Questyle CMA Eighteen Master DAC/Amp

The New Flagship: CMA Eighteen Master

The CMA Eighteen Master upgrades to the XMOS X316 USB platform, supporting D/A converting up to PCM768/DSD512. It also supports both USB-B and USB-C interfaces, avoiding audio quality degradation and unstable high-definition data transfer arise with the need for conversion adapters associated with the recent shift to USB-C ports on PCs.

• Exceptional D/A converting capabilities
• PCM768 | 32Bit
• Latest XMOS USB platform
• XU316
• The CMA Eighteen Master’s bluetooth mode has been upgraded to support both aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring optimal wireless sound quality with a stable wireless connection.

Also available in a portable form-factor with the Questyle CMA 18 Portable

Key Features at a Glance

• Upgraded USB Platform: XMOS X316 platform supports PCM768 and DSD512, with both USB-B and USB-C interfaces for high-definition audio transfer without degradation.
• Bluetooth Support: Supports aptX HD and LDAC for optimal wireless sound quality.
• Current Mode Amplification Technology: Patented technology offering superior sound performance with a fully discrete structure, providing an immersive listening experience.
• Optimized PCB with Rogers Material: Designed for military-grade equipment, improving heat dissipation and enhancing sound performance by 30%.
• Fully Balanced Headphone Amplifier: Capable of delivering peak current output of up to 3A, unlocking the full potential of high-end headphones.
• Independent Power for Digital and Amp/DAC: Separate power sources for pure signal processing.
• Input/Output Interfaces: USB Type-C, USB Type-B, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth inputs. Headphone outputs include 6.35mm standard, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-PIN balanced.
• High Max Output Power: 1.5W @ 32Ω (6.35mm) and 2W @ 32Ω (balanced).
• Pre-Amp Output Options: Includes XLR and RCA with adjustable output levels for standard and studio modes.
• High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 117dB for 6.35mm, 120dB for balanced outputs.

Crafting For Pursuit

Since the debut of the first CMA800 in 2012, each flagship in Questyle’s series has shared the same soul: Current Mode Amplification Technology. The CMA Fifteen, released in 2020, featured the flagship ESS Current mode DAC for the first time. Coupled with Current Mode Amplification, it established the CMA series as a new era of full current processing, essentially “lossless throughout the entire chain.”

The CMA Fifteen was almost perfect 3 years ago, but Questyle sought to improve it. Over the past 3 years, they have continually refined, explored and sought superior designs giving you their latest flagship: the CMA Eighteen Master.

Current Mode Amplification

Current Mode Amplification, referring to a Current Mode Audio Amplifier, is a patented technology of Questyle Audio. It is a state-of-the-art technology of audio amplification different from the traditional audio amplifier. As the “engine” of audio system, Current Mode Amplification, featuring a fully discrete and topological structure, achieves ultra-high sound performance close to recording scene that makes the audience truly moved. Meanwhile, based on Current Mode Amplification technology, users can get a much better listening experience than common devices, even with their own headphones or speakers rather than the original collocation.
To dissipate the substantial heat generated by processing ultra-high-definition lossless audio data with the ES9039PRO, we decided to upgrade the PCB to Rogers material. This material, originally designed for military equipment, missiles, and specialized instruments, is approximately 20 times the cost of ordinary materials.

Synchronized Performance Enhancement

The performance of the headphone amplifier and independent pre-amplifier is enhanced simultaneously. The latest optimized Current Mode Amplifier, combined with a Rogers board with a dielectric constant only 1/10th of regular PCBs, shows a 30% improvement of performance in distortion test in the laboratory compared to the previous generation. There is also a noticeable improvement in the dynamic range and background tranquility, focusing on the subjective listening experience.

• The dielectric constant vs regular PCB: 1/10
• Distortion performance improved by: 30%

The headphone amplifier features a fully balanced architecture, along with APLS quad analog potentiometers, and peak current output capability of up to 3A, allowing the CMA Eighteen Master’s headphone amplifier to unleash the full potential of all high-end headphones.
The CMA Eighteen Master’s digital power and Amp/DAC power are entirely independent, ensuring the purest signal processing. An independent NORATEL toroidal transformer and Schottky rectifier provide the cleanest power to the analog side of the DAC.

In The Box

• CMA Eighteen Master DAC/Amp
• Remote Control
• USB C to USB-C cable
• Power Cable
• User Guide
• Warranty Card

SPECIFICATIONS

Input/Output Interface Specifications

• Digital Input:

  • USB:
    • High-priority USB Type-C interface and a USB Type-B interface
    • PCM: 44.1kHz-768kHz/32Bit
    • Native DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
    • DOP DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
    • USB input supports UAC 2.0
    • Supported Systems: Win XP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11/Linux/Android/HarmonyOS/macOS, and iOS
    • Note: Windows systems under Win10 require the ASIO driver developed by Questyle for Native DSD 512 support. Win10 supports DOP DSD 256 without a driver.
  • Optical Input:
    • PCM: 44.1kHz-192kHz/24bit
  • Coaxial Input:
    • PCM: 44.1kHz-192kHz/24bit
  • Bluetooth Input:
    • Supports SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX-HD, LDAC (up to 96kHz/24Bit, 990kps/909kps)

• Analog Input RCA: Standard level 2Vrms

• Headphone Amplifier Output Interface:

  • 4.4mm balanced headphone jack
  • 4-PIN balanced headphone jack
  • 6.35mm standard headphone jack
  • Note: Bias and gain can be adjusted through BIAS switch and Gain switches.

