truly portable
3. Plethora of connectivity options
4. Enough power to drive most headphones and IEMs except a stubborn few
5. Excellent soundstage and layering coupled with a slightly warm, organic sound signature
6. Highly resolving
Cons: 1. Gets slightly warm while in operation
2. All ports are on the same side
3. Slippery. Glass is glass and glass breaks therefore requires caution
4. Slight hiss with sensitive IEMs
Questyle is a highly consistent brand that has only produced bangers and not a single bad apple. This brand used to be a bit obscure in the Western market (probably due to a lack of distributors and the absence of proper marketing), but its fame was actually catapulted by the M15 portable dongle DAC Amp. The much higher-end CMA 15 and CMA 12 Master generally received positive responses. While I am not a “fanboy” per se, I found them to be excellent products without any significant flaws.

However, none of them necessarily blew my mind. That was until I got my hands on this super weird and exciting product Questyle has been cooking and has recently released: the Questyle CMA 18 Portable. By the way, the CMA 18 P is not to be confused with the CMA 18 Master. The 18 Master is Questyle’s current desktop flagship and an evolution of the CMA 15, while the 18P is somewhat of an evolution of the M15.

Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews

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Specs:

AKM 4493SEQ (departure from the ESS sabre chip used in the M12 and M15, which were more budget-oriented devices)

Equipped with four sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips.

Peak power of 1W @32 ohms. Questyle uses bespoke current mode amplification, so power figure numbers differ from traditional amplifiers.

Supports up to PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 playback. Questyle, interestingly, has dropped MQA support this time.

Price: $699

Connectivity Options and features:

USB-C, Optical/TOSlink, and Bluetooth inputs (aptX-HD + LDAC).
Vinyl to Digital recording function.
3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs and line outs.

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Battery Capacity:

4300 mAh (runtime: up to 10 hours. Takes around 2.5 hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent)

Build Quality and aesthetic observation:

The CMA 18P is a weird stunner, for sure. It is surprisingly compact and thin despite housing a fairly large-capacity battery. The outer body features sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum surfaces with silver high-gloss buttons and side panels. It boasts custom Corning glass coatings on both front and back panels. I quite like the gradient dot design, which adds an element of subtle beauty to the transparent front panel, which showcases the beautifully intricate PCB like an aquarium.

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There is no OLED status screen, and in typical Questyle fashion, all current statuses are conveyed via tiny LEDs. There are separate LEDs representing different inputs, and four separate LEDs briefly light up, indicating volume level increase/decrease or charge level (via a single power button press). 4 more LEDs further down indicate whether the SiP modules are operational. There is also a separate LED indicating USB connection status. All of these might sound exhausting and troublesome, but it actually took me less than 10 minutes to get used to, and I personally love this unique Morse code ‘esque approach instead of yet another dull, monotone screen.

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Sound :

The CMA 18P is quite different sonically from the CMA 15 and M15. It sounds significantly wider and three-dimensional than both. Soundstage has not been the strongest suit of Questyle products before. Yet the exact opposite happens here. The only portable DAC Amp under 1000 USD that can compete with 18P’s staging is the Aroma Audio Air. Both iFi Gryphon and Chord Mojo 2 sound noticeably “closed in” in comparison, especially the Mojo 2.

Bass response is top-notch. It's quick and super snappy and reaches deep. The overall bass response has this textured, hyper-layered vibe to it, which I find to be quite rare in DAC Amps under $1000.

The midrange is sweet and romantic, a characteristic I found missing in previous Questyle products. The vocals sound lush and euphoric. DITA project M, for example, is an IEM I do not associate with lush vocals. It is rather crystalline in nature. But when paired with the CMA 18P, vocals become one of its primary strengths.

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Treble response is a massive improvement from the previous 15 lineup. I no longer notice the digital sheen, a total killjoy that somewhat ruined the M15’s treble for me. CMA 18P’s treble is slightly velvety and mellow but without being overly warm. This works well with energetic sets like the Project M, FATFreq Grand Maestro, and Craft Ears Omni. However, I will not recommend pairing the likes of FATFreq Scarlet Mini or Symphonium Titan to it, as these sets are already very subdued in the treble.

