Is this the Headphone Dongle Of Your Dreams?

[@natalyakeane]

most reviewers "yeah, this dongle is good, but it cant really handle planars that well", DMS "yeah, ive been running my diana tc off it"

[@shirakawamaseru]

I can run the SUSVARA from my Phone (MIAD01) and it sounds AS good as it gets.

[@kunalshrivastava6398]

Yeah he's not wrong. My Ifi Hip DAC 2 ran out of power with the Edition XS, but this thing can drive it just fine. It's current mode amplification feels custom made to drive planars.

[@hassanp8340]

The thing that it turns on when plug in headphones is good, at least it doesnt drain phone batery when connected without headphones or not?

[@Nuwanv01]

That's exactly why it's designed like that

[@shanecoopershow]

yeah it was done intentionally and for good reason

[@matticeverhoeven6539]

I love this as a DAC into Schiit Vali 2+, minimal desk set up and beautiful tube sound and no need to get drivers

[@RobbieKhan]

I have the M15i and it drives my Ananda Nano (modded) better than my Fiio K7 and Topping DX7 Pro+. So whatever they did to the M15i vs the M15 makes a big difference. The soundstage and stereo imaging is also far more organic and pleasing to listen to than the desktop amps. For the money (£250), I don't think there is a better headphone amp regardless of it being used on the move or on the desk. This is now my desktop headphone amp setup as a result, it's that good. I also have an ONIX Alpha 1 dongle DAC for something a little different. UPDATE*** I've now had both the M15i and the Onix Alpha XL1, which cost me £89, and I have to say given the price, it has a lot more features and usability bonuses vs the M15i, though the M15i still has more detailed soundstage and stereo imaging, but not enough to warrant the huge price difference between the two. If you don't mind a small drop in stereo imaging detail pickup and a slightly narrower soundstage, then the XL1 will not disappoint. I've also got the Arya Stealth and both dongle DACs power them perfectly to very high volumes with zero distortion.

[@sephondranzer]

The only thing they did with the m15i vs the M15 is that they paid for the proper certification of USB-C for their AMP to pair with the IPhone. I think it was called Midi certification or something

[@gaspaider]

How would you say it compares to the ONIX Alpha, especially when it comes to driving power and technicalities?

[@RobbieKhan]

@@gaspaider I've just added an update to my comment above as I forgot to do that. I've had both dongles and the XL1 would be my pick given it costs under £90.

[@gaspaider]

@@RobbieKhan thank you very much for sharing! Very interesting. I also feel extra reaffirmed in my ONIX Alpha purchase haha.

[@d0nj03]

XI1, not XL1, that's an uppercase i in there, so "ex eye one".

[@pruett89]

THANK YOU so much for mentioning a dead silent noise floor. I really hate when there’s nothing playing and it’s got noise and just random junk coming though.

[@versacepapi350]

I tested out the Arya on this and it sounded great, so it may be decent for some planars

[@lord5619]

Thanks for such review, Josh. These dongles are getting riddiculously good. I recently almost completly switched from desktop dac/amp (nothing fancy, Topping L30 and Fiio K9 that i had for a couple of months) to Fiio KA13. It has 550mW at 32 ohm from balanced output and man, it just sounds so good, i almost cant tell a difference between USB dongle and basic desktop dac/amp.

[@Pegasus-en3ed]

Damn, 550W is crazy XD

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

Damn 550W is enough to power 550 Susvaras!

[@artureff3046]

I need 1000mW single ended.....modded t50rp, ifi gryphon/diablo 2 only

[@frankd.b.9233]

I have the HD800s and it works well with the M15, both on the computer and my cell phone

[@jonathanflannery8847]

Josh have you ever covered the qudelix 5k? Was wondering how you felt about it.

[@guybrushtwood]

It’s great. Sounds neutral just like nearly every other little dongle dac. It’s just as clean as this but with more features. Good features too. The app is second to none. Many other (more pertinent) reviews exist on the tube. Much more detailed and accurate information than what Josh generally expresses

[@fazzxides8429]

Yes he did, you’ll have to rummage through his videos. Probably two, three years ago.

[@eboboboy]

What about this vs Onix Alpha XI1?

[@mike_nba]

it costs 250...😒😒

[@alouifiras7724]

Same mate, been looking for months for something I can use with my phone that's good sound quality but at the same time cheap and I have yet to find something.

