Questyle CMA Eighteen Master DAC/Amp (Caixa aberta)
Best flagship desktop DAC for audiophiles seeking uncompromising sound fidelity.
Discover the Questyle CMA Eighteen Master, a refined flagship desktop DAC/Amp designed for the ultimate audio experience. It features Questyle's signature Current Mode Amplification and a flagship ESS Current mode DAC, delivering unparalleled sound fidelity. With support for high-resolution audio up to PCM768 and DSD512, every nuance is reproduced with stunning clarity. Advanced Bluetooth with aptX HD and LDAC provides versatile wireless streaming, while the premium build, including a military-grade Rogers PCB and upgraded XMOS USB platform, ensures exceptional performance and longevity for discerning audiophiles.
$2699.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 807
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+93%
Above average
Amplifier Technology
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking pristine, high-speed audio performance
- Listeners requiring versatile connectivity for high-resolution formats
- Value-conscious buyers chasing flagship sound at a discount
Who should skip it
- Budget-restricted buyers prioritizing affordability over high-end gear
- Risk-averse shoppers needing full manufacturer warranty protection
- Desktop users with limited space or poor ventilation
Performance breakdown
Current Mode Amplification
Proprietary technology delivers unmatched transparency and lightning-fast transient response.
DAC Resolution
Handles high-res PCM and DSD files with effortless, surgical precision.
Build Integrity
Military-grade Rogers PCB ensures long-term stability and signal purity.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive wired inputs paired with high-fidelity wireless streaming options.
Output Flexibility
Balanced and single-ended ports accommodate virtually any high-end headphone.
Digital Processing
Upgraded XMOS platform provides a seamless, jitter-free digital audio experience.
Key Specs
Amplifier Technology
Solid State
Form Factor
Desktop
Integrated DAC
Yes
Power Source Type
AC Powered
Input Interface Type
USB-C, Optical, Coaxial
Output Interface Type
3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack, 4.4mm Balanced, XLR Balanced
Balanced Output
Yes
Supports up to PCM768 / DSD512
Features
- Flagship Current Mode Amplification
- ESS flagship Current mode DAC
- High-resolution audio support
- Advanced Bluetooth connectivity
- Premium military-grade PCB construction
- Upgraded USB platform
- Versatile wired and wireless streaming
- Exceptional sound fidelity
What customers say
The Questyle CMA Eighteen Master is widely regarded as a reference component, praised for its exceptional technical performance. The core strength lies in its Current Mode Amplification, delivering a sound signature defined by stunning transparency, speed, and dynamic range. Users confirm its effortless authority in driving demanding headphones, maintaining pristine clarity even at high volumes. The DAC section offers detailed resolution and accurate tonal balance without coloration. Build quality reflects its flagship status. While the presentation is highly neutral and analytical, this precision makes it an outstanding investment for audiophiles seeking an uncolored, top-tier window into their music.
Know before you buy
Current Mode Amplification processes audio signals in the current domain rather than the voltage domain. This approach significantly reduces distortion and improves transient response, resulting in a more transparent and dynamic sound signature.
Yes, the CMA Eighteen Master is highly versatile. It features 3.5mm and 6.35mm single-ended outputs alongside 4.4mm and XLR balanced outputs to accommodate almost any headphone connection.
Yes, it supports advanced codecs including aptX HD and LDAC. This allows for high-quality wireless streaming from compatible smartphones and tablets with minimal loss in fidelity.
Rogers PCB material is a military-grade substrate known for its superior dielectric properties. It minimizes signal loss and interference, ensuring that the internal components perform with maximum precision and long-term reliability.
Yes, thanks to the upgraded XMOS XU316 platform, the DAC natively supports high-resolution audio up to PCM768 and DSD512, ensuring full compatibility with high-fidelity digital libraries.
Open-box units are typically customer returns or display models that have been inspected to ensure they function exactly like new units. You receive the full technical performance and build quality of the flagship model at a reduced price point.
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