Audio T Verdict
The EarMen Tradutto is a refreshingly focused digital-to-analogue converter. There is no streamer, headphone amplifier or volume control squeezed into its compact 150mm-square chassis. Its job is simply to take digital audio from a computer, CD transport, network streamer, television or Bluetooth source and turn it into a high-quality fixed-level analogue signal for the rest of the system.
At its heart is the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, partnered with a 16-core XMOS XU216 USB processor. Through USB, the Tradutto can handle PCM and DXD at up to 768kHz, DoP to DSD256 and native DSD512. Hardware MQA decoding is also retained for compatible legacy or locally stored MQA material.
Connectivity is unusually comprehensive for something this small. USB-B, optical Toslink and coaxial S/PDIF cover conventional wired digital sources, while Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth 5.1 provides AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Low Latency wireless reception.
The analogue stage is fully balanced and uses SoundPlus OPA1642 operational amplifiers, WIMA capacitors and MELF low-noise resistors. Conventional RCA outputs provide a fixed 2Vrms signal, while the compact 4.4mm balanced output doubles this to 4Vrms.
That 4.4mm socket is worth clarifying: it is a balanced line output, not a headphone socket. The Tradutto cannot drive headphones directly and does not adjust volume. Connect it to an integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier or suitable active speaker system with its own level control.
An OLED display, front-panel input selection and a rechargeable metal remote make everyday operation considerably more civilised than many minimalist desktop DACs. Bluetooth pairing can also be controlled from either the front panel or remote.
For listeners who want a compact DAC that can handle a serious computer-audio source, a conventional CD transport and occasional wireless playback without tying the conversion stage to a particular streamer or amplifier, the Tradutto remains a very flexible little component.
EarMen Tradutto Fully Balanced DAC
The EarMen Tradutto is a dedicated high-resolution stereo digital-to-analogue converter for use with computers, CD transports, network streamers, televisions and other digital sources.
It accepts digital audio through USB, optical, coaxial or Bluetooth and provides a choice of conventional RCA or fully balanced 4.4mm analogue outputs.
Its principal features include:
- ESS ES9038Q2M digital-to-analogue converter
- XMOS XU216 16-core USB processor
- Fully balanced analogue architecture
- USB-B digital audio input
- Optical Toslink S/PDIF input
- Coaxial RCA S/PDIF input
- Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth 5.1
- AAC Bluetooth codec
- SBC Bluetooth codec
- aptX
- aptX HD
- aptX Low Latency
- PCM playback up to 768kHz through compatible USB playback
- DXD playback up to 768kHz
- DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 through DoP
- Native DSD playback up to DSD512
- Hardware MQA decoding for compatible material
- 2Vrms RCA fixed analogue output
- 4Vrms balanced 4.4mm fixed analogue output
- OLED display
- Rechargeable remote control
- External Bluetooth antenna
- 12V DC power
- PSU-3 compatibility
- Compact 150 x 150 x 30mm chassis
This Is a DAC, Not a Headphone Amplifier
The 4.4mm socket on the rear of the Tradutto is a balanced analogue line output.
It is not a 4.4mm headphone output.
The Tradutto has no headphone amplifier and headphones should not be connected directly to either analogue output.
For headphone listening, connect the Tradutto to a suitable headphone amplifier such as the EarMen CH-Amp.
What Does the Tradutto Do?
Digital sources store or transmit music as numerical data. A conventional analogue amplifier or pair of active speakers requires an analogue electrical signal, so a digital-to-analogue converter must perform the translation between the two.
The Tradutto receives compatible digital information from the selected input, performs digital-to-analogue conversion and sends a fixed-level stereo analogue signal from its RCA or balanced 4.4mm outputs.
A typical system might therefore consist of:
- Computer, streamer or CD transport
- USB, optical, coaxial or Bluetooth connection
- EarMen Tradutto
- RCA or balanced analogue interconnect
- Integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier
- Power amplifier and loudspeakers
No Volume Control or Pre-Amplifier Mode
The Tradutto's analogue outputs operate at fixed line level.
It does not provide:
- Variable output volume
- Pre-amplifier mode
- Headphone volume control
- Remote volume adjustment
Listening level must be controlled by the connected integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier or active loudspeaker system.