Detail retrieval and micro and macro dynamics are standouts, as usual; it is a Questyle product, after all. Imaging and instrument layering are truly holographic, and combined with massive staging capabilities, they create a vast soundscape. Given its small footprint, the output power is rather impressive. I had zero trouble running the Hifiman Arya Organic to its full potential in high gain.

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There are a few cons, though. Thanks to the gorilla glass coating around the device, CMA 18P is highly slippery and must be handled cautiously. Accidental falls can result in cracks. Glass is glass, and glass breaks. I would highly recommend buying the leather case separately for additional safety. The unit runs a bit warm, but it is tolerable. I also wish the USB/optical inputs were on one side and outputs on the other. There is some hiss with overly sensitive IEMs (Campfire Audio Ponderosa and Flipears Artha, for example), but it's faint and not noticeable when tracks are being played. Battery life is good and remains consistent. I did not measure the exact run time, but the unit can be comfortably used for a day or two before needing to be charged again.

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Bluetooth is generally an afterthought in such devices (iFi Gryphon's terrible Bluetooth performance, for example). CMA 18P’s BT implementation is as perfect as it gets. BT sound from the CMA18P easily outclasses flagship-level dongles like the Cayin RU7, L&P W4, and Questyle M15. I am not kidding; it is really that great. Bluetooth range and stability are both top-notch.

Comparisons:

iFi Gryphon: The Gryphon is significantly warmer but still provides ample clarity. 18P is a few notches above the Gryphon. It has a more coherent and organic sound signature. 18P’s technical prowess outclasses the Gryphon’s with ease. Gryphon cannot drive planars properly despite the big power numbers on paper, a con 18P does not have. It still cannot drive the Susvara or Abyss, though

Chord Mojo 2: I think the Mojo 2 is an equal performer but less versatile and not impressive in terms of staging capabilities. You can pair the Mojo 2 with the Poly and turn it into a streaming device. Pairing the CMA 18P with the WiiM mini essentially does the same thing.

Shanling H7: The H7 is too large and too warm. However, it does offer MQA decoding, which is a plus if you are into that. I appreciate the H7 and enjoyed its sound when I owned one, but the CMA18P is a much better pick in value, form factor, and performance.

iFi Diablo: I struggled to like this iFi product. Diablo is a bit dry and soulless, the opposite of what iFi devices tend to be. It lacks versatility, and the battery life is terrible. However, it can power stubborn headphones like the Susvara and HE6SE, which is an advantage.

Earmen Angel: Angel is an exceptional value at a now-discounted price of $399. It is a bit heavy and bulky, though. The CMA 18P is significantly better sound quality wise but in case you are on a tight budget, I cannot recommend the Angel enough.
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BonGoBiLai
BonGoBiLai
@Hanesu Aroma Air is more transparent and airy (sound sig can be tweaked via opamp swap). Awesome bass performance, just like the CMA 18P. The stage is slightly bigger than the CMA18P if my memory serves me right. It is similar to the sound of the Earmen Angel if you are familiar with that DAC Amp. Not as resolving as the Air is a BT-only device. My general gripe with the Air is that it has an abysmal BT range. You must keep it within 4-5 feet of the BT streaming source. CMA 18P+ Aroma A100TB is a whole different beast, though. Portable endgame for me.
Hanesu
Hanesu
@BonGoBiLai Cool, thanks so much for your impressions! I am actually owning the Aroma Air, but when buying it, I was drawn between the Air and the CMA18 (that I have not had the chance to hear yet). That is why I was so interested in this comparison. But is seems in BT both devices are comparable? - and since I got the Air for a great price, I think I have made a good decision.
Xinlisupreme
Xinlisupreme
Still own Aroma Air since was release and I like it a lot, I thought CMA18p would be more transparent and bright but looks it’s not. Wich opam can improve transparency, imaging and overall holographic performance ?
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JQuB3

New Head-Fier
Questyle CMA18 Portable - Desktop grade performance in a stylish sleek portable form factor
Pros: Sleek, transparent design that is sure to grab eyeballs.
Excellent soundstage with balanced sound signature.
Highly versatile with various input and output options.
Cons: Can become a little warm.
Lack of playback controls makes it a bit inconvenient compared to other portable BT dacamps.
Audible hiss with sensitive IEMs.