[@megmnd3525]

@@alouifiras7724if you’re looking for something relatively cheaper with similar performance to these higher end dongles, check out the Onix Alpha xl1. Super impressive performance & features for the price. I’ve heard it has a few compatibility issues, so check to make sure it’ll work with your device(s).

[@FlixFavorite]

@@alouifiras7724 FiiO BTR15

[@sgtjohn4321]

@@alouifiras7724apple dongle…

[@max10hoop]

​@@alouifiras7724 Moondrop Dawn Pro

[@CowCatwithafancyHat]

I think the not turning on without output plugged is a feature, makes a lot of sense, at least to me.

[@savvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvva]

6:01 is it the upcoming 105 AER in the background on the right?

[@inconspicuousalien519]

I have the hifiman edition xs, is there a dongle out there would drive those? I think they are 18 ohm 98db.

[@Zonaaaaa101]

What about sundaras? Is it compatible?

[@shaunmontano9720]

Can this drive 300 ohms headphones like the HD 600?

[@trubadyr99]

To this day and time, the R2R dongle exists that I know of. It is the HiBy FC6 USB Headphone R2R DAC/AMP with Darwin Architecture NOS/OS. So audiophiles may need to check out this one as well.

[@TheMokedoke]

Great video as always! I'd love to see a comparison/review for the Aune Yuki as well

[@ReceiveMusic]

What's a good small DAC to go with the Google Pixel 8 Pro? I've seen people online have issues with the iFi Go Link and the Moondrop Dawn staying connected on this specific phone model.

[@matthewhilty4209]

I love my little M15 , no volume buttons though so make sure what ever you plug it into has a volume control.

[@Tssukiii]

My personal experience: the best I’ve heard the IE600 (balanced) with (better than DX3 Pro +, Fiio K7, Fiio M11, Moondrop Dawn Pro) and also better with the HD800 than my Fiio K7 on balanced in my opinion. The power is incredible. From my pc it’s at 10/100 with the HD800 on balanced and high gain for my listening volumes. With some IEMs I can’t go over 6/100 on low gain balanced. Highly recommend it :)

[@riccitone]

Will this one render equal results with a lightening to usb c otg?

[@syanhc]

Why not review the M15i?

[@gauravbathija6783]

It's the same thing.

[@syanhc]

@@gauravbathija6783 I'm sure the new model has more power and has been redesigned.

[@Maver1ck911]

The real question is CMA18P, this has been reviewed many times

[@docohm50]

Do dongle DAC's and over ear headphones kill your cell phone battery quickly?

[@redbull2007]

great review! hope you will review the Austrian Audio Composer headphones.

[@2musiclover534]

I wonder what you think of this M15i with easy to drive planar magnetics such as the Hifiman Ananda Nano or Edition XS... I tested it and they seem to run beautifully with it, but then I do not have a desktop amp.

[@bbg619]

you should try fiio ka17, crazy values

[@Jashue]

Absolutely right. Heck- the KA11 is absurdly good.

[@d0nj03]

It's veiled in the mid-treble and murders your phone battery.

[@JasonKauczka]

Is there any improvement compared to the headphone output of your 16" MBP?

[@NaszaPlatinum]

Hi, any chance you can do a review about the AIAIAI TMA-2 and TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones...? They seem very interesting...

[@NetvoTV]

How about Sony MDR-Z1R, this or ZX707 DAP?

[@charanteja200]

DMS loves to use it with his HD6xx, what do you think about replacing the amps and dacs for 300Ω headphones?

[@realavx]

I forgot what you were reviewing. Your setup and quality looks dope, bro. Can we know which camera and lens setup are you using?

[@EternalLife91]

Hi Joshua, what are some of your favorite videogames?

[@ravantgarde1899]

He loves Elden Ring I just know it

[@StevenRobinson1978]

Hi Joshua. Would this compete with a Chord Mojo 2?

[@PKiX]

i've listened to both and they aren't even close, the mojo is way more powerful

[@dbean5174]

Probably not. The Mojo 2 is one of the Best combo Dac/Amps under $1,000

[@Alinho295]

This one or Fiio Ka17?

[@Rumeel12708]

Hey how do I know if this Dac will power my IEMs good enough? Driver impedence 11Ω 95dB @ 1kHz ????

