DA&T Q15 Headphone Amp | Balanced DAC | All-in-One Integrated Amplifier

D.D.S. (Direct Digital System)

Direct Digital System is the technology which DA&T developed and implemented in the latest Q-series. Under D.D.S., volume adjustment is all done in the digital domain and can avoid the distortions caused by traditional analog design. The system is no longer bothered by manufacturing errors or degradations of analog potentiometers. When feeding Q-series with an analog signal, it will go through an over 100khz input filter to minimize phase shifts and then be converted to a digital signal. Digital signals, either fed directly or the one converted from analog, are upsampled and processed at 32bit/352.8kHz to achieve an ultra-high 130dB dynamic range with low distortions. D.D.S. also can prevent ground interferences and crosstalks. The preamp section is no longer needed in D.D.S., which means the gain can be significantly lower and fewer noises generated. D.D.S. is more than controlling volume digitally but aims to overcome the weakest point in the entire system and deliver high fidelity audio.

Fully Balanced Design

Balanced audio is good for Interference reduction. However, to provide identical internal signal paths for both the non-inverting and inverting audio signals is not an easy task and cost more. Thanks to D.D.S. technology, signal processing in Q-series is indeed fully balanced and the audio signal never unbalances from beginning to end.

Dedicated ASRC chip for digital input

Q-series adopts a customized Asynchronous Sample Rate Conversion chip. This is the core of D.D.S. system. With the help of ASRC chip and high quality oscillator, the jitter can be brought down to 50 Picosecond. The complete jitter management allows the renowned 32bit Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC in Q15 to deliver excellent DA conversion results. 

Get into Hi-End Audio with this All-Arounder

Q15 is a DAC/headphone amp/integrated amp all-in-one device which offers great versatility. Though Q15 is priced at entry-level, it does not compromise in build and technology. It comes with Hi-End features like USB interface isolation, 384khz/32bit USB data receiving, digital audio interpolation, IIR and FIR hybrid filter, independent digital and analog power supply, star-grounding, quality components, e.g., polymer capacitors, platinum switches, thick copper multi-layer PCBs, a high-quality toroidal transformer installed at the hollow hole of the chassis.

Q15 has 60w + 60w speaker outputs based on PWM(Class D) amplification. It is capable of driving most mid to high-efficiency speakers optimally. Q15 has awesome detail. The sound signature is balanced, neutral, and dynamically expressive. It can be set up either in the dedicated audio room or on the desktop. When connecting to headphones, you can choose between the single-ended 6.3mm headphone jack or the 4 pin XLR balanced output. It also has the option of adding a Bluetooth module that supports AAC, SBC, MP3, aptXHD, and HWA. With Bluetooth module installed, Q15 can be controlled remotely through the DA&T smartphone APP or optional remote controller. Q15 supports playback up to 384kHz/32bit PCM, DSD256, and DOP128 for USB input and 192kHz/24/32bit PCM and DOP64 For OPTI/COAX input. 

Intuitive Rotary Knob/Button Control

Q15 has an intuitive red rotary Knob/Button which is placed horizontally in the upper front. By long pressing the Knob/Button for 2 seconds, Q15 powers on. By short pressing the Knob/Button, you can switch between inputs. Turn the Knob/Button clockwise when you want to increase the volume, and counterclockwise to decrease the volume. Long pressing for another 2 seconds, Q15 goes back to standby mode.

Loudness Compensation

Q15 has a loudness compensation on/off touch control placed on the side panel. This is a handy feature to use when you need to listen at low volume, e.g., midnight. Biologically, human ears are more insensitive to bass and treble at low volume. By turning on loudness compensation, these frequencies are boosted and you can experience a fuller sound without the need to increase the volume. 

Award

"Best Budget Recommendation" By Audio Art Magazine

Specifications

Power Output (Speaker): 2x60w @8ohm, 2x100w @4ohm
Power Output (Headphone): Single End Power Output: 84mw@600Ω,10Vp, XLR Power Output: 336mw@600Ω,20Vp
Upsampling: 352.8kHz/32bit
Frequency Response:10Hz-80kHz+0dB-3dB@384khz/32bit
SNR: >98dB, >103dB(headphone)
Dynamic Range>105dB, >108dB(headphone)
THD+N:  <-90dB, <-101dB(headphone)
Intermodulation: <-96dB 100hz:20khz,4:1,35w@8ohm
Damping factor: >110
Peak Current Output:16A@10ms(speaker)/120mA(headphone)
Peak Voltage Output:31Vp@10ms(speaker)/10vP(headphone) 
dBFS Gain: 18dBW
Digital Input(USB):384khz/32bit, DSD Native/256, Dop/128
Digital Input(COAX):192khz/32bit, Dop/64
Digital Input(Optical):192khz/24bit, Dop/64
Pre Output: 2Vrms @ 47k ohm
Digital Volume Control Range: -108dBW - +18dBW
Powered: 5 V / 300m A
AC input: 100-120V/60hz, 220-240V/50hz (two versions for different areas, should be used based on local voltage)
Fuse:4A
Current demand:4A
Power consumption: 10W/standby, 30W/normal use
Dimensions : 74 x 205x 225mm
Country of Origin: Taiwan