These DACs (in particular 9038S) has gotten good review from Amir from Audiosciencereview. I am no expert in any of these but I am loving my PDV2 and 9038S. Below are the brief summary of each of the current E1DA products with specs from official website listed in spoilers:
[ Link to Audiosciencereview 9038S thread ]
Who and What is E1DA?
E1DA (E1 = Ee-one, Ivan in Russian pronunciation, Da = Yes, in Russian) is basically a 3-men show family business with -
1. Ivan Khlyupin: The chief designer and engineer, heart and soul behind E1DA products. Russian in origin, based in Shenzhen, China. Close to 20 years of knowledge and experience in audio industry, was behind some products of major ChiFi/international brands including Wharfedale Typhon series [ link ].
2. Artem Khlyupin: a.k.a Tyoma, Son of Ivan. If Ivan is the hardware magician, Artem would be the software magician. He is the heart and soul of HPToy, the companion app for PDV2. PDV2 would not be as magical without his touches.
3. Sunny: The powerful lady handling the marketing side of E1DA on Aliexpress.
Currently the channels to purchase E1DA DACs are Aliexpress [ link ] and Linsoul [ link ].
PowerDacV2
(Status: available)
A fully digital DAC (Texas Instruments TAS5558)with power of >600mW@15ohm/ch with no feedback loop. Designed to drive full sized planars in a small form factor. recommended for transportable desktop/mobile use. Not really convenient for attaching to mobile. From my experience, it sucks my 5+++mAh Huawei M5 tablet battery 1% per minute or so. Needs a Y split cable (can be bundled with PDV2 purchase) attaching to a power bank to be properly used with mobile setup, while some Android and definitely all iOS will not power up PDV2 due to the power sucking nature of it. iOS usage requires Camera Adapter Kit to work. Desktop/laptop Mac/PC setup only requires USB A-USB B printer cable to work.
What is a Y spilt? [ link ]
It is a cable to be used along with PDV2 and 9038S/D so that the DAC can receive power from power bank and not to drain the mobile battery.
DO NOT USE 2.5mm BAL(male)-to-3.5mm SE(female) ADAPTER!!!
Specifications:
Status: production
Retail cost: $55 (without Y split cable) $59 (with Y split cable)
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum, mirror polished stainless steel with laser marking.
Dimensions: 75x45.5x19mm
Weight: 68g
Power: USB 5V power rail no internal battery, 250mA idle current, the device contains up to 5000uF of capacitance and IOS/Android devices can start OTG operation only with Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively.
Input: USB PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: digitally generated PWM 384kHz + passive LC demodulation
balanced output 2.5mm jack 5mm shaft stopper, A&K pinout
Output impedance: 1.5Ohm@1000Hz FFT flat top -6dbFS 32Ohm/open load, -.4db drop
Output power: >320mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >580mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
measured in 24b/44.1k mode +.6dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered. In case USB power-splitter aka USB-C Y-cable used i.e. USB data goes from Android and 5V power rail from 5.2V 2A charger the max power will be seriously higher see tech plots in the appendix.
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz +/-.2db(+/-.15db typical)
10Hz-30kHz +/-.5db(+/-.3db typical)
2.5Hz-46kHz +/-3db
S/N ratio: -108db(A) (-109db(A) typical)
THD+N@1kHz@0dbFS <.05%
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.03%
THD+N@1kHz@-6dbFS <.02%
THD+N@1kHz@-10dbFS <.01%
THD+N@6.3kHz@-10dbFS .01% typical
THD+N@100Hz@-10dbFS .03% typical(depends on USB power quality)
THD+N@1kHz@-20dbFS .01% typical
IMD 19kHz(-10dbFS)+20kHz(-10dbFS) -80db typical (THD and IMD measured with 32ohm load in 24b/44.1k mode)
Crosstalk: <-92db@1kHz
[ Link to official PDV2 page ]
[ Link to Aliexpress PDV2 page ]
Zeos' review:
BGGAR's review:
HPToy iOS/Android App
(Status: available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store)
Designed to be the companion app for PDV2, it is the Robin to Batman, the Luigi for Mario, and Chewbacca to Han Solo. It can adjust volume, loudness, compressor and most importantly it has 7-band pEQ feature to enhance the functionality of PDV2. Currently the favorite combo with TinHiFi P1, able to bring its enamic bass to brain-rumbling level, and bring its famous clarity to approaching TOTL level.