I'd like to thank @gadgetgod for lending his unit for an audition and review. I loved it so much that I've now purchased my own.
The CMA18 Portable is a portable dacamp featuring high-quality audio performance and a sleek design. It is designed for audiophiles who want to experience their music with exceptional clarity and detail while on the go. The Questyle CMA18 Portable is a remarkable device offering huge headroom and high fidelity in a portable design. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a bag or pocket, making it perfect for traveling or commuting. The CMA18 Portable incorporates AKM's AK4493SEQ chipset as DAC and has four sets of self-developed current-mode patented SiP chips (СС630/CA630).

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The CMA18P supports a wide range of inputs including USB (type c), SPDIF (via 3.5mm), 4.4mm Balanced line input, 3.5mm SE line input, and Bluetooth with support for codecs such as LDAC, aptxHD, SBC, AAC. The CMA18P has a 4300 mAh battery which is quite a lot considering how compact and lightweight the unit is.

The Questyle CMA18 Portable features a high-performance headphone amplifier based on Questyle's renowned Current Mode Amplification (CMA) tech that delivers clean power to drive even the most demanding headphones. The device has a solid build quality and an intuitive user interface, making it easy to operate on the go.

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In terms of sound quality, the CMA18 Portable delivers a transparent, detailed, and dynamic sound signature, with a wide soundstage and excellent instrument separation. It brings out the nuances in the music and provides a truly immersive listening experience. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the move, the Questyle CMA18 Portable enhances the audio quality of your music and elevates your listening experience to new heights.

If you are looking for a portable dacamp that can truly provide an exceptional audio experience while you're on the go, the Questyle CMA18 Portable is worth considering. Its high-quality components and innovative design make it a standout choice for audiophiles who demand the best performance from their portable audio gear.
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kkklauy
kkklauy
It's support only amp mode right?

Sonic Sleuth

500+ Head-Fier
Questyle CMA 18p: Your Pocket-sized Portal to Premium Sound
Pros: Sleek and modern design with a glass window for visual appeal.
Versatile connectivity options including USB, Bluetooth, mini coax, optical, and 4.4mm analog line input.
Strong headphone output power of 1 watt, delivering robust performance.
Excellent soundstage and imaging, particularly suitable for over-ear headphones.
Balanced sound signature balancing reference and romantic qualities, enhancing vocals and treble.
Pocket-friendly size and a hold switch for convenience during transportation.
Bluetooth mode functionality adds versatility to the device.
Ability to function as a standalone amp or recording interface.
Premium build quality and straightforward usability.
Cons: Slightly challenging readability of indicators due to the glass window design.
May not be ideal for highly sensitive IEMs due to potential background noise.
Requires additional cables and adapters for certain recording applications.
Limited battery life of about 10 hours, requiring recharging after extended use.
Inaccurate battery life indicator
Can slip easily even on flat surfaces.
Overview:

The Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp showcases an intriguing blend of portability and performance, offering a sleek design, versatile connectivity, and promising sound quality. Let's delve deeper into the various aspects highlighted in the review.

I would like to thank @gadgetgod and ConceptKart for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase it from ConceptKart at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://conceptkart.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-dac-amp

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

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Specifications:

The CMA 18 Portable presents an impressive array of technical specifications, catering to diverse audio needs. Supporting inputs via USB, Bluetooth, mini coax, optical, and 4.4mm analog line input, it provides flexibility in connectivity. Moreover, its compatibility with multiple Bluetooth codecs ensures seamless integration with various devices. Notably, the device features a headphone output power of 1W @ 32Ohms, delivering robust performance, especially with over-ear headphones.