[@johnenglishIII]

Any benefits in sound in using this vs the heaphone jack on a Macbook Pro M1 or later (the ones with the good headphone output)?

[@absoluteghost9628]

Yeah obviously

[@johnenglishIII]

@@absoluteghost9628 have you personally tried it?

[@YoZasuke]

How did you like it with the Empy2?

[@Jisooee]

Can somebody please tell me if can you mix with the Aune AR5000?

[@luigismilazzo]

Sure, its a more extended hd600

[@scotteaton963]

You can mix anything with Aune AR5000.

[@takeitfromageek6879]

What would be better for mobile audiophiles, something like this or a mobile audio player like something from Sony or Astell & Kern? Been really wanting something that really brings the audio quality that I can bring with me on the go.

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

High end digital audio players from Sony or A&K still perform better but they cost so much more. Biggest problem with these expensive audio players is the batteries as they will degrade over time and there's no way to replace them. A premium dongle DAC like the M15 can compete with a lot of mid-range audio players for much cheaper, you can still use your phone (which runs far smoother than any audio players) and don't have to worry about battery degradation. Downside is the dongle is a bit awkward to use on the go.

[@blindman8093]

is this compatible with windows 11 laptop?

[@thomaskuhn6541]

The only dongle I'm really familiar with is the Dragonfly Cobalt which is getting pretty dated. How does this compare?

[@artureff3046]

Cobalt is better.....What-HiFi ***** 2022-2024 rating. For those who need power like me ifi go bar or gryphon only though.....

[@jeffyu8854]

I am very new for this kind of product, do u think I should buy this one?

[@Maniac1551]

Man I was so excited to get this. Plugged in my andros on low gain, cant get it passed 3 notches on the iphone without blowing an eardrum out. Have the topping g5 coming tomorrow, so hopefully It covers everything (Including bluetooth)

[@JR-we8le]

Can you do a review on the fiio btr 5?

[@koobs4549]

I love my fiio btr 5, I don’t currently have any high impedance headphones that require a ton of power. I pair it mostly with my Timeless 7HZ and it sounds amazing! For headphones I use it with either Meze 99, Grado SR225x, or B&W P7 & it does a great job at bringing out the best in each

[@winnieid2727]

It's prone to interference though, so it need good source and good cable. But in the end my friend sold it for that reasons

[@athmaid]

What did he buy instead?

[@jeffyu8854]

I am new in this. I was just wondering what is IEM?

[@danielgreen6340]

In Ear Monitor

[@royack]

Great video as always! I really wonder how the HiBy FD3 is faring in the market as it’s only $79 and at least on paper it’s packing a lot of great tech and specs.

[@qwerty123860]

Nobsound ES9018K2M Amp Dac usb C is a ''similar'' product , available at less cost I think . I did not try it ,and maybe does not sound as good . But cheaper.

[@yl9698]

my lenovo ideapad has only data transfer capability on usb c, so i need a good reliable budget usb a dac dongle. can anyone recommend something?

[@AMD91FX]

Perfect video for me, thanks brother!

[@Krishnakumar-wl7ih]

Why not get the BTR7 for 200$. Why this ??

[@leolevosky7744]

I love your videos but could you possibly put the names of products you are talking about at the bottom to the screen as you talk quite fast and I have no idea what items you are talking about some of the time. You showed some headphones but I didn't get what they are called. Thank you.

[@AndrewYouTubehandle]

Helpful review thanks

[@CookinBeatloaf]

Wow this sounds like the perfect semi portable semi desktop wired amplifier for when you have the mythical IEM thst requires some amplification but not too much and you want to pay $200 to add a little inconvenience to hour life

[@minhtrio6980]

Nah, the Qudelix 5k still have zero competition to me.

[@Daaell]

For half the price, lol

[@Feliciano12v]

And it drives Sundara and 6XX just fine.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Does it have 4.4 ?

[@Feliciano12v]

@@Tripokaridos22 no 5k doesn't but Qudelix-T71 does.

[@aramis5906]

​@@Feliciano12v Rather get the m15 instead of paying 300 for a t71 which both running pretty much the same.

[@GrainOnTheGo]

I still don’t get these… like at that cost you can get larger yet still portable DAC/AMP and sometimes even stacks.

