Description

Questyle M18i Max is a flagship portable DAC and headphone amplifier built around Questyle’s patented Current Mode Amplification technology and proprietary TTA (Three-Tier Architecture) decoding system. Featuring dual ESS ES9219Q DAC chips, four Current Mode amplification engines, and a 16-core XMOS XU316 USB platform, the M18i Max is designed to deliver desktop-class performance in a compact portable form factor.

The M18i Max supports PCM decoding up to 384kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 playback, and up to 96kHz high-resolution Bluetooth decoding through LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LE Audio, AAC, and SBC codecs. Its independent 1800mAh battery-powered architecture helps reduce electrical noise and minimize battery drain on connected devices while delivering up to 10 hours of playback time. The battery also supports fast charging, allowing a full recharge in approximately 100 minutes.

With Apple MFi certification, dual USB-C ports, 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, an OLED display, and a CNC-machined aluminum chassis inspired by Bauhaus design principles, the M18i Max is engineered as a complete high-performance portable audio solution for both wired and wireless listening.

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DUAL ESS DAC ARCHITECTURE WITH TTA DECODING

The M18i Max features a dual ESS ES9219Q DAC architecture
operating in a true dual-mono configuration for improved channel separation, clarity, and overall signal accuracy. At the core of the decoding stage is Questyle’s proprietary TTA (Three-Tier Architecture) framework developed in collaboration with ESS Technology.

Unlike simplified portable DAC designs that combine
multiple processing stages together, the TTA architecture separates decoding, pre-amplification, and output amplification into dedicated stages to preserve dynamic range, detail retrieval, and signal integrity throughout the audio chain.

The device supports PCM decoding up to 384kHz/32-bit along
with native DSD256 playback for high-resolution wired audio playback across smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, and desktop systems.

FOUR CURRENT MODE AMPLIFICATION ENGINES

Unlike conventional portable DAC/amps that rely on voltage
amplification, the M18i Max utilizes Questyle’s patented Current Mode Amplification technology through four independent amplification engines integrated into dedicated SiP modules.

Current Mode Amplification is engineered to improve
transient response, bandwidth, dynamic performance, and distortion control while maintaining the speed and precision associated with Class A amplification. Questyle rates the system at an ultra-low 0.0002% THD+N while preserving strong output capability for both highly sensitive IEMs and demanding headphones.

The amplifier section includes both 3.5mm single-ended and
4.4mm balanced outputs along with manual gain adjustment for improved compatibility across a wide range of earphones and headphones.

INDEPENDENT BATTERY POWER AND DUAL USB-C PORTS

One of the defining features of the M18i Max is its
independent battery-powered architecture. Instead of drawing operating power directly from the connected smartphone or source device, the M18i Max uses a dedicated internal 1800mAh battery system to isolate the audio circuitry from external power noise while reducing battery drain on connected devices. The battery provides up to 10 hours of playback time and supports fast charging, allowing the M18i Max to fully recharge in approximately 100 minutes.

The M18i Max is also powered by a 16-core XMOS XU316 USB
platform designed for high-speed data processing and stable high-resolution decoding performance. In PC mode, the system intelligently manages power distribution between charging and audio operation depending on the available current from the connected host device.

BLUETOOTH 5.4 PROVIDES HIGH-RESOLUTION WIRELESSAUDIO

The M18i Max supports both wired USB DAC functionality and
wireless Bluetooth playback through Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.4 integration.

The wireless platform supports up to 96kHz high-resolution
Bluetooth decoding through LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LE Audio, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-quality wireless playback across Android, iOS, tablets, laptops, and desktop systems.

Questyle also incorporates an Infineon MEMS microphone
system with AI-assisted noise reduction for HD voice calls and wireless communication support. The Bluetooth implementation is designed to provide improved transmission stability, lower latency, and reduced power consumption compared to earlier wireless DAC architectures.

The M18i Max is additionally Apple MFi certified, ensuring
improved compatibility and stability with supported iOS devices.

CNC ALUMINUM BUILD WITH BAUHAUS-INSPIRED DESIGN

The M18i Max features a CNC-machined anodized aluminum
chassis combined with tempered glass paneling to create a compact yet premium desktop-inspired portable design.

Inspired by Bauhaus industrial design principles, the
chassis focuses on clean geometry, functional simplicity, and
precision-machined detailing while maintaining a compact rectangular form factor suitable for portable use.

Despite integrating Bluetooth hardware, an OLED display, a
dedicated battery system, dual DAC chips, and four Current Mode amplification engines, the device maintains a compact footprint designed for both desktop and mobile listening setups.

Physical controls are integrated directly into the chassis
for volume adjustment, playback control, gain switching, and operational management, while maintaining broad compatibility across Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, macOS, Windows, gaming handhelds, and USB audio-supported devices.

Specifications

📶
DAC Sampling Rate
PCM 32bit/384kHz
💽
DSD Support
DSD256
📈
Frequency Response
20Hz - 20kHz
🎚️
THD+N
0.0002%
📡
Bluetooth
5.4
📏
Dimensions & Weight
86(L) x 55(W) x 18(D)
⚙️
Amp Architecture
Dual Mono
🧵
Material
CNC Anodized Aluminium Alloy
📱
Compatible Device
Smartphone, Tablet, PC
🔌
Device Interface
USB, 3.5 mm, Bluetooth, 4.4
🔋
Battery Capacity
1800mAh
Battery Life
12 Hours

Box Content

1x User Manual

1x User Manual

1x Cable

1x Cable

1x DAC

1x DAC

1 YEAR WARRANTY

Don't worry, Questyle – M18i Max Dual ES9219Q Flagship Portable DAC/Amp comes with a 1 Year warranty against manufacturing defects. We guarantee that every product on Concept Kart is genuine and backed by the Manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Concept Kart's warranty policy.

Shipping Policy

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL PREPAID ORDERS

We usually ship orders on same day if ordered before 2 pm or within 24 hours if ordered later (except on holidays/sunday, where processing times may be higher) from one of our domestic warehouses based out of Delhi. It normally takes around 1 to 5 business days for delivery. We use premium service partners such as Blue dart, DTDC and Delivery for faster and reliable service. A tracking number will be provided upon shipment.

In very rare cases when order is not received after 10 business days of shipment (extended by number of days when the govt. Restricts movement of goods due to factors such as coronavirus pandemic), please contact us and we will provide you a support.