Sound:

CMA 18p has commendable soundstage and imaging, particularly with over-ear headphones. Despite its compact size, the device delivers an immersive audio experience, accentuating bass frequencies with depth and clarity.

Vocals:
The CMA 18 strikes a balance between reference and romantic sound signatures, contributing to the natural rendering of vocals. Its ability to maintain clarity and warmth enhances the listening experience, making vocals stand out with authenticity.

Treble:
The device's refined treble performance is noted, characterized by natural extension and minimal graininess. Unlike some competitors, the device manages to deliver extended treble without causing listener fatigue, ensuring a pleasant listening experience across various genres.

Usage with Headphones:

The CMA 18 impresses with its ability to drive a wide range of headphones, from easy-to-drive models to moderately demanding ones. Despite its portable form factor, it provides ample power, elevating the listening experience with each pair of headphones used.

I particularly noted that CMA 18p paired extremely well with Planar HPs probably because of its current mode amplification.

Usage with IEMs:

While the CMA 18 excels with headphones, caution is advised for highly sensitive IEMs due to potential background noise.

It did drive moderate to extremely power demanding IEMs effortlessly.

However, for users primarily utilizing over-ear headphones, the device offers exceptional performance and versatility.

Quirks:

The battery life indicator is not accurate at all times.

I was initially disappointed that I couldn’t charge CMA18p simultaneously while playing music when connected to my laptop but later found a thread on head-fi on how to enable it.

With charging disabled in DAC/AMP mode, it drained the battery of my phone within few hours.

The back is prone to scratches and needs a case.

It is extremely slippery.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp emerges as a compelling choice in the portable audio landscape. Whether seeking advanced connectivity options or refined sound performance, the CMA 18 delivers with finesse. While not claiming absolute superiority, it presents a viable option for discerning listeners seeking a portable DAC/Amp that strikes the perfect balance between functionality and sonic excellence which is rare.

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Y
Yarbles
I am curious as to how this sounded as I am a big Chord fan & the Questyle M15 sounds like a 'mini Mojo 2' - it is also one of only two dongles I've ever thought was impressive (It's also the one I bought as I got it for about 100 USD 2nd hand & the other one I liked, the L&P W4 was 250 2nd hand. I hardly use a dongle so the cheaper the better).

I've heard so many people claim their new toy (OP this isn't aimed at you; you haven't claimed this) is better than a Mojo 2, but I find that very difficult to believe - recency bias is fortunately something I have become immune to & I don't think a lot of people are very good at being objective... eg I understand why people love HD600's but I personally find them dull as dishwater.

Mojo 2 cult members 😅 have you heard this thing & how does it measure up?
I only own two portable dac/amps; a Mojo 2 & another Mojo 2 in case I lose/break/forget to charge the other.
M
MyloJanus
I bought both at the same time a few weeks ago, and spent quite a bit of time A/B ing them ignorer to definitively choose which one to ultimately keep. I did not have a particular bias one way or the other and both had practical features that made the decision difficult. After a few weeks of this testing , to me I can confidently say while both are impressive, for sound quality the CMA 18p wins out in the end for its sound qualities. It is really a wonderful sounding device!
OhmsClaw
OhmsClaw
CMA18P is too noisy for IEM's unfortunately. Mojo2 reigns supreme, if even a little less convenient. (No LDAC) The CMA18P requires the leather case from the jump to protect it from sliding/scratches. Works fine with the RN6 but the EVO and Campfire offerings, the background hiss on pause with cellphone processing noises passed through is unacceptable for 700$ I really wanted a portable version of the RME ADI 2 chip, but this wasn't it. Hopefully a future revision brings the background down and I would 100% recommend it. I originally wanted to replace my BTR7 with this for in the pocket OTG LDAC use case with wired as a back up.

noplsestar

Headphoneus Supremus
Quesytle CMA18P - grandness in a portable DAC
Pros: - extraordinary good sounding portable DAC/amp
- gorgeous design
- great technicalities
- uncoloured sound
- intuitive handling
- very well implemented Bluetooth
- no interference with mobile phone
- simultaneous charging and audio playback
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm out as well is input for recording purposes
Cons: - too less volume steps for my liking
- no skip track / play-pause button
- even more power for demanding over the ear headphones would have been nice
- price
This is my review of the Questyle CMA18P that I got sent from Questyle in exchange for an honest review.

