Shroune
Head-Fier
Quick intro
The reason I’m even reviewing this amp/dac combo is because there aren’t enough reviews for them online. I’m mostly writing this for the used market buyers and to the people that already own one with a DAC click sound. I do have a solution to this problem in the sound section of this review. It’s an awesome device at the used price point its currently at and those who have the budget, should definitely take a look at it, especially for how cheap they go for at the moment.
History
This all-in-one device was created after the CMA 800i and is an improved version. Questyle does not look like they still make this product as they seem to have replaced it by the CMA twelve with its little brother the CMA 400i.
Build
This unit uses thicc aluminum and weighs a ton because of it. I am very content with its build quality.
Sound
The DAC:
This is not the part where Questyle put most of their efforts on, but I don’t blame them because of how good the amp is. The chip is an AKM 4490 and if you read this and own a schiit product that has this chip cough Bifrost cough, you might know that some of these DAC implementations can have an annoying click sound. The 600i is no exception. Now for the purpose of this review I’ll call it a fart because that’s more like what its sounds like to me. To fix this DAC fart don’t bush the device’s connections with wet toilet paper to stop nasty smell, but instead set your audio format to 24 bit 88.2khz and that should do the trick or just use the spdif input.
How does it sound? Absolutely great but you could do better with a good 400$ USD DAC. As my second source unit, this was a huge upgrade and I still love it despite its quirks. I’m coming from a Topping NX4 and ifi nano idsd black label, but I have heard a couple DACs ranging from 400$-5000$ for those wondering if I know what high-end units sound like. The DAC is inflicting a small bit of a softer haze on the sound, therefore capping the detail at a certain point which is much lower than what the amplifier or headphones are capable of displaying. So, it has a slight tilt towards the warm side of things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still very clear and spaces are very black between the sounds. Detail retrieval isn’t shoved in one’s face but instead, is displayed and can be picked out when actively listening. Soundstage is slightly bigger than on my 200$ portable dac/amps. Here’s my slight annoyance with the DAC. It doesn’t have the best timbre I’ve ever heard. My NX4 beats it in this regard. It also beats it in treble detail as this unit has a smoother, slightly warmer sound.
The AMP:
This is the main reason why I want people to buy the 600i. The amp is absolutely phenomenal. Some people even compare it the Bryston BHA-1, which says a lot. I won’t provide the measurements as they are offered on many sites. All I need to say is that it measures flat throughout the spectrum and THD is at what should be expected from an amp. It also has about 1.9 watts of power at 32 ohms. Its sound signature is smooth like butter, engaging and has great punch and control. Mids have texture, life and warmth. This can be even better when paired with a higher-end DAC because the amp is far more capable than what the DAC offers with what I was told by many owners. I would recommend this to people who do long listening sessions and don’t mind a slightly warmer sound. If you do, you’re in for a treat.
The bass authority of this amp comes from the XLR section of the amp as the ¼ inch out doesn’t sound as full. Part of the warmth probably comes from its class-A nature. I could easily see this amp as the last step before getting to end-game material or even be the last amp you’ll ever buy if you’re satisfied with its sound.
What you should know before buying
Yes there’s a problem with the DAC but that can be fixed and is not there on every unit. If you buy one that’s used from an online retailer, then make sure there’s a good warranty. Why am I saying this? Questyle apparently has one person to answer all emails and the customer service phone number redirects to China where nobody answers. Questyle’s customer service is absolutely atrocious and barely even existent. Should you still buy one? Hell yes. Just make sure you get a working version and it’s even better if you get it from a retailer.
The reason I’m even reviewing this amp/dac combo is because there aren’t enough reviews for them online. I’m mostly writing this for the used market buyers and to the people that already own one with a DAC click sound. I do have a solution to this problem in the sound section of this review. It’s an awesome device at the used price point its currently at and those who have the budget, should definitely take a look at it, especially for how cheap they go for at the moment.
History
This all-in-one device was created after the CMA 800i and is an improved version. Questyle does not look like they still make this product as they seem to have replaced it by the CMA twelve with its little brother the CMA 400i.
Build
This unit uses thicc aluminum and weighs a ton because of it. I am very content with its build quality.
Sound
The DAC:
This is not the part where Questyle put most of their efforts on, but I don’t blame them because of how good the amp is. The chip is an AKM 4490 and if you read this and own a schiit product that has this chip cough Bifrost cough, you might know that some of these DAC implementations can have an annoying click sound. The 600i is no exception. Now for the purpose of this review I’ll call it a fart because that’s more like what its sounds like to me. To fix this DAC fart don’t bush the device’s connections with wet toilet paper to stop nasty smell, but instead set your audio format to 24 bit 88.2khz and that should do the trick or just use the spdif input.
How does it sound? Absolutely great but you could do better with a good 400$ USD DAC. As my second source unit, this was a huge upgrade and I still love it despite its quirks. I’m coming from a Topping NX4 and ifi nano idsd black label, but I have heard a couple DACs ranging from 400$-5000$ for those wondering if I know what high-end units sound like. The DAC is inflicting a small bit of a softer haze on the sound, therefore capping the detail at a certain point which is much lower than what the amplifier or headphones are capable of displaying. So, it has a slight tilt towards the warm side of things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still very clear and spaces are very black between the sounds. Detail retrieval isn’t shoved in one’s face but instead, is displayed and can be picked out when actively listening. Soundstage is slightly bigger than on my 200$ portable dac/amps. Here’s my slight annoyance with the DAC. It doesn’t have the best timbre I’ve ever heard. My NX4 beats it in this regard. It also beats it in treble detail as this unit has a smoother, slightly warmer sound.
The AMP:
This is the main reason why I want people to buy the 600i. The amp is absolutely phenomenal. Some people even compare it the Bryston BHA-1, which says a lot. I won’t provide the measurements as they are offered on many sites. All I need to say is that it measures flat throughout the spectrum and THD is at what should be expected from an amp. It also has about 1.9 watts of power at 32 ohms. Its sound signature is smooth like butter, engaging and has great punch and control. Mids have texture, life and warmth. This can be even better when paired with a higher-end DAC because the amp is far more capable than what the DAC offers with what I was told by many owners. I would recommend this to people who do long listening sessions and don’t mind a slightly warmer sound. If you do, you’re in for a treat.
The bass authority of this amp comes from the XLR section of the amp as the ¼ inch out doesn’t sound as full. Part of the warmth probably comes from its class-A nature. I could easily see this amp as the last step before getting to end-game material or even be the last amp you’ll ever buy if you’re satisfied with its sound.
What you should know before buying
Yes there’s a problem with the DAC but that can be fixed and is not there on every unit. If you buy one that’s used from an online retailer, then make sure there’s a good warranty. Why am I saying this? Questyle apparently has one person to answer all emails and the customer service phone number redirects to China where nobody answers. Questyle’s customer service is absolutely atrocious and barely even existent. Should you still buy one? Hell yes. Just make sure you get a working version and it’s even better if you get it from a retailer.