Do Not Connect Directly to a Power Amplifier
The Tradutto has fixed-level analogue outputs.
Connecting it directly to a power amplifier with no independent volume control could result in extremely high playback levels.
Use an appropriate pre-amplifier, integrated amplifier or another device providing safe volume control between the Tradutto and power amplification.
ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
Digital-to-analogue conversion is handled by the ESS Technology ES9038Q2M.
The converter supports very high-resolution PCM and DSD, but the final performance of a DAC is determined by considerably more than the specification of the converter chip alone.
EarMen surrounds the ES9038Q2M with:
- Dedicated XMOS USB processing
- Carefully arranged clock circuitry
- Fully balanced analogue output stages
- Low-noise passive components
- Optimised power filtering
- Gold-plated circuit-board construction
The complete implementation determines how accurately the converted signal reaches the connected amplifier.
XMOS XU216 16-Core USB Processor
A 16-core XMOS XU216 processor manages the Tradutto's high-resolution USB audio interface.
It provides the processing capacity required for:
- PCM up to 768kHz
- DXD up to 768kHz
- DSD through DoP
- Native DSD512
- Compatible MQA hardware decoding
High-resolution capability depends on a compatible source computer, operating system, driver and playback application.
PCM Up to 768kHz
Through a compatible USB source, the Tradutto supports PCM audio at sample rates up to 768kHz.
PCM covers the majority of conventional digital audio including:
- CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz music
- FLAC
- WAV
- AIFF
- Apple Lossless
- High-resolution downloads
- Lossless streaming-service playback
The fact that the Tradutto can accept 768kHz does not mean music needs to be upsampled to that rate. Native playback of conventional CD-quality and standard high-resolution material is equally valid.
DXD Up to 768kHz
The USB implementation also supports DXD at sample rates up to 768kHz.
DXD is a very high-resolution PCM-derived format found mainly in specialist recordings and professional production workflows.
Most music libraries will contain considerably lower sample rates, but support demonstrates the available processing bandwidth of the USB platform.
Native DSD512
The Tradutto supports native DSD playback at up to DSD512 through a suitably configured USB source.
DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 are also supported using DoP.
DoP packages DSD information within a PCM-compatible transport structure while retaining the underlying DSD audio data.
Windows users may require the appropriate EarMen driver and compatible playback software to access the highest native DSD modes.
USB-B Digital Input
A rear USB-B input provides the principal connection for high-resolution computer audio.
This can be used with compatible:
- Windows computers
- Mac computers
- Music servers with USB output
- Streamers with USB audio output
- Compatible mobile devices with the correct adaptor
A proper USB data cable is required.
Windows Computer Audio
The Tradutto can operate as an external USB DAC for a Windows computer.
For basic playback it may be recognised through the normal Windows audio system, while the appropriate EarMen driver may be required for particular high-resolution, ASIO or native DSD operating modes.
Playback applications capable of exclusive or bit-perfect output can prevent the operating system from unnecessarily resampling compatible material.
Mac Computer Audio
A Mac can also use the Tradutto as an external USB audio device.
Once connected, the Tradutto can be selected as the computer's audio output.
Audio MIDI Setup can be used to inspect or change the available output sample rate where required.
Optical Toslink Input
A rear optical Toslink input accepts conventional S/PDIF digital audio.
This makes the Tradutto suitable for digital sources including:
- CD players and transports
- Network streamers
- Televisions
- Games consoles through compatible output equipment
- Other digital source components
Optical transmission has the additional advantage of providing electrical isolation between the source and DAC.
Coaxial S/PDIF Input
A conventional RCA coaxial digital input provides another connection for CD transports, streamers and other S/PDIF sources.
A proper 75-ohm digital coaxial cable is recommended rather than a generic analogue interconnect.
S/PDIF Resolution
Optical and coaxial S/PDIF operate within more conventional digital-audio limits than the high-bandwidth USB connection.
EarMen specifies S/PDIF compatibility up to 24-bit/192kHz.
If playback above 192kHz or native DSD is required, USB is the appropriate connection.
Using the Tradutto with a CD Transport
A CD transport can connect through either optical or coaxial S/PDIF.
The transport reads the disc and sends the original digital audio to the Tradutto, which performs the digital-to-analogue conversion.
