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DACs — Audiolab D7
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Audiolab D7
Image source - (c) Audiolab
The Audiolab D7 is a compact standalone DAC that uses the ESS ES9038Q2M converter chip, with very wide digital format support. It belongs to the desktop-sized end of Audiolab's electronics and is meant to add a dedicated conversion stage to an existing source and amplifier rather than to anchor a system on its own.
Key specs that matter
The D7 decodes PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, which covers a library of high-resolution downloads and DSD files. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz within 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 115dB through the RCA outputs and 117dB through the XLR outputs, and THD plus noise is below 0.001%. Balanced and RCA outputs share the same 120 ohm output impedance. The case measures 180 x 208 x 56mm and the unit weighs 1.42kg.
Engineering and use context
The D7 works purely as a line-level converter. There is no headphone output, so its signal always goes to a preamp, an amplifier or powered speakers. With both XLR and RCA sockets on the back, it suits either kind of input with no shortfall in gain.
Pairing
Any preamplifier, balanced or single-ended, works as a partner, and a digital source that delivers high-resolution and DSD files makes full use of the format support.
Key specs that matter
The D7 decodes PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, which covers a library of high-resolution downloads and DSD files. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz within 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 115dB through the RCA outputs and 117dB through the XLR outputs, and THD plus noise is below 0.001%. Balanced and RCA outputs share the same 120 ohm output impedance. The case measures 180 x 208 x 56mm and the unit weighs 1.42kg.
Engineering and use context
The D7 works purely as a line-level converter. There is no headphone output, so its signal always goes to a preamp, an amplifier or powered speakers. With both XLR and RCA sockets on the back, it suits either kind of input with no shortfall in gain.
Pairing
Any preamplifier, balanced or single-ended, works as a partner, and a digital source that delivers high-resolution and DSD files makes full use of the format support.
Specifications
Model name
D7
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038Q2M
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
120
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
120
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
115 (RCA), 117 (XLR)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
< 0.001%
Dimensions (mm)
180 x 208 x 56
Weight (kg)
1.42
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