- Questyle Japan Announces Flagship Portable Amplifier “M18i Max”
- M18i Max — A New Flagship in Portable Audio
- Exceptional Audio Performance
- Bauhaus Design × Skeleton Structure
- Apple MFi, Snapdragon Sound™, and LDAC — Support for Three Major Ecosystems
- Dual Operation: USB DAC and Bluetooth Modes
- Intelligent Power Management System
- Product Specifications
- Release Information
- Retailers
Questyle Japan Announces Flagship Portable Amplifier “M18i Max”
Questyle Japan, represented by its official distributor Magiwai Inc., has unveiled the “M18i Max,” a new flagship portable amplifier. This device is poised to redefine portable audio with its Apple MFi certification and dual DAC architecture. Pre-orders for the M18i Max will commence on June 5, 2026, with the product officially launching on June 12, 2026. The M18i Max will be available at an open price, with an estimated retail price of 55,000 yen (including tax).

M18i Max — A New Flagship in Portable Audio
The M18i Max is presented as a next-generation portable DAC, incorporating Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound™ technology. It features an intelligent power management system and a high-definition OLED display. Beyond high-quality music playback, it also supports call functions. The device offers a high-fidelity listening experience in various scenarios, from Bluetooth receiver mode to full-spec USB DAC mode.
Exceptional Audio Performance
The M18i Max integrates Questyle’s proprietary “Current Mode” (Current Mode) patented amplifier SiP module, featuring two chips and four modules. It utilizes ESS’s flagship DAC “ES9219Q” in a dual-mono configuration, achieving a Three-Tier Architecture (TTA) similar to that found in desktop-class equipment. The device boasts an impressive THD+N of 0.0002% and a noise floor below -130dB.
Key audio specifications include:
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Questyle’s proprietary Current Mode Amplifier SiP module (Patent: US 9,614,483 B2)
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Dual ESS flagship DAC “ES9219Q” (dual-mono configuration)
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THD+N 0.0002%, noise floor below -130dB
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PCM support: 44.1kHz to 384kHz (16/24/32bit)
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DSD support: DSD64/128/256
Bauhaus Design × Skeleton Structure
The M18i Max adopts a minimalist design based on Bauhaus principles. It features a matte black CNC aluminum alloy body with a full-screen OLED that seamlessly integrates with the body when off. Buttons and terminals are consolidated on the sides, while a skeleton design showcases the aesthetic appeal of the internal circuitry. The compact body measures 86×55×15mm (L×W×D).
Apple MFi, Snapdragon Sound™, and LDAC — Support for Three Major Ecosystems
The M18i Max has obtained Apple MFi certification (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod), ensuring full compatibility and safety with Apple devices, including Lightning connections. Additionally, it is certified for Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound™ (supporting aptX Lossless / aptX HD / aptX Adaptive) and SONY LDAC (up to 990kbps). It also features Bluetooth 5.4 and supports LE Audio.
Ecosystem compatibility highlights:
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Apple MFi certification for full compatibility with Apple devices
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Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound™ (aptX Lossless / aptX HD / aptX Adaptive)
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SONY LDAC (up to 990kbps, 24bit/96kHz)
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Bluetooth 5.4 + LE Audio support
Dual Operation: USB DAC and Bluetooth Modes
The M18i Max allows seamless switching between USB DAC mode and Bluetooth receiver mode. In USB DAC mode, it supports high-resolution PCM and DSD audio playback. In smartphone mode, it connects with iPhone/Android devices using its internal battery. In PC mode, it supports bus power from a USB host and simultaneous charging. An integrated Infineon flagship microphone enables high-quality calls in Bluetooth mode.
Intelligent Power Management System
Equipped with an 1800mAh battery, the M18i Max offers up to 10 hours of continuous playback via Bluetooth (3.5mm output) and up to 8 hours via USB connection. Its dual USB port intelligent power management system supports “play while charging” in all modes.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| DAC | ESS ES9219Q × 2 |
| Supported Formats | PCM 44.1kHz〜384kHz (16/24/32bit) / DSD64・128・256 |
| Output Terminals | 3.5mm single-ended (unbalanced) / 4.4mm full-balanced |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 / SBC / aptX / aptX HD / aptX Adaptive / LDAC / LE Audio |
| Frequency Response | ±0.1dB (20Hz〜20kHz) / ±2dB (20Hz〜80kHz) |
| THD+N | 0.0002% |
| Max Current | 1.5A |
| Gain | HIGH / STD |
| Battery | 1800mAh (Bluetooth: up to 10 hours, USB: up to 8 hours with 3.5mm output) |
| Supported OS | Android 5.0 and above / Windows 10 v1803 and later / iOS / macOS |
| Dimensions | 86 (L) × 55 (W) × 15 (D) mm |
| Body Material | CNC Aluminum Alloy |
| Included Accessories | Type-C cable, Type-C to USB-A conversion adapter, instruction manual, warranty card |
Release Information
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Pre-order Start Date: June 5, 2026 (Friday)
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Launch Date: June 12, 2026 (Friday)
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Price: Open Price
Retailers
The M18i Max will be available at the following retailers:
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e-earphone
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Fujiya Avic
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Yodobashi Camera
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Bic Camera
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Amazon (Official Store Name: Questyle JP)