Connected to PDV2 using Bluetooth Low Energy protocol from mobile, regardless the source of audio whether it is from mobile or PC. Ivan's justification of not having a PC/Mac HPToy app is that no matter you are using mobile or PC, you will always have your mobile by your side, hence there is no need to invest further resources to create a PC/Mac app for that purpose.
Some presets for popular headphones are available in the app (eg. HD600,650,6XX,800S, HE400i,560,1000, LCD2,3,4,X, PM1,2, MDR EX1000, Utopia, M1060, P1 and more). Presets are meant to bring your headphones to Harman curve.
Artem has made a tutorial video on how to use the HPToy pEQ on youtube:
9038S
(Status: available)
Caution: Loses volume control in Macs and Android USB Audio Player Pro, UAPP bit perfect mode.
Workaround for Mac is in FAQ, post #2.
A portable 2.5mm BAL OUT USB C DAC housing ESS latest ES9038Q2M Sabre DAC chip, without the "Sabre shrill".
Gen1 and Gen2 exist. Everything between these two generations are the same except Gen2 has "soft start" feature assisting in mobile single cable (USB C to USB C) usage, as well as an "IEM" low power mode to not blast your IEM off when paired with a more sensitive IEM. Currently only Gen2 is on sale on E1DA Aliexpress page. However, all iOS devices and some of the Android devices may not be able to provide USB power enough to drive 9038S G2 to max power. Don't be surprised to see messages like this: "USB OTG device requires external power source", that's why Ivan always suggests Y-splitter.
Methods to connect 9038S Gen2 to your device:
Android: a short type C-to-C cable or with Y-splitter to preserve battery life.
iOS: Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter + short USB A-to-C cable. (verified) OR a third party Lightning to USB C adapter (not verified). [ Link ]
4 modes of operation are available:
1) Normal Mode - LED is always On, no flashing.
2) Performance Mode – To eliminate "ESS hump" and higher order harmonics. LED flashing 2Hz when no signal detected, THD performance optimized for Fs 44.1-48kHz but PLL lock slower and the first-second signal is muted.
3) SE Tube Mode – LED flashing 1Hz when no signal detected, 2nd harmonic artificially increased to emulate SE tube behavior.
4) IEM Mode - LED always off. Limited max output power at -15dbfs level for safe operation with low-impedance and high sensitive In-Ear Monitors up to 4ohm
To switch between modes you need to interrupt #9038S power during its startup when LED very fast flashing. Then next turn on #9038S will be started in the next mode(1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4.. cycling)
DO NOT USE 2.5mm BAL (male)-to-3.5mm SE (female) ADAPTER!!!
Specifications:
Specifications:
Status: production
Retail cost: $78 (bundled with type C cable) $79 (bundled with Y split cable) $89 (bundled with MMCX cable) [Aliexpress]
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum/ES9038Q2M/AD8397
Dimensions: 48x22x9mm
Weight: 10g
Power: USB 5V power rail no internal battery, 90mA idle current, the device contains up to 4000uF of capacitance and IOS/Android devices can
start OTG operation only with Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively
Input: USB-C, PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: balanced output 2.5mm jack A&K pinout
Output impedance: .05 Ohm@1000Hz Agilent U1733C
Output power: >340mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >550mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
measured at +.5dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered
Frequency response: 10-85kHz +.05/-.2db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -122db(A) referenced to 3.399VRMS @32ohm THD+N = 1% @
+.5dbfs typical PC USB2 port powered
DR AES17 120db unweighted
THD@1kHz@-3dbFS .0002% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0009% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@16Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Normal Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS .25% typical for SE Mode 24b/44.1kHz, almost only 2nd harmonic
Crosstalk: -125db@1kHz
Aliexpress page:
[ link ]
Official 9038S page:
[ link ]
9038D
(Status: To launch in "near future")
3.5mm jack unbalanced output DAC+HPA 600mW@16ohm in the same case like #9038S with additional 5th operation mode, HOME DAC mode with constant 3.5VRMS output. Also 9038D will bake in hardware volume control using accelerometers.
