FiiO Q15
The FiiO Q15 brings warm, organic clarity to a genuinely go-anywhere DAC/amp, pairing deep bass, smooth vocals and precise imaging with muscular 1,600mW balanced drive. Enjoy The Music heard striking transparency and lifelike realism, while Prime Audio Reviews praised its versatile headphone and IEM pairing. Desktop and phone modes, Bluetooth and high-resolution playback round out an exceptionally capable compact performer.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
82/100
Features Usability
94/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Warm, organic yet transparent sound with deep bass, smooth vocals and strong detail retrieval.
Expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and convincing micro- and macro-dynamics.
Powerful, flexible amplification suits demanding headphones and sensitive IEMs through five gain levels and 1,600mW balanced output.
Desktop, phone, USB, coaxial and Bluetooth functionality delivers unusually broad compact-system versatility.
Cons
At 305g, it is heavier than a typical portable player and may be more at home in a desktop setup for some users.
Initial setup and navigation can involve a learning curve, particularly when configuring source devices and modes.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers describe a clear, spacious and highly capable presentation that combines strong detail retrieval with a slightly warm, organic character. Its output is praised as powerful yet nuanced, although the supplied reviews do not directly address background hiss or hum.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
Tom Lyle found the Q15's most noticeable improvement to be its apparent transparency, with greater realism from instruments and voices. Prime Audio likewise heard preserved fine detail and clarity despite the amplifier's warmer tonal tilt.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
Prime Audio describes a slightly warm, organic signature that adds body to acoustic music and smoothness to vocals without losing overall integrity. Bass is said to be full and deep, while treble has natural decay and excellent extension.
Dynamics
93/100
The Q15 is described as having muscular effortlessness, able to supply authority for demanding passages while remaining delicate when the music calls for it. Reviews also cite audible gains in both micro- and macro-dynamic expression.
Noise Floor
80/100
The reviews do not provide direct listening comments about hiss, hum, or background silence. Prime Audio reports successful use with sensitive IEMs, but does not specifically characterize the noise floor.
Headphone Compatibility
92/100
Prime Audio found the Q15 powerful enough to handle virtually any headphone, citing its 1,600 mW balanced output and effortless drive. Its five gain levels were also reported to make it suitable for sensitive IEMs, giving it unusually broad portable and desktop pairing flexibility.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
82/100
Review coverage of construction is limited, though the Q15 is described as a compact, thick-phone-sized device intended for both portable and desktop use. The supplied material notes its internally separated DAC sections and dual power supplies, but offers little direct commentary on chassis durability, controls, or long-term reliability.
Features Usability
94/100
The Q15 is unusually fully equipped for a transportable DAC/amp, with USB, coaxial and Bluetooth connectivity, high-resolution PCM and DSD support, a full-color display, five gain levels, and a 10-band global PEQ. Its separate phone and desktop power modes add practical flexibility: it can preserve a phone's battery on the move or run from external power at a desk.
Value for Money
94/100
At the reviewed $399 price, Enjoy the Music calls the Q15 a bargain and a “stone-cold bargain” in light of its sound quality and feature set. Prime Audio similarly considers it a pretty good deal for what it delivers, while the product data lists a current price of about $440.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
Manufacturer's Description — FiiO
DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Desktop/portable dual power supply modes | 1600mW high output power Bluetooth/USB/coaxial decoding | High-end QCC5125+XU316 | Global PEQ
AKM flagship DAC combo AK4191EQ+AK4499EX | Full-color IPS display
5-level audio circuit | Comprehensive protection
*Pictures are for reference only. The actual product may vary.
Selling points
Portable desktop-grade machine —— Q15
The Q15 features a new desktop mode, sporting a separate Type-C power connector for it. When the Q15 is connected to the PD power adapter, the Q15 will be powered externally completely bypassing the battery, allowing for a desktop-like experience even on the go.
1600mW of astonishing power Rivaling desktop amps
When put in Desktop Mode, the Q15 under balanced output is capable of putting out 1600MW in enhanced over-ear headphone mode, which is more than enough to easily drive various IEMs and full-size headphones.
USB/Bluetooth/coaxial decoding
Useful everywhere
Coaxial: Connect to CDs/digital streamers/digital audio players/receivers and other devices, supporting up to 192kHz/24bit PCM and DSD64
The Q15 packs USB DAC, Bluetooth, coaxial decoding and other modes all into one device, making it easier for you to connect various kinds of devices for different usage scenarios.
Bluetooth: Connect to phones/tablets/digital audio players and other devices, supporting high-res Bluetooth codecs including LDAC/aptX Adaptive
USB: Connect to computers/phones/tablets/game consoles and other devices, supporting up to 768kHz/32bit PCM and DSD512
AKM flagship DAC combo AK4191EQ+AK4499EX
The Q15 features AKM’s newest DAC combination - the AK4191EQ+AK4499EX. When working in tandem with the newly developed “DWA Routing Technology”, audio performance is greatly improved. The result is a more detailed, yet natural and realistic sound that makes the listener think they have been transported to the concert site.
*Above parameters result from actual tests.
Self-developed digital cores Stable and efficient operation
Featuring digital components on the same level as those of the FIIO Q7, the Q15 relies on the ARM processor to realize USB/coaxial/Bluetooth decoding in one, capable of processingdigital audio signals with low latency and high efficiency.Featuring digital components on the same level as those of the FIIO Q7, the Q15 relies on the ARM processor to realize USB/coaxial/Bluetooth decoding in one, capable of processingdigital audio signals with low latency and high efficiency.
