Audiolab D7

Audiolab D7

Digital to Analogue Converter

The Audiolab D7 is based around the ES9038Q2M – a high-specification Sabre DAC chip also utilised by Audiolab’s 7000A and just-launched 6000A MkII integrated amplifiers.

This is accompanied by proprietary circuitry to make the most of ESS Technology’s HyperStream II architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator for ultra-low noise and high dynamic range.

Proprietary clock and power supply circuitry elevates the DAC’s performance, alongside a Class A post-DAC active filter – a critical element to the D7’s sound quality. Hi-res audio support is state-of-the- art, handling PCM to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD to 22.5792MHz (DSD512) via USB.

Full MQA decoding is also included and the D7 is certified as ‘Roon Tested’ for use in a Roon audio environment.

Designed to perform as a high-quality digital audio ‘hub’, the D7 offers a versatile connectivity suite.

Digital inputs include USB Type B to connect PCs, Macs and so on, and USB Type A for the direct connection of USB drives (content from such drives can be navigated via the D7’s display).

These are joined by four S/PDIF inputs – two optical and two coaxial.

Bluetooth is also included for convenient wireless reception from smartphones, tablets and the like, with support for multiple codecs including aptX HD, and Bluetooth 5.1 compliance for optimum range and speed.

Listeners can opt to up-sample digital audio data to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, while five DAC reconstruction filter settings allow listeners to adjust the sound to suit the source material – particularly useful given the variable quality of digital formats and streaming platforms.

Output options are also extensive, including balanced XLR and single-ended RCA on the analogue side, plus optical and coaxial digital outputs.

Headphones are catered for by a 6.3mm socket, and two 12V trigger outputs can be used to power up/down connected devices in synchronicity with the D7.

The analogue outputs can be used in fixed or variable mode.

The former allows connection to integrated amps and preamps, with the amp controlling volume level, while the latter utilises the D7’s precision, ultra-transparent volume control – this enables direct connection to a power amp or powered speakers.

Those with suitably equipped amps reap the benefits of a balanced analogue signal chain, thanks to the DAC’s differential balanced architecture and XLR outputs.

The physical layout of the D7’s circuitry protects the audio signal from interference, enhanced by independent low-noise power supplies for all critical stages fed by an offboard PSU.

This rigorous attention to detail, complemented by tactile rotary controls and a crisp, monochrome OLED display, helps to deliver a combination of versatility and performance that outstrips the sub-£500 mains- powered DAC competition.

Audiolab D7 specification

DAC chipset – ES9038Q2M (32-bit, 2-channel)

Max. sampling frequency – 768kHz PCM, DSD 512 (USB)

Sound tuning options – 2x upsampling; 5x digital filters

Digital inputs – USB-B, USB-A, 2x optical, 2x coaxial

Bluetooth – Bluetooth 5.1 inc. aptX HD support

Audio outputs – Analogue: XLR, RCA; Digital: optical, coaxial

Headphone output – 6.3mm

Headphone amp power – 500mW into 33Ω                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Headphone amp impedance – Output: 2.35Ω; Load:

20-600Ω

DAC signal-to-noise ratio – XLR: 117dB; RCA: 115dB (A-weighted)

Power supply circuitry – Independent power supplies, external PSU

Display – Monochrome OLED

Dimensions (WxHxD) – 180x56x208mm