This allows an existing CD player with a digital output to be used as a transport if its internal DAC is no longer the preferred conversion stage.
Using the Tradutto with a Network Streamer
A digital-only network streamer can feed the Tradutto through USB, optical or coaxial output according to the connections available.
This creates a modular source system in which:
- The streamer handles online services and music libraries
- The Tradutto handles digital conversion
- The amplifier handles volume and loudspeaker drive
The separate components can then be upgraded independently.
Bluetooth 5.1
Wireless audio reception is provided by a Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth platform.
Supported codecs include:
- SBC
- AAC
- aptX
- aptX HD
- aptX Low Latency
The actual codec used is negotiated automatically between the Tradutto and transmitting device.
A source device must support the same codec before it can be used.
aptX HD
aptX HD provides a higher-quality Bluetooth transmission option with compatible Android devices, digital audio players and computers.
It remains a compressed wireless format, so USB, optical or coaxial connection should be considered where maximum source fidelity is the priority.
aptX Low Latency
aptX Low Latency is designed to reduce the delay between audio transmission and playback when both transmitting and receiving devices support the codec.
This can be useful with video material where excessive Bluetooth delay would otherwise make dialogue appear out of synchronisation with the picture.
External Bluetooth Antenna
A removable external antenna is supplied for the Bluetooth receiver.
Attach it securely before using Bluetooth and position the Tradutto so that the antenna is not unnecessarily shielded by metal furniture or other equipment.
Bluetooth Pairing
A dedicated front-panel Bluetooth button places the Tradutto into pairing mode.
Pairing can also be initiated from the supplied remote control.
Once Bluetooth has been selected as the active input, the source device controls music playback and streaming-service navigation.
MQA Hardware Decoding
The Tradutto includes hardware support for compatible MQA and MQA Studio material.
This differs from the Renderer-only implementation found in some smaller EarMen products because compatible encoded material can be processed within the Tradutto's digital platform.
TIDAL No Longer Uses MQA
TIDAL discontinued MQA playback on 24 July 2024 and now uses FLAC for its stereo lossless and high-resolution catalogue.
The Tradutto's MQA hardware therefore remains relevant to compatible legacy downloads and locally stored MQA files, but MQA is no longer required for current TIDAL playback.
Current TIDAL FLAC material is handled as conventional PCM audio.
Fully Balanced Analogue Architecture
The Tradutto's analogue output circuitry is fully balanced.
Signals converted within the DAC remain balanced through to the rear 4.4mm output rather than being converted back to single-ended operation before leaving the chassis.
A properly implemented balanced circuit can offer benefits including:
- Higher signal voltage
- Improved rejection of common-mode interference
- Greater channel separation
- Compatibility with balanced amplifier inputs
4.4mm Balanced Line Output
A rear 4.4mm Pentaconn connection provides the Tradutto's balanced analogue output.
EarMen specifies:
- 4Vrms output at 0dBFS
- 600-ohm output impedance
- THD+N of approximately 0.0003%
- Signal-to-noise ratio greater than 120dB through USB
- Signal-to-noise ratio greater than 122dB through S/PDIF or Bluetooth
The balanced connection can feed a compatible balanced amplifier or pre-amplifier using an appropriate 4.4mm-to-XLR or 4.4mm-to-4.4mm interconnect.
4.4mm Line Output, Not Headphone Output
The rear 4.4mm connection delivers a fixed 4Vrms line-level signal.
It is intended for an amplifier or pre-amplifier and must not be treated as a headphone socket.
RCA Single-Ended Output
A conventional pair of RCA outputs provides compatibility with the vast majority of integrated amplifiers and pre-amplifiers.
EarMen specifies:
- 2Vrms output at 0dBFS
- 300-ohm output impedance
- THD+N of approximately 0.0003%
- Signal-to-noise ratio greater than 116dB
The 2V output level follows the common convention used by many domestic digital source components.
RCA or Balanced Output?