XMOS 16-core XU316
Supports 768kHz/32bit PCM, DSD512 and MQA full decoding
TI Cortex M4 processor
Ensures stable and efficient operation of various systems
Dual audio crystal oscillators, asynchronous/ self-adaptive dual mode management
Adapt to various sound sources and sampling rates accurately and stably
Full-color IPS display Visually pleasant control
The full-color IPS display makes it easier for you to see the current status of the device, such as the current sampling rate, volume, gain, and other information. Helping you to both adjust the volume and easily navigate through the settings is an intuitive volume knob.
Phone mode switch
With just one touch
FIIO engineers implemented a “Phone Mode” switch to make the Q15 better suited for use with phones. Turn on Phone Mode* and the Q15 will be powered by the built-in battery, not consuming the phone’s battery.
*If you need to connect to a computer, turn off Phone Mode.
RCA coaxial connector
Complete audio signal transmission
Thanks to the carefully designed internals, the Q15 also comes with a coaxial input. This allows the Q15 to be directly connected to digital streamers and CD players through ordinary coaxial cables, avoiding any losses from not using a direct connection.
Perfect size
Perfect feel
It is the first time that the Q15 uses AG glass for its back panel, which is anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint with a delicate touch. Coupling with the golden size ratio of 18:9 makes it comfortable to use both when being handheld and when bundled with other portable devices. Whether you are simply on the go or on a business trip, you can easily remain in control of your high-quality sound.
Precisely designed inside Sophisticated audio circuit
5-level audio circuit, 5-level gain
A meticulously designed, complete audio circuit with DAC- IV-LPF-gain-headphone amplifier stages ensures the Q15 is capable of ample dynamic range and bringing excellent sound fidelity. The variable gain and variable voltage design maximizes the performance of the audio circuit. There are separate low-voltage low-gain and high-voltage high-gain modes, suitable respectively for IEMs and full-size headphones.
DAC and LPF Power Supply
High-precision and low-noise
An expert in audio restoration
FIIO engineers specially selected 60 1‰ precision, low- temperature drift resistors, and 28 wide temperature range NPO capacitors for the Q15, allowing it to faithfully reproduce high-quality audio with the utmost fidelity even in the most demanding conditions.
15-way digital-analog power supply
Extensive energy storage
Inside the Q15 is a 15-way digital-analog power supply, with power supply systems for the digital portion, analog portion, headphone amps, etc. 21 low-noise LDOs are distributed for accurate regulation, and 35 low-resistance tantalum capacitors distributed for abundant energy reserves.
Headphone Amp Power Supply
Digital Audio Power Supply
Global PEQ Adjust to personal taste
The Q15 comes with 7 EQ presets and 3 customizable PEQ* presets. PEQ can be used in Bluetooth mode, USB DAC mode, and Coaxial Input mode*. Through FIIO’s self-developed PEQ algorithm and user interface, you can choose the exact frequencies to be adjusted along with their gain levels and bandwidth – allowing you to fine-tune the sound to exactly the way you want it.
*Bluetooth mode PEQ supports LDAC and other codecs, with support for 96kHz/24bit PCM. *USB DAC mode and Coaxial Input mode support 192kHz/24bit PCM. *Coaxial input does not support DSD64 after PEQ support, please downgrade the firmware if needed. *USB DAC EQ is handled by the XMOS chip. When turning on and off EQ in this mode, the USB connection will temporarily disconnect and automatically reconnect. Tap “play” to restore output.
Comprehensive protection Comprehensive peace of mind
FIIO engineers have implemented a multitude of hardware and software-controlled protection mechanisms, allowing you to enjoy great sound without worries.
Max volume limit, to avoid hearing damage; Durable high temperature resistant battery + dynamic charge and discharge temperature-based control+ charging protection + battery isolation, all work together to prolong battery durability; The over-heating, over-voltage, and DC protection mechanism allows the Q15 to stably output power by ensuring the audio circuit works properly and ensures the safety of the connected headphones.
Internally and externally crafted, all for your use
Screen orientation change
Upside down or right-side up, it all works
With a versatile knob
The versatile knob achieves a variety of functions, volume adjusting input switching, menu settings, etc.
Two colors available
Black/Titanium gray, choose between two colors
Digital and analog shielded partitions
The digital and analog portions of the audio circuit are separated and shielded from each other to reduce crosstalk between the two portions and to protect against external interference.
6 built-in filters
Experience subtle changes in the sound
Automatic power saving
Choose when the screen goes to sleep, helping to save power according to your usage habits
Supports app control
Control your device and adjust functions through the FIIO Control App
Variety of inputs and outputs
Meeting many usage needs
Desktop mode switch
Volume knob/ button
USB decoding/charging port
Phone mode switch
Volume knob indicator light
USB charging port
3.5mm headphone out/Line out
4.4mm blanced headphone out/ Line out
Coaxial input
Packing List
①----------------Q15*1
②----------------Dual Type-C fast charging data cable*1
③----------------Dual Type-C short data cable*1
④----------------Type A-C adapter*1
⑤----------------Storage bag*1
⑥----------------Silicone pad*1
⑦----------------PE film (pre-applied)*1
⑧----------------Silicone ring*2
⑨----------------Manual*1
⑩----------------Warranty card*1
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for FiiO Q15
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Advanced MP3 Players — online and in-store — Musselburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha Audio Pte — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Apos Audio — online and in-store — Oakland, California, United States (website)
- Audeos — online and in-store — Żywiec, Województwo śląskie (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 59 more verified dealers