Well, where to begin? The design!

It´s gorgeous. I don´t have to tell you that. When you are holding it in your hands, it is even more obvious that the Questyle team did a wonderful job here. And it is not only beautiful to behold, it is light enough too for portable use and the size is perfect for stacking it with my iPhone 15 (I ordered this one: https://amzn.eu/d/4vPymbW for attaching it on the mobile phone´s back and it works perfectly). Yes, the CMA18P gets warm, but not hot by any means, so I never had problems putting these into my pocket together with my iPhone.

A quick look into the manual is sufficient. In fact it is very intuitive to switch between Bluetooth or USB etc.

I am loving the orange lights (there is also a red light for high gain). The “Hold” button comes in handy, too. I use it almost daily, because I won´t need the other buttons to change anything.
Why? I maxed out the volume on the Questyle and use my source for changing the volume, because the CMA18P does only have 32 volume steps. So few steps are not sufficient for finetuning the sound intensity. At least for me. I would have liked to see at least 100 volume steps (120 septs to 150 steps would even be better). So now I always have to activate my iPhone to change the volume. It would have been much nicer to just use those volume buttons. Also there is no play/pause or skip track button. In my view, the device would have been big enough to implement those buttons. But this is all nitpicking, because you will see, when we get to the description of the sound, those little troubles are all forgotten.


So let´s dive into the sound characteristics of the CMA18P!


I listened to the CMA18P with the flagship Austrian Audio “The Composer” headphones. And the first thing I immediately heard in combination with the CMA18P was the grandness of its presentation. The stage is holographic and huge. Both in width and depth. Layering is as good as it gets with a portable DAC/amp with pinpoint accuracy in the stereo image and a pitch-black background. So the technicalities are all together top notch.

The sound characteristics? Overall I would say the CMA18P (besides the intrinsic grandness) has a kind of winning sweetness to its sound. Both male and female vocals shine. I don´t hear an exaggeration of any frequency band. No added colour. The vocals stand in the middle of the stereo panorama. Beautifully rendered and clean. Not too near but also not too far away either. An engaging portrayal of the recorded music.

Bass is very nicely rendered. Plenty of power down below. But not overdone in any way. Very good extension in the sub-bass region. Bass hits hard if needed but don´t get me wrong: this is a neutral presentation that won´t bleed into the lower mids. As it should be in this price range!

The mids, as I told you above, seem to have a kind of sweetness. Certainly they are not “in your face”. But not smoothed out either. Just right. A linear interpretation. A vast stage for the most important frequency band, where the vocals shine on the stage (as well as the instruments).

The highs are nicely extended but not overdone. This device by no means is a treble heavy or harsh sounding DAC. You have all the sound information you need. But the CMA18P does not need that upper mids/ lower treble bump of some other DACs for its resolution. Quality over quantity. Extension!

What about driving power? Well, I am quite confident the CMA18P will drive every IEM you throw at it with ease. But what about over the ear headphones? It drives my Austrian Audio Composer to very loud levels. And as I know from an audiophile friend, it also drives all the similarly easy to drive FOCAL headphones without taking a sweat. But you have to know that the CMA18P won´t drive harder to drive headphones to very loud levels (talking about the DCA models Stealth, E3, Expance; but also Susvara etc.). If you are a quiet listener, then it should work. But if you, like me, love to crank up the volume from time to time, then be warned not to pair them with the beforementioned headphones that need even more juice to shine.