Use RCA When
- Your amplifier has conventional RCA inputs
- The cable run is short
- You already own suitable analogue interconnects
- A 2V source level is appropriate
- Your system is entirely single-ended
Use 4.4mm Balanced When
- Your amplifier has compatible balanced inputs
- You want to maintain the Tradutto's balanced signal path
- A 4V source level is appropriate
- A longer analogue cable run is required
- You already have a suitable balanced interconnect
Balanced output should not automatically be assumed to sound better in every system. The design of the receiving amplifier and the complete connection should also be considered.
SoundPlus OPA1642 Analogue Stage
Texas Instruments SoundPlus OPA1642 operational amplifiers form part of the Tradutto's analogue output circuitry.
EarMen combines these with carefully selected passive components including WIMA capacitors and MELF low-noise resistors.
The objective is to provide a clean, stable low-distortion analogue signal rather than relying entirely on the technical performance of the DAC chip itself.
WIMA Capacitors
German WIMA capacitors are used within the analogue circuitry.
EarMen selected these as part of its effort to reduce distortion and maintain consistent behaviour within the output stage.
MELF Low-Noise Resistors
MELF resistors are also used in the analogue circuit.
These cylindrical resistors are commonly selected for applications requiring low noise and stable electrical characteristics.
Gold-Plated PCB
The Tradutto's internal circuitry is built on a gold-plated printed circuit board.
EarMen cites the finish for its clean, low-resistance electrical contact and flat mounting surface.
It should be regarded as part of the overall construction rather than as a guarantee of performance by itself.
Power Filtering and Digital Isolation
EarMen separates the digital and analogue portions of the design through its power-supply arrangement and pays particular attention to current draw and filtering.
The intention is to reduce interference reaching the analogue circuitry from:
- Digital processing
- Bluetooth operation
- Nearby Wi-Fi equipment
- Mobile-phone transmissions
- Other high-frequency electrical activity
OLED Front Display
The front-panel OLED display gives useful information without turning the Tradutto into a menu-heavy component.
Depending on the selected source, it can indicate information including:
- USB input
- Incoming sample rate
- Coaxial input
- Optical input
- Bluetooth input
There is no artwork display, touchscreen or extensive configuration menu.
Front-Panel Input Selection
Left and right selection buttons cycle through the available inputs.
The available sources are:
- USB
- Optical Toslink
- Coaxial S/PDIF
- Bluetooth
A separate button handles Bluetooth pairing.
Rechargeable Remote Control
A compact rechargeable remote control is supplied.
It provides:
- Power control
- Input selection
- Bluetooth pairing
The remote contains its own rechargeable battery and uses USB-C charging.
The Remote Does Not Control Volume
The Tradutto has fixed analogue outputs, so there is no DAC volume setting for the remote to adjust.
Volume remains under the control of the downstream amplifier, pre-amplifier or headphone amplifier.
12V External Power Supply
The Tradutto operates from an external 12V DC power supply.
Keeping the mains conversion outside the small DAC chassis allows EarMen to concentrate the internal layout on digital and analogue audio circuitry.
The standard package includes a compatible power adaptor.
PSU-3 Linear Power Supply Compatibility
The Tradutto can also form part of EarMen's matching desktop system using the PSU-3 supplied with the CH-Amp.
The PSU-3 provides additional regulated 12V outputs that can power compatible equipment including:
- EarMen Tradutto
- EarMen Staccato
- Other compatible 12V EarMen components
This allows several matching components to share one substantial linear power supply rather than using multiple plug-top adaptors.
Use the Correct Power Supply
Do not connect an arbitrary power adaptor simply because its plug appears to fit.
Voltage, polarity and current capability must all be correct. Use the supplied power supply or a specifically compatible EarMen PSU connection.
Tradutto and Staccato
The EarMen Staccato was designed as the matching network streaming transport.
A simple digital source chain can consist of:
- EarMen Staccato
- Optical or coaxial digital connection
- EarMen Tradutto
- Analogue connection to amplifier
The Staccato handles network music and the Tradutto performs conversion.
Tradutto and CH-Amp
The EarMen CH-Amp provides the headphone amplification and volume control missing from the Tradutto itself.
A balanced 4.4mm interconnect can join the two components and preserve balanced operation through the system.
The CH-Amp's supplied PSU-3 can also power the Tradutto.
Complete EarMen Desktop Stack
Staccato, Tradutto and CH-Amp can be combined into a modular EarMen desktop system.