[@lol-vq8dh]

If you dont have a power supply near you (train, bus, vacation, living room,…)

[@GrainOnTheGo]

@ my point was more so the Qudelix 5K exists for less

[@thierryfaquet7405]

Still can't see the point of non bluetooth dongle. A BTR7 cost less, do the same AND offer wireless portability when needed.

[@falcodarkzz]

because this sounds way better probs

[@ambrizfer7898]

Wired always sounds better.

[@d0nj03]

@@falcodarkzz And no internal non-replaceable battery so it's not a device with a built-in expiry date.

[@marcswinnen9100]

Btr7 wired sounds good too better than bluetooth

[@artureff3046]

​@@d0nj03especially Chi-fi, no service in the UK at all.....

[@deanw2847]

I love this dac amp. I use it with my Cayin Ru7 & Shanling Ua5. The Q15 is analytical with decent power. The Ru7 is more analogue in sound with more power than the M15. Unfortunately, it drains battery power faster than the other 2 dangles. The Ua5 sound signature is smoother but adequately detailed. It also has the benefit of connecting with the iPhone as it has a built-in in battery, hence not drawing power. Thanks for the review Josh.

[@deanw2847]

@ElNINETEENTH for me, it is worth keeping because depending on the source & and headphones, synergy changes.

[@dustydynasty802]

Would you recommend the Q15 over the Ru7 if you could only have 1?

[@deanw2847]

@dustydynasty802 Personally, I use the Ru7 more than the Q15. Both are great dac/amps. You can not go wrong with either one. However, if I had to choose one, it would be the Ru7.

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Possibly, but in a few hours from now, I'll be buying a used FiiO M17 for about the same price as this little beauty.

[@StefanKamer]

Qudelix 5K still the best dongle for lower price. So good that it freed my HE1000se from desk duty.

[@camoturtle18]

Would love for you to review the new SVS Ultra Towers

[@jk25653]

I think he already has a video.

[@camoturtle18]

@@jk25653 he has a video of the old SVS Ultra towers

[@chickenpie9698]

Just seems like the old dragonflys really - good sound in a small form factor but a pretty limited use case. I'm much more of a fan of stuff like the Fiio BTR range of the Qudelix 5K as you get a nice sounding device with a lot of extra functionality. Maybe some people want a more simple device but then paying more than a more feature-rich product just doesn't make sense to me.

[@eboboboy]

Do you have FiiO BTR and Qudelix 5k? Which one is better?

[@Nipponjaponya]

ı have iPhone 15 pro max..I want to buy Sony Walkman a 306 series or this. which is bes sound...ah sorry my headphone is Bose quietcomforth ultra 60 and

[@Anti3D-0]

Still haven't found a use case scenario where apple dongle isn't enough for my portable needs

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

I like using a Shangling when I'm out; mainly to listen to playlists (it can be wireless) while stowing my phone securely elsewhere.

[@Soundoverload]

Ah come on..reviewing this so long after it come out

[@EPlTETS]

I have it and I combine it with the XENNS Mangird Top. Great combo! I also have Thule backpacks. 😏

[@VEC7ORlt]

Law of headlines sends its regards.

[@Tripokaridos22]

Fiio KA17 on 660s2 balanced works amazing...

[@jesam.98]

This amp is nice and all but it's just too expensive compared to other portable dac amps that are the same size and do the same thing with little to no sound quality difference. Most of the time these companies have one manufacturer and they buy from these manufacturers and then put their own name brand and price on it while this one actually costs like, $30 from the factory if not cheaper. You just have to find similar products in some sites especially chi-fi.

[@vipa8086]

Josh, I've got a pair of Beyer DT770 and I simply LOVE them, I use them with a Douk U10 and they sound incredible. I'm planning on moving forward and getting something better, do you think a move to a DT1990 would be nice? Taking into consideration what I've already heard with the 770, do you think it would be a nice upgrade? Would you recommend something else? Maybe changing the amp as well? Best regards for your family!

[@camtono]

This video is SUPEEEER CRISPYYY

[@nofgla2408]

nice to see the "(not affiliate)"; makes your more credible

[@Fawaiz-]

Fiio KA13 have around 1mw at 32 ohm at under $100

[@Endr4y]

It's not all about specs. I have tried over 20 dongle dacs, even mote expensive ones, still come back to M15, it's that good.

