FiiO's flagship Q15 portable headphone DAC/amp can play audio files encoded up to 768kHz/32-bits, MQA, and native DSD512 Hi-Res audio files and boasts AKM's newest DAC combination of the AK4191EQ and AK4499EX.

This portable powerhouse has been designed with “desktop-grade capabilities” and comes complete with a switchable Desktop Mode and a dedicated USB-C power connection, bypassing the internal battery. Furthermore, in Desktop Mode, we're told that the Q15 can output up to 1600mW, which should be good to drive any In-ear Monitors (IEMs) or full-sized headphones. Furthermore, the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs add to the flexibility.

At the heart of the Q15 is an XMOS 16-core XU316 and Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth chip. The chipset combines USB DAC, Bluetooth, and coaxial decoding. A five-level audio circuit incorporates a variable gain and variable voltage design, with separate low-voltage, low-gain and high-voltage, high-gain modes. Digital and analogue sections of the Q15's internal audio circuitry have been separated and shielded from each other, mitigating crosstalk.

The Q15 offers USB, Bluetooth and Coaxial connectivity, enabling it to work with various devices, including smartphones, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), CD players, streamers and gaming consoles. ​The Q15 supports audio files up to 32-bit / 768kHz (PCM) and DSD512 when using the USB connection.

Additionally, the Q15 can decode audio up to 24-bit / 192kHz (PCM) and DSD64 when using the Coaxial connection as well as the likes of aptX, aptX Low Latency, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC when set to Bluetooth Receiving Mode.

Thanks to the Q15's 10-band Global PEQ (Parametric Equaliser), you can personalise your listening. There are seven EQ presets plus three customisable PEQ presets. The PEQ can be used in both the USB DAC and Bluetooth modes. Frequencies, gain levels and bandwidth can all be fine-tuned.

The display on the FiiO Q15 is a 1.3-inch full-colour IPS screen that displays Mode, Sampling Rate, Volume Level, Battery Status, Gain, etc. The control knob offers quick access functions, including volume, input switching and menu settings.

The Q15 also has a Phone Mode switch, ensuring that when connected via USB-C to a smartphone – such as Apple's iPhone 15 – the power is drawn from the Q15's internal 5500mAh lithium polymer battery rather than the phone's.

Priced at £379, the FiiO Q15 will be available from December 2023 in Black and Titanium Gray finishes.

Visit FiiO for more information