So if I would use the CMA18P only with the SE output, it wouldn´t have enough power to drive my Composer. When connected through the 4.4mm balanced port, there is plenty of juice. Though I do have to say that when listening to older, not as loud mastered albums, I am getting near the 100% volume on my iPhone. But those albums are rare. Most of the time I am at about 50-75% on my iPhone with the Composer (when maxed out the volume at the CMA18P and in High-Gain mode) and so I have got plenty of headroom.
That being said, I guess it wouldn´t have hurt if the CMA18P would have had more power (or a super gain button) for really hard to drive over the ear headphones like the DCA models etc.

What else? I hear no interference with my iPhone at all! And that´s really great. No matter if paired via USB or Bluetooth. This device is solidly grounded and dead silent which is quite an achievement (compared to other dongle DACs).

As I was talking about Bluetooth: This is perfectly implemented. Sounds fantastic and to be honest, on the go I probably wouldn´t even be hearing that much of a difference compared to the USB connection. When listening critically I hear a slightly warmer presentation with a touch less dynamics when paired via Bluetooth. But as you guys probably know, the iPhone only has an AAC Bluetooth connection, so AptX and L-DAC will without much doubt sound even better.

But if you want to pair the CMA18P via USB, then at this point I recommend you guys to upgrade the short USB cable. Not that there is any problem with the cables that came with the CMA18P. In fact they are really nicely crafted and you have got everything in this beautifully, minimalistic packaging you´d need (USB-C to USB-C, lightning to USB-C, long charging cable etc.). That being said, I highly recommend the (alas rather pricey) ddHifi TC09S cable or the lightning equivalent MFI09S. There shouldn’t be a difference because it’s a digital cable, I know I know, haha, but maybe there is one because of the separated cable for the power supply? Twister6 also came to the same conclusion when he reviewed this short USB cable. Just buy a ddHifi cable online, test it with your system in comparison with other cables and if you don’t think you hear a difference, just return it and get your money back. But if you (like me) hear an even more expanded soundstage, then it´s a win win situation not only with the CMA18P but with any DAC!

Oh, and I also got this really nice leather case (see pics below) for the CMA18P (a screen protector for the glass front would also have been great! You know, I do love that faceplate but it will get scratched somewhere down the road). Anyway, the CMA18P fits perfectly into the case. The buttons work through the leather as they should. I would recommend getting this case so that your beauty stays save when you are travelling from A to B. https://questyleshop.com/products/questyle-cma18-portable-leather-case

For instructions concerning simultaneous charging and audio playback, I´d like to refer to the following post from Questyle: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/que...dphone-amplifier.969449/page-13#post-17961864


And now let´s move on to the DAC comparisons:


How does the CMA18P stack up against the Quloos MUB1?

For starters, the MUB1 does have much more power. I don´t even need the super gain mode to drive my headphones to earbleeding levels. Also the volume buttons of the MUB1 have 100 steps so I used them a lot! In addition it has a play/pause button and skip track buttons and some filters and and and … But - and this is a big BUT – it doesn´t sound as good as the CMA18P. You immediately hear a loss of dynamics, the stage gets smaller, it loses on the holographic portrayal, it sounds a bit flat and also a touch too warm in comparison to the CMA18P. So that´s that. I think I won´t need to dig deeper :wink:


How does the CMA18P stack up against the (somewhat exotic) Calyx K?

Well, the Calyx K does have no buttons at all. A plug and play DAC. Very high-quality for not even half the price of the CMA18P. No Blutooth, no balanced out, interference with the iPhone, way too less power etc. But concerning its sound alone this is not as easy as with the MUB1 above. Because as the technicians of the Calyx K opted for a touch of elevated mids, you do get with this device a very touching vicinity to the singer. This DAC excels with singer/songwriter music or small chamber music where you won´t need a vast presentation and more intimacy. As said above, because of the pronounced mids you can hear the guitar strokes even better and the voices move very close to the listener. You can hear the tiniest stroke of the violin. This can be too much (and most of the time it is). But for some occasions this is very touching, too. All in all of course I do prefer the sound of the CMA18P by quite a margin (for Pop, Rock, Jazz, orchestral music, electronic, well, in fact for ANYTHING!)

