[jsmiller58]

I am seriously considering getting a FIIO Q15, and as to not limit my options, and I was wondering if you guys could suggest a few alternatives that I could give a listen in addition to the Q15? I do not care much if its a desktop or portable dac/amp (it will go onto my bedroom table), but it needs to have no less than the same power as the balanced output of the Q15 and costing about the same +-. I need it to have USB input (from my phone) and 4.4 balanced output to headphones. Also, as far as my listening preferences go, I love listening to all kinds of music on my Topping DX9 (AKM DAC's) while I do not like any other Topping ESS DAC's that I have heard. So I am more into organic, analogue, life like sound with great 3d spatial parameters, and I am not fond of surgical, analytical musical presentation. Probably a tiny bit on the warmer side of neutral would be correct for me.

Any suggestions welcome

An option is the Earmen Angel, which recently has been on sale for the same price as the Q15 (list price is $799). I actually have been asking if anyone has compared these two, and thoughts about owning both…

 

[Salmacis]

Thanks for the suggestion @jsmiller58. I've heard good things about Earmen, I'll check it out

 

[neobandog1]

Earmam with sabre ess waste of time

 

[neobandog1]

Typical sabre crap like 80% of chinese product sabre ess and same analitical thin tuning....

 

[neobandog1]

Shanling h5, fiio q15, ifi gryphone, questyle cma18...this all sound very nice and analog

 

[Salmacis]

Shanling h5, fiio q15, ifi gryphone, questyle cma18...this all sound very nice and analog

Thanks for the suggestions

Curious about the IFI Gryphon in particular. A shop close to me has it, so I will go listen.

 

[neobandog1]

Gryphon is very good
But q15 is in same ligue of analog sounding...akm is fabulous

 

[sofastreamer]

keep in mind, that not everyone likes analog thick warm sound. many will prefer analytical sound tunings

 

[Chieffred]

Thanks for the suggestions

Curious about the IFI Gryphon in particular. A shop close to me has it, so I will go listen.

From My experience Ifi products are good, my only concern with Griffon against Q15 is the difference of power for some of my iem's and some of my headphones ( planar but not only) Griffon is a little short.

 

[Chieffred]

keep in mind, that not everyone likes analog thick warm sound. many will prefer analytical sound tunings

I agree and you can even like both depending of your mood or listening conditions.

 

[fertb1978]

Hi, I'm waiting to receive the new Fiio Q15 with the Fx15s. Do you think they will make a good pair?

Greetings.

 

[neobandog1]

This fiio q15 sound good with everything i try so far do good

 

[fertb1978]

This fiio q15 sound good with everything i try so far do good

It's a shame it doesn't include a Lightning cable.

 

[neobandog1]

Connect with bluetooth and is done

 

[fertb1978]

Connect with bluetooth and is done

Yes but AAC is so worse than wired or ldac….