• Pre-Amp Output Interface:

  • XLR x 1
  • RCA x 1
  • Note: Output level can be set by Standard/Studio switch

Headphone Amplifier Technical Specifications

• Max Output Power (PO):
  • 6.35mm: 188mW @300Ω; 1.5W @32Ω
  • 4.4mm balanced / XLR 4-PIN balanced: 765mW @300Ω; 2W @32Ω
• THD+N: <0.0003%
• Frequency Response: +0.2dB (DC-22kHz) @48kHz/24Bit
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR):
  • 6.35mm: >117dB
  • 4.4mm Balanced/ XLR 4-pin Balanced: >120dB

Pre-amplifier Technical Specifications

• Maximum Analog Output Level:
  • RCA: 2V (Standard), Studio mode output increased to 14dBu
  • XLR: 4V (Standard), Studio mode output increased to 20dBu
• THD+N: <0.0003%
• Frequency Response: ±0.2dB (DC-22kHz) @48kHz/24Bit

FAQ

1. What is the main upgrade in the CMA Eighteen Master compared to the CMA Fifteen?
The CMA Eighteen Master upgrades to the XMOS X316 USB platform, which supports PCM768 and DSD512, along with the introduction of both USB-B and USB-C interfaces for more stable and high-definition audio transfer. It also features improved Bluetooth support for aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring superior wireless audio quality.

2. How does Current Mode Amplification technology improve sound quality?
Current Mode Amplification is Questyle’s patented technology, offering superior sound performance with an ultra-high level of detail, allowing listeners to experience sound closer to the original recording. It is fully discrete, topologically designed to deliver a high dynamic range and low distortion, enhancing the overall listening experience with high-end headphones.

3. What audio formats does the CMA Eighteen Master support?
It supports high-resolution audio formats such as PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512. This ensures that users experience true high-resolution audio, whether listening to music or monitoring professional recordings.

4. How does the CMA Eighteen Master handle Bluetooth audio?
The CMA Eighteen Master supports Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC (up to 96kHz/24-bit), offering users a stable and high-quality wireless connection. This makes it ideal for both wired and wireless audio setups without compromising on sound quality.

5. What is the maximum output power for headphones?

• 6.35mm standard output: 1.5W @ 32Ω
• 4.4mm balanced and XLR 4-PIN balanced outputs: 2W @ 32Ω
  This ensures that the CMA Eighteen Master can easily drive high-end headphones, delivering ample power and clarity across all impedance levels.

6. What types of headphones can I use with the CMA Eighteen Master?
The CMA Eighteen Master supports both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm/4-PIN balanced headphones, offering flexibility for various high-end headphone models. The gain can also be adjusted to match the specific requirements of different headphones.

7. Does the CMA Eighteen Master have a pre-amplifier mode?
Yes, the CMA Eighteen Master features a fully independent pre-amplifier section with XLR and RCA outputs. The pre-amp output levels can be switched between standard and studio mode, enhancing versatility for use with high-end audio systems or studio setups.

8. How does the upgraded PCB improve performance?
The CMA Eighteen Master uses Rogers material, originally designed for military-grade equipment, which significantly enhances heat dissipation and sound performance by 30%. This results in a noticeable improvement in dynamic range, distortion, and overall sound quality.

9. What power does the CMA Eighteen Master offer?
The CMA Eighteen Master features independent power for its digital and amp/DAC sections, ensuring a clean and pure signal path for optimal performance. The internal NORATEL toroidal transformer and Schottky rectifier further enhance power delivery.

10. What’s included in the box?

• CMA Eighteen Master DAC/Amp
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• Power Cable
• Remote Control
• User Guide
• Warranty Card

11. Is the CMA Eighteen Master compatible with multiple operating systems?
Yes, it supports Windows (XP to Win11), macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS. Windows systems earlier than Windows 10 will require the Questyle ASIO driver for native DSD512 support.

12. Can I use the CMA Eighteen Master for professional recording?
Yes, with its independent pre-amplifier, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and studio mode, the CMA Eighteen Master is a capable device for both listening and professional recording, providing an accurate, high-resolution audio signal with ultra-low distortion.

About Questyle

Founded in Shenzhen in 2012, Questyle designs and manufactures high-tech lossless consumer audio products. Questyle’s mission is to solve technical issues, overcome environmental constraints, and use a simple and free-spirited approach to provide users with a wonderful immersive audio experience.