#9038S Gen3 with susumu precise 0.1% resistors

The regular update of 9038S DAC+HPA, we ve named that 9038SG3. Pretty much the same sounding and specs but some major weaknesses of the G2 were improved dramatically.

The first thing is another USB audio bridge with HW Volume(UAC2->ES9038), 32 384, and DSD256 support. Sure, it s not a big deal but I don t know another portable DAC with DSD256 support for Android, only DSD128. Also, 9038SG3 got the standby mode to save your phone battery if DAC is idle > 2 minutes. Strongly reduced LTE buzzing noise aka static , hence 9038SG3 become more and more portable. Slightly improved SNR, Dynamic Range, and THD+N. Due to PCM384 and DSD the frequency response is extended up to 100kHz(10-100000Hz +0.1 -0.3db). The output impedance is 100mohm.

We have deleted audio modes and by default, you have only the Performance mode(without any delays interruptions!). Instead, we gonna give you a lot of hardware ES9038Q2M DAC control with our new Android E1DA Tweak app with the preset manager, harmonics distortions compensation, Nyquist s filter selection, MasterClock frequency and more, most of these parameters could be dynamical defined depends on HW Volume, of Audio DATA Rate etc. In other words, make your own ES9038Q2M based DAC, and save that as a preset( to share this preset)! However, the app release is delayed, thanks covid19 one more time. The new USB bridge let you update 9038SG3 FirmWare by USB, and I ll provide FW file everyone who gonna go to use the app.

The new 9038S version will have a black sandblasted anodized aluminum case and caps machined with CNC(G2 used laser-cut that s not too accurate). Logo and the model name are laser marked, an elegant and reliable solution vs G2 silk print.

All these improvements have some cost but as usual, 9038SG3 price range would be similar to the predecessor.

#9038S Gen1-2

That model is so simple if not say trivial, that it still keeps a negligent name of the prototype project. We have finished that within a month or so. This toy is conventional USB DAC + balanced Headphone Amp, however, it made from the best for today components and now #9038S the only USB DAC+HPA with 550mW@16ohm, SNR -122db(A), THD .0002%@-3dbfs@32ohm, and 10g weight.

The device can operate in 4 modes:

1) Normal Mode -LED is always On, no flashing.

2) Performance Mode – 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 Mode– LED flashing 1Hz when no signal detected, 2nd harmonic artificially increased to emulate SE tube behavior.

4) IEM Mode, max volume limited at -15dbfs, LED is Off. In that mode 9038S ready for as low as 4ohm load.

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)

Specifications:

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: 0.05 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

More details here:

https: e1dashz.wixsite.com index 9038s https: www.audiosciencereview.com forum index.php?threads review-and-measurements-of-e1da-9038s-bal-portable-dac-amp.8424