Specifications:
Specifications(TBD):
Status: proto
Retail cost: TBD(***)
Materials: sandblasted/black anodized aluminum/laser mark/ES9038Q2M/AD8397
Dimensions: 48x22x9mm
Weight: 15g
Power: USB +5V/-5V power rails no internal battery, 170mA idle current, the device contains up to >4000uF of capacitance but IOS/Android devices. Start OTG operation without Camera_Adapter and USB OTG Y-splitter cable respectively.
Input: USB-C, PCM up to 24b/192kHz
Output: standard unbalanced output 3.5mm jack
Output impedance: .05 Ohm@1000Hz Agilent U1733C
Output power: >340mW@32Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
Output power: >600mW@16Ohm@1kHz@THD=1%
measured at +.5dbFS level, typical PC USB2 port powered.
Frequency response: 10-85kHz +.05/-.2db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -123db(A) referenced to 3.399VRMS @32ohm THD+N = 1% @ +.5dbfs typical PC USB2 port powered.
DR AES17 121db unweighted
THD@1kHz@-3dbFS .00025% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0015% typical for Performance Mode 24b/44.1kHz@16Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS <.0004% typical for Normal Mode 24b/44.1kHz@32Ohm
THD+N@1kHz@-3dbFS .25% typical for SE Mode 24b/44.1kHz, almost only 2nd harmonic
Crosstalk: -125db@1kHz
Official 9038D web page: [ Link ]
9038X:
(Status: in Prototype stage)
Basically, everything 9038S is, with additional XMOS XU208 USB bridge. 2.5mm BAL out.
HiFiToy:
(Status: Prototype stage)
"That's the most challenging model with an impressive list of breakthrough features. ..Stop, I've promised: no any marketing BS over here ))
Ok, I've noticed last years getting popular the small footprint class D amps with external power supply and 1.5m thin cable between. I was surprised at how that absurd idea comes true because technically it is obviously stupid, many of us remember audio magazines/ DIY forums discussions about the role of accurate and solid rail power supply in the audio amplification. So, today $4 power brick for LED purpose with 1.5m of noodles-cable is ok to power HiFi? No way, my little friends, hands off from audio! that's why I decided to design a compromise-less power supply and Fully Digital Amplifier(FDA or Power DAC) in the same tiny housing with a lot of inputs formates, and DSP controllable by iOS/Android app for extensive Bi/Tri-Amping crossover filtering/phase alignment. 125Wx2ch 154x108x36mm In fact, you can hold it on your palm. To turn it on need just touch the bevel on the front panel, to change volume slide your finger left or right." - (Official website description)
Specifications:
Specifications:
Status: proto
Retail cost: TBD($150)
Materials: sandblasted/anodized aluminum
Dimensions: 154x108x36mm +3mm legs-pads
Weight: TBD
Power: 230VAC/110VAC regulated LLC SMPS with the custom controller. 11000uF on the 33VDC rail.
Inputs: USB, PCM up to 24b/192kHz, SPDIF optical or analog from the same 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth APTX stream
Outputs: banana jacks, SPDIF 3.5mm jack for coworking with multiple HiFiTOY's Bi/Tri-amping
Output impedance: TBD
Output power: 125W@4Ohm@1kHz@THD=1% and -.5db for 20Hz
Output power: 70W@8Ohm@1kHz@THD=1% and -.5db for 20Hz
Frequency response: 10-45kHz +.5/-.5db@ 24b/192kHz
S/N ratio: -107db(A) referenced to 23VRMS @4ohm THD+N = 1% @ +.5dbfs
DR AES17 105db unweighted(TBD)
Crosstalk: -100db@1kHz(TBD)
Official HiFiToy web page: [ Link ]
I have a question about the powerdac v2. I accidentally broke the bal.2.5mm connector. Do you know what specific bal.2.5mm i should replace it with?
