Questyle

Questyle QP1 (Pro) Portable Player

"Venturing into the portable-player market, Questyle introduced the QP1 ($599) and the QP1 Pro ($899). Both units feature patented Current Mode Amplification, playback of native DSD64 and DSD128 files (along with 24-bit/192kHz PCM), line output for headphones, optical outputs, two 128GB Micro SD card interfaces, 8GB of internal memory, an intuitive graphical user interface, an aluminum housing, and 8–10 hours of battery life per charge. The QP1 Pro is said to have higher-grade premium components than the QP1, and to offer much improved sound quality. The QP1 Pro models use the same CS4398 DAC found in more expensive portable players. If the performance matches that of the expensive units, these Questyles may be cost-to-performance bargains. Currently prototypes, the QP1 and QP1 Pro will be available in March."

Andre Jennins, "The Absolute Sound"

In "Nola Studio R," we took shot at Nola Loudspeakers. They were Alon loudspeakers in the past, and we never understood the attraction. That, and Newform Research. In retrospect, they look fine for a home-made effort.

In this installment, we take shot at "The Absolute Sound" writing.

Along with the Sony NW-ZX2 ($1199.00 USD), the Questyle QP1 Pro ($899.00 USD) is an interesting device.

Astell & Kern's AK100 II ($899.00 CDN) is similarly attractive, and while it lacks DSD64 and DSD128, it does handle 24/192,  provides 64 GB of internal flash storage, wi-fi/bluetooth, and uses the same Cyrus Logic CS4398 DAC.

At a very similar retail price to the Questyle QP1 Pro, the Astell & Kern AK 100 II makes the TAS DAC claim foolish, as are we for bringing it up.

The Calyx M ($1,199.00 CDN), while it lacks the wi-fi of the Astell & Kern, handles the DSD64 and DSD128 natively, like the Questyle QP1 Pro. Additionally, it handles 32-bit, 384 kHz PCM, thanks to a much better DAC - the ESS 9018 - which is a bit of a favorite of low-cost producers such as Oppo, etc. It lacks the dual-dacs of the more expensive Astell & Kern offerings, but at only 33% more than the QP1 Pro ($899.00 USD), it obliterates the TAS "may be cost-to-performance bargains." (Jennings)

We very much like the Questyle offerings. It's just that magazines like "The Absolute Sound" amp-up potential interest via false or misleading statements, not that we are not very guilty of the same. :)

JP 2015/01/18
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