[@dontremembertech]

Infomercial channel

[@Omar_ZX]

It is the dongle of my dreams, I just gotta save up for a while

[@bwloawesome]

What about this makes it "worth" $150 more than the Qudelix-5K Bluetooth USB DAC?

[@shiroyukirein3365]

In my dream, i can ultra fast charging and connect wired dongle in the same time.

[@icyspace0]

L&P W4 is the dongle of my dream. all daps < w4

[@Harvester88]

I ended up getting the Khadas Tea for like $99 buck. I love that thing.

[@Vugar.Ahmadov]

It is old mod3l, now they have 15i

[@davidpetersen7091]

Great review. Mr. Pete-------> aging hippie

[@AlanusProductions]

Sweet!

[@BuzzKora]

one of the most sad things when I got my amp was the fact I cant really use it with items bcs of the noise floor being so loud :'( I wish more amp/dac reviews had that into consideration

[@MikeHerbosa]

Just one dac? For 250?!?

[@nobordersaudiophile206]

this dongle exist 2y ago....non apple way. and its true. it cant drive planar IEM (dont be dumb and even state it can for headphones that...ridiculous)... this dongle is great for non sensitive or non hard to drive IEMs. i have both version.

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

It is stupid priced at $250, let's point that out. Im still curious though. You have my ears 👂.

[@johnparkerzabala]

Welcome back🫡🙏

[@dranek]

Qudelix 5k

[@savvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvva]

Yep! Qudelix-5k stays untouched!

[@hartyewh1]

Had it. Good, looks great, but doesn't sound any better than an Apple dongle.

[@AdrianM3]

I'm sure a lot of 100 year olds who don't hear any treble and don't like sub-bass would agree an Apple dongle is all you need in life. For the rest of us there are loads of more competent but still affordable DAC-amps out there, and the M15 is unquestionably one of them.

[@TannerDuran]

Anyone willing to give recommendations for a portable dac/amp fitting these criteria- -Bluetooth 5.1 minimum (5.2^ preferable) -6 or more hours of battery life on single charge -Independent Volume Control -a 3.5mm port -a very neutral sound -24 bit or higher audio option

[@mikediezel0923]

Fiio btr7 or btr15

[@fazzxides8429]

Qudelix 5K Bluetooth range is far superior to the FiiO Btr 3 (I owned both..), and then the Qudelix app is just on a completely different level, offers pre-set tunings by Crinacle/Oratory/Super Review for just about every IEM on the market, or custom equalizer. Great battery life, it’s really a gem at an affordable price.

[@ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter]

Way too expensive.

[@StephenMcGregor1986]

THX Onyx above this

[@michelj.gaudet5048]

I think you're expecting whoever might be watching your videos to know everything already. How about explaining what the heck an IM is, please? OHhhh! WAIT! You mean IEM, RIGHT? Might wanna say IN-EAR or earbud type. But I got a funny feeling I still don't know what the heck you're talking about... lol 😂

[@Emmbedd]

Buy an Apogee Groove and thank me later

[@igorzovko5854]

Too late Joshua.

[@BroSweets730]

Dude, no one cares about the distortion numbers. They don’t say much about how something sounds.

[@antonhelsgaun]

He literally said so in the video

[@BroSweets730]

@@robertmurray2340 yea they would be from people like you who don’t know shit about audio. If your gonna buy an amp over another because one has .00004 thd over one that has .0004% and not look at all the other aspects that make up quality of sound then your pretty ignorant as far as your knowledge of audio science

[@BroSweets730]

@@antonhelsgaun yea I heard but he’s still trying to make a point of it. As if it has some sort of implication because he brings it up in nearly every video discussing an amp. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter but less so in today’s market where even a potato 🥔 has low distortion numbers. It’s a fact really not worth mentioning

[@rherbm]

​@@robertmurray2340Asr is so cringe

[@robertmurray2340]

@@BroSweets730Bro I am agreeing with you if you can’t tell.

[@mosesyout]

They dont sell it...lets hype...😂😂😂😂

[@masterazlan6999]

u outdated bra, nowdays fc6 f hiby yup r2r otg ...trust me cuter way better sonically..Peace!

[@vishnudh1216]

Also hiby has excellent customer service

[@masterazlan6999]

I heard the bad story.. Hmm dun care just like the sounds not the peoples.. Ha4..welcome audiophiliacs.. Peace!

[@atzedevries9563]

Qudelix 5K is the only dongle you need.