Questyle CMA 400i DAC
Best balanced desktop solution for audiophiles seeking pristine, high-fidelity sound.
The Questyle CMA 400i is a high-fidelity DAC and headphone amplifier that inherits technology from Questyle's Golden Reference System. It features a sleek, sandblasted aluminum chassis and an amber LED indicator. The device offers both headphone amplification and pre-amplifier functionality, switchable via a front panel control. Its Current Mode Amplifier technology, built with discrete circuits, achieves ultra-low distortion and a wide bandwidth. The CMA 400i supports full-balanced amplification and includes multiple headphone outputs, including balanced options. It utilizes Questyle's patented True DSD technology and an AKM AK4490 DAC chip for pristine DSD signal processing.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
410
/ 807
#410 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Finish
Black
/ Black
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity, transparent sound reproduction
- System builders needing versatile connectivity for diverse audio setups
- Desktop users prioritizing premium build quality and aesthetic appeal
Who should skip it
- Tech enthusiasts prioritizing the absolute latest DAC chip architecture
- Collectors of ultra-high resolution DSD512 or PCM 768kHz files
- Owners of power-hungry, low-sensitivity planar magnetic headphones
Performance breakdown
Signal Fidelity
Current Mode amplification delivers exceptionally low distortion and pristine audio transparency.
Balanced Power Output
Robust balanced output drives demanding headphones with significant authority and headroom.
Build Integrity
CNC-tooled aluminum chassis offers a premium, industrial aesthetic and structural rigidity.
DSD Processing
Patented True DSD technology ensures native signal handling without quality-degrading conversions.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input and output options accommodate diverse high-end audio setups easily.
Form Factor
Space-saving vertical design fits elegantly into compact desktop listening environments.
Key Specs
Finish
Black
Chassis Materials
special CNC tooled Aluminum
Dimension
279mm[W]×189mm[D]×55mm[H]
Weight
2.4kg
Working Status
Pure Class A
Voltage
100-120V or 220-230V, switchable
Power Consumption
17W
THD+N (RCA)
< 0.0009%
Features
- State-of-the-art technology inherited from Questyle Golden Reference System
- Visually impressive black and sandblasted chassis with amber LED indicators
- Space-saving and eye-catching statue-like structure when placed upright
- Accurate and specialized operation with lasered volume scale dots
- Switchable functionality between Headphone Amplifier and Pre-amplifier
- Ultra-low distortion (0.0006%) and ultra-wide bandwidth (DC-600kHz) with Current Mode Amplifier technology
- Supports multiple headphone outputs including 4-PIN balanced XLR, 2.5mm balanced, and 6.35mm standard
- Questyle patented True DSD technology for processing DSD signals without PCM conversion
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Questyle CMA 400i DAC for its exceptional sound quality, often describing it as remarkably clear, detailed, and transparent. Many appreciate its neutral presentation, allowing music to shine without coloration. Beyond its sonic prowess, the device garners significant acclaim for its premium build quality and sleek, robust design. Users frequently highlight the solid construction and elegant aesthetics, reinforcing a sense of lasting value and sophisticated engineering. This combination of superior audio performance and durable, attractive craftsmanship makes it a standout choice.
Know before you buy
Yes, the CMA 400i features switchable functionality that allows you to toggle between headphone amplifier mode and pre-amplifier mode, making it suitable for connecting to active speakers or a power amplifier.
The unit is highly versatile, offering three headphone outputs: a standard 6.35mm jack, a 4-pin balanced XLR output, and a 2.5mm balanced output to accommodate a wide range of cable terminations.
No, it utilizes Questyle’s patented True DSD technology, which processes DSD signals natively without any PCM conversion to maintain the integrity of the original recording.
This technology uses discrete circuits to achieve an ultra-wide bandwidth and exceptionally low distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more transparent sound profile compared to standard operational amplifier designs.
Absolutely. The balanced output provides up to 418mW at 300Ω, offering plenty of power to drive demanding high-impedance headphones with authority and clarity.
Yes, the CMA 400i is designed with a statue-like structure that allows it to be placed upright, making it a space-saving solution for compact desktop setups.
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