Audiolab D7 DAC

About The Audiolab D7 DAC

Born from Audiolab’s pioneering M-DAC lineage and a family of modern DAC-equipped electronics, the D7 continues the tradition of class-leading DAC performance at an entry-level price.

Compact, Affordable, High-End Performance: The Audiolab M-DAC changed the scene of affordable audiophile DAC technology upon its launch in 2011. It set the path for Audiolab’s DAC integration in a plethora of award-winning, benchmark-setting hi-fi components – with current evolution sitting at the flagship and revered 9000 series.

As a pioneer in affordable hi-fi electronics, dating back to the brand’s origins, the Audiolab 6000 and more recent 7000 series offer world-renowned performance at astonishing price points. Following this philosophy, with more than a hint of ‘trickle down’ technology, benefitting from thousands of hours of development of class-leading components, the Audiolab D7 is a new tabletop DAC that oozes the simplicity and clarity that Audiolab is famed for, taking to task the industry’s more affordable DAC offerings, the D7 distils high-end engineering into a compact and affordable package.

Compact, rugged and uncompromising in features, the D7 is designed to reflect the traditional Audiolab styling, fit and finish. It comes equipped with an OLED display and an intuitive operational menu that offers instant access to the features, functions and performance capabilities that set it apart from other DAC offerings within this class. Unlike many rivals, the D7’s display, menu and remote control are designed to enhance usability beyond buttons, LEDs and the restricted functionality that one may be accustomed to at this price.

State-Of-The-Art Chipset: Taking heavy influence from the Audiolab 7000A, the D7 incorporates state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion in the form of the ESS9038Q2M chipset. This enables digital sources to be introduced to analogue systems – a CD transport or wireless streamer, for instance.

Connectivity in Abundance: The D7 has four S/PDIF inputs – two coaxial and two optical – a USB HDD input for playback from external flash drives, and a USB type-B input for PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets. It also offers the option of coaxial, optical, or analogue RCA and fully balanced XLR outputs, making it a highly versatile digital audio hub. Bluetooth reception is included, too, with support for multiple codecs, including aptX HD, and Bluetooth 5.1 compliance for optimum range and speed.

High-Resolution Audio & Full MQA Decoding: The new-generation 32-bit Sabre chip – the ES9038Q2M is a benchmark in DAC standards. However, accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the ESS HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range, Audiolab engineers have the proven knowhow in implementation of this chip to make class-leading Digital Audio Conversion devices.

The D7 offers hi-res audio support with DSD up to 22.5792MHz (DSD512) and 32-bit/768kHzBit PCM via USB, or 24-bit/192kHz PCM over S/PDIF (optical and coaxial). It’s also a full MQA decoder, with the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process performed internally, rather than just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA renderer.

Above and Beyond: Users can opt to upsample digital audio signals to 352.8kHz or 384kHz. With the expertly implemented DAC reconstruction filter settings, the D7 offers five options to adjust performance to match source files or system components. This nuance will be much welcomed, given the sheer variety of digital file formats supported, not to mention headphone users or digital streaming service users.

Head-Fi from Hi-Fi: The D7 features a high-power headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry to round out the versatility. Like the 7000A, this solution is designed for all headphone types, ensuring exceptional clarity and drive.

Our Review

The Audiolab D7 DAC is a compact powerhouse that distils over a decade of award-winning design into an elegant, feature-rich unit that punches well above its weight. Born from the M-DAC legacy and shaped by the high standards of the 6000 and 7000 series, the D7 brings truly high-end digital conversion to the entry-level tier without cutting corners. Packed with a state-of-the-art ESS9038Q2M chipset, full MQA decoding, and versatile connectivity including Bluetooth 5.1, USB, coaxial, and optical inputs, it’s a digital hub that covers all bases. Add to that its clear OLED display, intuitive controls, and robust aluminium chassis, and you’ve got a DAC that’s not just smartly engineered but a joy to use. Whether you’re a headphone enthusiast, streamer, or CD devotee, the D7 offers clarity, drive, and refinement that easily outshines the competition at this price.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Compact DAC/Preamp with Hi-Res PCM & DSD Capability
• ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coax / Optical)
• OLED Display
• Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) Streaming
• Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp
• Supports Playing USB Memory Device (MP3 / WMA / APE / AAC / WAV / FLAC)
• USB Firmware Upgrade
• Inputs
  • 2 x SPDIF (Coax)
  • 2 x SPDIF (Optical)
  • PC USB (USB B)
  • USB HDD (USB A)
  • Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD)
• Outputs
  • RCA
  • XLR
  • Headphone
  • Coax
  • Optical
  • 2 x 12V Trigger
• Sampling Frequency
  • Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz–192kHz
  • USB HDD: 44.1kHz–96kHz
  • PC USB: 44.1kHz–768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

DAC

• D to A Converter: ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC
• Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz): 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1kHz @ 0dBFS)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
• Output Impedance: 120 Ohms
• Max. Sampling Frequency
  • USB HDD: 96kHz
  • Optical, Coaxial: 192kHz
  • PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N)
  • > 115dB (A-weighted, RCA)
  • > 117dB (A-weighted, XLR)

Headphone Amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
• Output Impedance: 2.35 Ohms
• Load Impedance: 20-600 Ohms

General

• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Included Accessories: Power Adapter, Remote Control, User Manual
• Available Finishes, Black & Silver
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 208 x 56 x 180mm
• Weight: 1.42 kg
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Years