Questyle Audio CMA600i DAC Headphone Amplifier (Silver)

I got this to replace my IFI Micro IDSD Black Series which was my first foray into the realm of HIFI. I really needed a desktop device but best reviewed desktop DACs were currently out of my price range. If you get a portable DAC, don't keep it plugged in via USB as the battery dies from being over charged and leaves you with a $500 paper weight that wasn't designed to be powered and operate from the USB cable alone.I've done a lot of research before purchasing the CMA-600i, and it seem to get rave reviews. Now that I have one, it feels like I own something special. Upon unpacking it, you feel the cold smooth metal in your hand. It is nicely designed and completely sealed. When in use, the entire device gets warm as though the entire enclose is the heatsink. It seem to have a warm and very detailed sound signature. If powers the Focal Elear very well which is an 80 ohm headphone. The volume nob is usually about 60% max gain before it gets too loud for me. I also have a HIFIMAN Edition X which is about 25 ohm headphone. I keep the volume between 40 and 50% before it gets too loud, but it seems to get a deeper sound stage with added volume. I use both the Optical input and USB input and both sound superb without hissing and pops, but then again I've already invested in the IFI Nano USB signal filter and Gemini cable which I'm re-using on this product so I'm certain it is getting the cleanest USB signal it can get. I really don't think sound can get much better than this so I think I've found my end game headphones and ampliphier. Spending anymore on higher end equipment probably won't be enough of an improvement to warrent the extra expense.... unless I win the lottery or something then I would probably seek out the best. :)

I had the Questyle Q192 and Grado PS500 headphones, which were very good, but I was finally able to upgrade to the Questyle CMA600i and Sennheiser HD800s headphones. The new headphones and amp/DAC are great! They're a great combination because each brings out clearer sound with a wider soundstage, which brings the sound closer to what hearing the music live would sound like. I can hear things in music that I've never heard before, and any muddy sounds turn into clear, defined sounds (unless it's a muddy recording). (I also had an Audeze Deckard amp/DAC, which was quite inferior to my old Questyle Q192 (both about the same price)). I listen to my CD player thru a digital coaxial cable, my TV thru a digital optical cable, and my computer thru USB.

This is a fabulous device! No matter how power hungry your headphones are, it will do the job! Great starter product for hifi enthusiasts. If you need something to tide you over until your big break, this is the product for you. Not an endgame amp/DAC, but it’s cool! You’ll love it! Sound is clear and tonaly balanced, great balance, XLR input. I can definitely say that it’s the best I’ve heard music sound. And, remote control for the audiophile who hates getting up!

Excellent build quality and sound. Easy to setup. No popping, clicking sound with USB connection. It'great to pair with focal Elear.

excellent sounding headphone amp dac and preamp.