Pre-Order Live: Apos x Geshelli Merlin DAC

[Apos Audio]

Hi all,

We’re beyond excited to share the Merlin DAC, an Apos x Geshelli collab born from community feedback. After hearing how well the Gremlin amp pairs with Geshelli DACs, we teamed up to create one that matched in sound, size, and spirit.

• Pre-order price: $195 (MSRP $225)
• First 250 units ship early August

**Pair it with your Gremlin. Stack it with the optional open-source Stacker.

Product highlights 

• AK4493 DAC chip with 32-bit, 768kHz PCM support
• Native DSD512 playback via USB
• TI OPA1652 op amp
• TI DIX9211 SPDIF decoder for clean coaxial input
• Amanero 768 USB interface with driverless Type-C connection
• Coaxial SPDIF input supports up to 192kHz/24-bit
• RCA and XLR outputs

Specs

• DAC chip: AKM AK4493
• Op amp: TI OPA1652
• SPDIF decoder: TI DIX9211
• USB interface: Amanero 768 with USB Type-C
• SNR: 120dB
• THD+N: 0.00038%
• PCM support:
  • USB: up to 768kHz/32-bit
  • SPDIF: up to 192kHz/24-bit
• DSD support: Native DSD512 (USB)
• Inputs: USB Type-C, Coaxial SPDIF
• Outputs: RCA, XLR
• Power: 12V DC

 

[Mageborn23]

But I just bought the gremlin . Now I need this

 

[Deleeh]

Congratulations, it looks like it will take some getting used to at first.
But I think it looks timeless somehow.
I think the co-operation with Geshelli was worthwhile to offer another good product for beginners as well as passionate and professional listeners.

I also find the idea of another product from Apos with a dual Dac on the Apos side exciting to see how it develops.
A tube buffer could perhaps spice things up a bit if they are still working on prototypes.

I'll have to get one of your products to support the whole thing over the next few months.
Also because you can show here that less can be more.
And the ideas behind it don't just look good on paper
but the community talks about it.

 

[MrFinerThings]

I'm looking forward to hearing the Merlin in August. I do wish the Stacker had the same transparent look as the amp and dac, but I understand it's a no-profit product. Maybe someone will make one using Sean's design. I would love to buy it!

 

[Apos Audio]

The Gremlin Backpack (aka “The Stacker”)

Hi all,

We wanted to share with everyone that we also released an accessory for the Gremlin Amp and Merlin DAC: it’s called the Stacker—and yes, it lets your Merlin give your Gremlin a piggyback ride.

It’s a precision-cut acrylic platform that cradles the Gremlin securely on top of the Merlin, using either adhesive or screws (included). Designed in-house by Sean Flynn and brought to life by Salad Studio, it’s made to be a no-profit product—priced just to cover production costs.

** Bonus: we’re making it open-source on GitHub, so if you want to remix the design or 3D print your own version, go wild. And if you make a cool mod, send it our way—we’d love to feature community builds.