AUDIOLAB D7 DAC

The Audiolab M-DAC changed the scene of affordable audiophile DAC technology upon its launch in 2011. It set the path for Audiolab’s DAC integration in a plethora of award-winning, benchmark-setting hi-fi components – with current evolution sitting at the flagship and revered 9000 series

As a pioneer in affordable hi-fi electronics, dating back to the brand's origins, the Audiolab 6000 and more recent 7000 series offer world-renowned performance at astonishing price points. Following this philosophy, with more than a hint of ‘trickle down’ technology, benefitting from thousands of hours of development of class-leading components, the Audiolab D7 is a new tabletop DAC that oozes the simplicity and clarity that Audiolab is famed for, taking to task the industry’s more affordable DAC offerings, the D7 distills high-end engineering into a compact and affordable package.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Built to match the Audiolab 7000 or 6000 series in finish, feel, style, and quality, the D7’s aluminium chassis and tactile control interface ensure all-round Audiolab performance in a top-value DAC that offers unmatched function, performance, and versatility at this level.

Designed to match the Audiolab 6000 & 7000 series, the D7’s aluminium chassis, tactile controls, OLED display, and full remote control enhance usability while maintaining Audiolab’s signature sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.

The Audiolab D7 sets a new standard for entry-level DACs, proving that affordability doesn’t mean compromise.