Complete with ESS flagship ES9038 Pro DAC chips, the DAC-Z8 is a compact audio decoder that delivers exceptional sound quality to any hi-fi system. Presented in a stunning aviation aluminium alloy chassis, the DAC-Z8 boasts a high-performance preamp, strong headphone driving force, as well as versatile connections and conversion formats that make it the perfect partner for high-end headphones and HiFi speaker systems.
The DAC-Z8 is a compact audio decoder that delivers exceptional sound quality to any system. With the third generation XMOS 316 audio processor and the ESS flagship ES9038 Pro DAC chips on board, the DAC-Z8 supports formats up to DSD512, PCM 768kHz@32Bit, and MQA full decoding. Presented in a stunning aviation aluminium alloy chassis, the DAC-Z8 boasts a high-performance preamp, strong headphone driving force, as well as versatile connections and conversion formats that make it the perfect partner for high-end headphones and HiFi speaker systems.
• ESS Sabre flagship ES9038Pro 32 bits D\A converter chip
• 3rd generation XMOS XU316 16-core audio processor
• High precision, low jitter dual clock oscillators for synchronous processing
• OPA1612*8 I/V operational amplifier circuit, 8-channel shunt compensation technology
• Up to DSD512 Native, PCM768kHz/32Bit decoding
• Optical, Coaxial and USB inputs support MQA full decoding and rendering
• Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.0 module supports APTX HD/LDAC protocol
• Fully balanced audio architecture, differential amplifier circuit and professional calibration
• High-performance headphone amp output, 16-300 ohm headphone driver
• 3-inch LCD screen, with diverse VU meter modes
• Low ripple power supply to ensure a purer power source
• Exclusive mobile phone controller app for global control
User Manual (PDF, 1.72MB)
The ESS flagship ES9038Pro DAC is known as the industry benchmark, with extremely low distortion and noise. With this chip at the centre of the DAC-Z8, you will enjoy an authentic high-fidelity music experience.
Benefiting from EverSolo development engineers' rich experience in analog circuit design, professional calibration and circuit design are adopted for the DAC-Z8. The total harmonic distortion ratio which has been measured is -124dB (0.000062%), signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range are 133dB. These industry-leading indicators are a solid foundation for excellent sound quality.
The third-generation XMOS 316 processor has faster processing speed and better USB bandwidth, which ensures lossless transmission for high-definition audio data. USB output supports DSD512 Native, PCM768kHz/32Bit and MQA full decoding. Optical and Coaxial output support DSD 64 (DoP) and PCM192kHz/24Bit.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.
Two low-jitter clock oscillators are integrated in the DAC-Z8. Two high-precision crystal oscillators (45.1584MHz and 49.152MHz) respectively correspond to 44.1kHz and 48kHz multiplied sampling, effectively reducing jitter and achieving more precise audio decoding.
The DAC-Z8 I/V circuit is made up of 8 pieces of OPA1612. The multichannel signal shunt compensation technology has been adopted, 8 OPA1612 correspond to 8-channel output for I/V signal conversion, then outputs to 2 channels in parallel. In addition to high-precision resistances, it helps amplify XLR, RCA and headphone output signal losslessly, improving channel separation, dynamic range and sound integrity.
The DAC-Z8's analog audio circuit is a fully balanced differential amplification circuit design. XLR, RCA and headphone output are all processed by a balanced differential amplifier circuit. The noise has been eliminated by resolving the crosstalk of the shared loop and improving channel separation. The high-fidelity preamp circuit supports refined volume adjustment, no additional preamp is needed, so you can connect directly to your hi-fi amp.
Low-noise regulated power supply module and dedicated audio filter capacitors are tailored for DAC-Z8. It powers the audio circuit and ensures cleaner power, a softer background noise, and clearer musical details.
In order to reduce the possible signal interference of the RCA and XLR simultaneous output, the DAC-Z8 RCA and XLR signals are output separately to achieve better, cleaner audio performance. Optionally, you can enable both connections to operate simultaneously in the device settings.
Connect mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other compatible devices to the DAC-Z8 via Bluetooth for seamless high-quality wireless music playback. The Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth module used by the DAC-Z8 supports SBC/AAC/aptX/aptX LL/aptX HD/LDAC codecs and is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0.
Different digital filter modes are available in the DAC setting to meet different listening demands and preferences. There are 7 PCM filters and 4 DSD filters for you to choose.
DAC-Z8 has rich digital audio inputs, including Coaxial, Optical, asynchronous USB DAC, USB Type-C for computers and mobile devices. APTX HD Bluetooth audio input can be used to connect with computers, streamers, CD players and compatible mobile devices.
The DAC-Z8 is made from aviation aluminium and features a CNC-machined body for solid construction. The brushed panel and frosted anodized body are a great combination of classic and modern elements. This design philosophy results in a device that makes an impression when seen on a rack with your other hi-fi equipment.
The professional headphone driver circuit in DAC-Z8 has excellent audio quality and strong driving force, which means DAC-Z8 can be used as a high-performance headphone amplifier and drive 16-300ohm hi-fi headphones, with both high and low gain output options.
The DAC-Z8 can be easily controlled from your smartphone with the EverSolo Controller App. Almost all settings can be done in the app via Bluetooth technology.
The 3-inch LCD colour display on the DAC-Z8's front panel shows the user interface, menu setting, audio source selection, VU meter and audio info. The UI is straightforward and user-friendly, but pleasant to look at amongst your other audio equipment. To personalise your display, access the preference settings.
The knob on the front panel is multifunctional, not only can be used for volume adjustment but also for menu selection, such as input source switching, output selection, filter modes, UV meters, system language setup and firmware updates, etc. The embellishment of ambient light adds a degree of charm to the modern device. This interface works as a supplement to the included remote control.
Rotate: Adjust volume
Short press: Access system settings
Long press: Select input source
| Model Number | DAC-Z8 |
|---|---|
| RRP | 1,199.00 |
| Specs | Display Screen Chassis DAC Audio Processor OPA Chip Power Supply Bluetooth Audio Input USB-B DAC Input USB-C DAC Input Optical Audio Input Coaxial Audio Input Analog Audio Output USB Port Control Methods Headphone Impedance XLR Audio Characteristics RCA Audio Characteristics Headphone (low gain mode) Headphone (high gain mode) Power Input Rated Power Dimensions Accessories |
