Questyle CMA 18 Portable DAC/Amp

Embrace Every Possibility, Compromise None.

Small in size, big on performance. The Questyle CMA18 Portable is a flagship mobile DAC/amp, featuring a distinctive, flawless, and unique design, in a portable form. Portability no longer implies a compromise in performance.

The CMA18 Portable was primarily designed to create a Hi-Fi system for smartphones and laptops, aiming to achieve performance comparable to top-tier desktop setups, within a portable size.

Design and Craftsmanship

Sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum surfaces with silver high-gloss buttons and side panels, custom Corning glass on both the front and back with a gradient dot pattern, and an RF signal-suppressing coating give the CMA18 Portable a unique appearance while outlining its hardcore performance.

Performance

CMA18 Portable incorporates four sets of patented PCT-class current-mode SiP chips, each with a peak power of up to 5W and a peak current of 2A, delivering robust driving power. Gain settings, coupled with high-energy current-mode amplifier technology, ensure powerful and flexible performance.

• Output power: >1W
• Instantaneous output current: Up to 2A

Four sets of self-developed current-mode PCT patented SIP chips, CC630/CA630, ensure the best thrust and lowest power consumption in the industry, coupled with 4.4mm headphone output and high/low gain mode switching, unlocking the full potential of all IEMs and top-tier over-ear headphones.
Optional 3.5mm/4.4mm headphone jacks and gain switching ensure precise matching with any headphones.

• Four sets of self-developed current-mode patented SIP chips: CC630/CA630
• AKM DAC chip: AK4493
• Exceptional D/A converting capabilities: PCM768 | 32Bit
• Latest XMOS USB platform: XU316

*Bluetooth mode supports both aptX HD and LDAC, ensuring optimal wireless sound quality with a stable wireless connection.

Clean from the Source

The CMA18 Portable's 4300mAh lithium battery power management system ensures the purest sound quality and isolates top-tier performance from the power supply dependence of smartphones and PCs.

• Lithium battery power management system: 4300mAh
• Battery life: 10h

Analog Input Recording Function

The CMA18 Portable has two stereo line-in inputs - 3.5mm (AUX IN) and 4.4mm (BAL IN). They can be connected to any audio equipment that has line-out analog outputs, including turntable systems, pre-amps, mixing consoles, and more. Once connected, the CMA18 Portable is capable of functioning as an external, lossless, high-performance analog-to-digital (ADC) recording device for either of these inputs. It also allows the user to simultaneously monitor the input during the recording process via the 3.5mm or 4.4mm outputs.
How to use the recording function: When the CMA18 Portable is set to either AUX IN or BAL IN mode and connected via USB to a host device (any phone, tablet, or computer, etc that ensures the recording over USB sound cards), both the USB connection and REC indicator lights will appear, signaling that the recording function is enabled. There are no special requirements for recording software as long as it supports recording via an external USB sound card/audio interface.

Expandability

Given that high-resolution lossless streaming is accessible on smartphones and PCs, we have also considered the needs of audiophiles, as well as those interested in recording and musical production.
The user-friendly interface and powerful performance of CMA18 Portable - combined with Questyle's released 3.5mm-RCA and 4.4mm-XLR cables - enable the CMA18 Portable to connect to 2-channel Hi-Fi devices, bringing wonderful lossless music to your home. It also allows recording and musical production professionals to connect to monitor speakers and mixing consoles on-site.

IN THE BOX

• CMA 18 Portable 
• Charging cable
• USB-C to USB-C OTG Cable
• USB-C to Lightning OTG Cable
• Quickstart Guide
• Warranty Card

SPECIFICATIONS

USB PLAYBACK

• Maximum support: PCM768kHz/32-bit
• DSD Native: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• DSD DoP: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
• Supports: UAC 2.0, Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Android, HarmonyOS, macOS, and iOS

USB RECORDING

• Fixed 48Hz/32bit Stereo Recording
• Supports: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Android, HarmonyOS, macOS, and iOS

INPUTS

Digital

• USB-C
• Optical/TOSLink: Supports 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz/24bit
• Bluetooth: SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX-HD/LDAC

Analog

• 3.5mm stereo line-in
• 4.4mm Balanced stereo line-in

AMPLIFICATION

• Maximum Headphone Output Power: BAL: 1000mW@32Ω
• THD+N: <0.0003%@20mW, 300Ω
• SNR: >120dB
• Headphone Outputs: 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm Balanced

BATTERY

• Playback battery life: >10 hours
• Maximum charging current: 2A
• Charging time: ~3.5 hour

FAQ

1. What is the Questyle CMA18 Portable?
The Questyle CMA18 Portable is a flagship mobile DAC and amplifier designed to provide high-fidelity audio for smartphones and laptops, offering performance comparable to top-tier desktop setups, all in a compact, portable form.

2. What devices are compatible with the CMA18 Portable?
The CMA18 Portable is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, and Linux devices. It can connect via USB-C, Bluetooth (supporting aptX HD and LDAC), optical, and analog inputs.

3. What are the key audio formats supported by the CMA18 Portable?
The CMA18 Portable supports a variety of high-resolution formats, including:

• PCM 768kHz/32-bit
• DSD Native (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512)
• DSD DoP (DSD64, DSD128, DSD256)

4. Does the CMA18 Portable support Bluetooth?
Yes, the CMA18 Portable supports Bluetooth with the latest aptX HD and LDAC codecs for high-quality wireless audio streaming.

5. Can I record audio using the CMA18 Portable?
Yes, the CMA18 Portable features two analog input options (3.5mm AUX IN and 4.4mm BAL IN) that allow it to function as an external, lossless analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for recording. When connected to a host device (smartphone, tablet, or computer), it enables high-performance recording with a fixed 48kHz/32-bit stereo quality.

6. What type of output does the CMA18 Portable provide?
The CMA18 Portable offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and IEMs.

7. How powerful is the CMA18 Portable’s amplifier?
The amplifier in the CMA18 Portable delivers a maximum headphone output power of 1000mW at 32Ω. It’s designed to drive both low-impedance IEMs and high-impedance over-ear headphones with ease.

8. What is the battery life of the CMA18 Portable?
The CMA18 Portable offers over 10 hours of playback on a single charge, thanks to its 4300mAh lithium battery. It takes around 3.5 hours to fully charge using a 2A charger.

9. How portable is the CMA18?
The CMA18 Portable is designed with portability in mind, featuring sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum, compact dimensions, and a lightweight form factor. It’s built for audiophiles who want studio-grade audio on the go.

10. Can I use the CMA18 Portable as part of a home Hi-Fi system?
Yes, the CMA18 Portable is highly versatile and can be connected to 2-channel Hi-Fi devices using Questyle’s optional 3.5mm-RCA and 4.4mm-XLR cables. It also works well for professional audio recording and production, enabling connections to monitor speakers and mixing consoles.

11. What’s included in the box with the CMA18 Portable?
In the box, you’ll find:

• CMA18 Portable DAC/Amp
• Charging cable
• USB-C to USB-C OTG cable
• USB-C to Lightning OTG cable
• Quickstart guide
• Warranty card

12. Does the CMA18 Portable have gain settings?
Yes, the CMA18 Portable features high/low gain switching, making it adaptable for use with a variety of headphones, from sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) to power-hungry over-ear models.

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.