Did I forget something? Oh, yes, the battery is what it is. Could be better (could also be worse). But 10 hours is more than enough for me to get through the day :wink:
Also you can use the CMA18P (with the 3,5 mm and 4,4mm inputs) to record music but I didn´t test that. Of course the device supports every possible music format you throw at it!
Edit: Of course the CMA18P has much more power when connected to my MacBook Pro! There I wouldn’t even need the balanced cable. Also not the „high gain“ mode. Gobbles of juice available here for driving my Composer.

So, I think that´s it. I would like to thank the Questyle team, especially Zach! And I congratulate you guys (and especially your technicians) for designing such a gorgeous, portable DAC. I didn´t hear a better sounding yet!


And finally here are some pics:

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sofastreamer
sofastreamer
Much enjoyed reading this review. Very well written, thank you!
I would buy it immediately but as it seems not to bypass the battery when connected to a laptop, it might die in about 2-3 yrs with my heavy usage.
noplsestar
noplsestar
Hmmm, yeah, that´s something to think about. I never used my DACs (with battery) that much so that it died. But of course it could happen.

hitchhiker

New Head-Fier
Questyle CMA18 - Portable beast
Pros: Superb sound
Can drive almost anything thrown at it
Multiple input and output options
Cons: Can run a little warm
Not sure how the device will handle a drop or two on the floor
Thanks to gadgetgod for the review unit of the Questyle CMA18.

Questyle is well known for quality audio products for a while now. The CMA18 is a portable dac amp that sounds like the swiss army knife of portable audio products.
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Package and Build
The CMA18 comes in a fairly large carboard box, with foam inserts for the dacamp and accessories. The dacamp itself is a sight to look at on opening the box.
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The large transparent window showcases the circuitboard with all the components on display. The size of the dacamp is about 3x the size of the M15 dongle.
While the unit itself isnt heavy, I wonder how the transparent top will take a fall from a considerable distange. This is one of my main worries of transparent units.

The accessories that come with is a very good selection. Lightning cable (for apple devices), usb-c cable for android and windows alike, toslink cable, adapters. wow this will fit almost all use cases
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Features

The dacamp supports ios, android and desktop (linux/mac/windows) out of the box thanks to the xmos USB decoder.
It support the following inputs - USB, optical, bluetooth
Output - USB out, bluetooth (LDAC, aptx), 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced and lineout on both outputs.

The volume is controllable via volume rockers on the side, and from the source device.

With support for multiple codecs (BT, DSD512 Native, PCM768 etc) the device can run in so many configurations.

Sound

Boasting a 2W x 2 power output with the current mode amplification, the device can drive a lot of hard to drive iems and headphones with ease.
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I tried a lot of headphones including HD650, Fostext T50rp mk3 and a selection of iems to determine its ability to drive. Aside from the T50rp, the CMA18 was able to drive all the devices thrown at it with ease.

The DAC duties are performed by a well implemented AK4493 chipset. The characteristic house sound questyle - clear all through while being musical at the same time is the tuning here too.

The dacamp itself does not add color to the sound in a perceptible way. However, with excellent clean power, the CMA18 sounds dynamic with a large stage (again depending on the transducers being driven).

Boasting a 10hr battery and 60hr idle time, this will keep the music flowing through the day.

Another feature that I didnt test out but am very impressed with is the analog line in on both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced connectors. This enables usage of the device for recording from analog sources.

While playing back, the device does get a bit warm. So they may not be exactly pocketable over a little bit of time, but play a suberb role on the desk.

Conclusions
The CMA18 is a no brainer device for those looking to drive hard to drive gear, or even for recording analog audio with very good fidelity. This device is a veritable swiss army knife of the portable audio world.
Well done again, Questyle !
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