AudioLab D7 - DAC / Digital Audio Converter

Born from Audiolab’s pioneering M-DAC lineage and a family of modern DAC-equipped electronics, the AudioLab D7 continues the tradition of class-leading DAC performance at an entry-level price.

Compact, rugged and uncompromising in features, the D7 is designed to reflect the traditional Audiolab styling, fit and finish. It comes equipped with an OLED display and an intuitive operational menu that offers instant access to the features, functions and performance capabilities that set it apart from other DAC offerings within this class. Unlike many rivals, the D7’s display, menu and remote control are designed to enhance usability beyond buttons, LEDs and the restricted functionality that one may be accustomed to at this price.

State-Of-The-Art Chipset

Taking heavy influence from the Audiolab 7000A, the D7 incorporates state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue signal conversion in the form of the ESS9038Q2M chipset. This enables digital sources to be introduced to analogue systems—a CD transport or wireless streamer, for instance.

Connectivity in Abundance

The D7 has four S/PDIF inputs—two coaxial and two optical— a USB HDD input for playback from external flash drives, and a USB type-B input for PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets. It also offers the option of coaxial, optical, or analogue RCA and fully balanced XLR outputs, making it a highly versatile digital audio hub. Bluetooth reception is included, too, with support for multiple codecs, including aptX HD, and Bluetooth 5.1 compliance for optimum range and speed.

High-Resolution Audio & Full MQA Decoding

The new-generation 32-bit Sabre chip – the ES9038Q2M- is a benchmark in DAC standards. However, accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of the ESS HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range, Audiolab engineers have the proven knowhow in implementation of this chip to make class-leading Digital Audio Conversion devices.

The D7 offers hi-res audio support with DSD up to 22.5792MHz (DSD512) and 32-bit/768kHzBit PCM via USB, or 24-bit/192kHz PCM over S/PDIF (optical and coaxial). It’s also a full MQA decoder, with the complete ‘three unfold’ decoding process performed internally, rather than just the final unfold in the manner of an MQA renderer.

Above and Beyond

Users can opt to upsample digital audio signals to 352.8kHz or 384kHz. With the expertly implemented DAC reconstruction filter settings, the D7 offers five options to adjust performance to match source files or system components. This nuance will be much welcomed, given the sheer variety of digital file formats supported, not to mention headphone users or digital streaming service users.

Head-Fi from Hi-Fi

The D7 features a high-power headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry to round out the versatility. Like the 7000A, this solution is designed for all headphone types, ensuring exceptional clarity and drive.

Technical Specifications

• Inputs: 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1 x PC USB (USB B), 1 x USB HDD (USB A), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD)
• Outputs: 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coax
• Sampling Frequency: Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz–192kHz / USB HDD: 44.1kHz–96kHz / PC USB: 44.1kHz–768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

DAC

• D to A Converter: ES9038Q2M
• Output Level (0dBFS, 1kHz): 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
• Output Impedance: 120 ohm
• Max. Sampling Frequency: USB HDD: 96KHz / Optical, Coaxial: 192KHz / PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N): > 115dB (A-weighted, RCA) / > 117dB (A-weighted, XLR)

Headphone Amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion(THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
• Output Impedance: 2.35 ohm
• Load Impedance: 20-600 ohm

General

• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 1.42 kg
• Gross Weight: 2.2 kg
• Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): 180 x 56 x 208mm
  

Further Information

AudioLab D7 - User Manual (PDF)