Each component has a distinct job:
- Staccato: network streaming and digital transport
- Tradutto: digital-to-analogue conversion
- CH-Amp: headphone amplification and pre-amplifier control
- PSU-3: linear power supply for the matching components
The modular approach allows the streamer, DAC and amplification stages to be changed independently.
Tradutto or ST-Amp?
Choose the Tradutto When
- A dedicated DAC is required
- Optical input is important
- Coaxial digital input is important
- Bluetooth reception is useful
- PCM to 768kHz is required
- Native DSD512 playback matters
- MQA hardware support remains useful for legacy files
- You already own a suitable amplifier or headphone amplifier
Choose the ST-Amp When
- You need a headphone amplifier as well as a DAC
- A single chassis is preferable
- USB is the only digital input required
- Up to 1.85W headphone output is useful
- Variable pre-amplifier outputs are required
- Analogue inputs are useful
- Bluetooth and S/PDIF are unnecessary
The EarMen ST-Amp is the more complete one-box desktop solution, while the Tradutto offers greater digital-input flexibility and higher maximum digital format support.
Tradutto and CH-Amp or ST-Amp?
Choose Tradutto and CH-Amp When
- You prefer separate DAC and amplification stages
- Greater headphone power is required
- Up to 3.8W balanced headphone output is useful
- Optical and coaxial digital sources need connecting
- Bluetooth is required
- Native DSD512 matters
- Remote source selection is useful
- The PSU-3 linear supply appeals
Choose the ST-Amp When
- One compact component is preferable
- USB is the principal digital source
- 1.85W balanced headphone output is sufficient
- You want a lower component count
- Optical, coaxial and Bluetooth are unnecessary
- A simpler desktop system is wanted
Tradutto or Angel?
Choose the Tradutto When
- The DAC will remain in a home Hi-Fi system
- Fixed RCA outputs are preferred
- A balanced line output is required
- Bluetooth reception is useful
- Remote source selection is important
- No headphone amplifier is required
- A dedicated desktop component is preferred
Choose the Angel When
- Portable operation is required
- A built-in headphone amplifier is essential
- Battery power is useful
- 4.4mm balanced headphones are being used
- Variable pre-amplifier operation is required
- A compact travel system is the priority
The EarMen Angel combines DAC and headphone amplification with rechargeable portable operation.
Using the Tradutto with an Integrated Amplifier
This is likely to be the most common installation.
Connect either the RCA or compatible balanced output from the Tradutto to a normal line input on the amplifier.
Suitable RCA inputs may be labelled:
- CD
- Aux
- Line
- Tuner
- Analogue
Volume is then controlled entirely from the integrated amplifier.
Do Not Use a Phono Input
The Tradutto provides normal line-level audio and should not be connected to a moving magnet or moving coil phono input.
A phono stage applies substantial additional gain and specialised equalisation intended only for turntable cartridges.
Using the Tradutto with Active Speakers
The Tradutto can feed active loudspeakers provided that the speakers themselves have an appropriate volume-control system.
Because the Tradutto's outputs are fixed level, do not connect it directly to active speakers that have no safe way of adjusting playback volume.
Using the Tradutto with a Headphone Amplifier
Connect either the RCA or balanced analogue output to a suitable headphone amplifier.
The headphone amplifier then provides:
- Volume adjustment
- Headphone output
- Additional gain
- Power appropriate to the connected headphones
This arrangement allows the Tradutto to remain dedicated entirely to digital conversion.
Compact 150mm-Square Chassis
The Tradutto measures approximately 150 x 150 x 30mm and weighs around 550g.
Its small footprint makes it suitable for:
- Desktop audio systems
- Small Hi-Fi racks
- Headphone listening stations
- Systems where full-width electronics are unnecessary
- Matching EarMen component stacks
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Windows and Mac computers
- CD transports
- CD players with digital outputs
- Network streamers
- EarMen Staccato
- EarMen CH-Amp
- Integrated amplifiers
- Separate pre-amplifiers
- Headphone amplifiers
- Balanced Hi-Fi systems
- Bluetooth source devices
- Compact desktop systems
Check Before Buying
- No headphone output
- No volume control
- No pre-amplifier mode
- Analogue outputs are fixed level
- No analogue input
- No network streaming
- No Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- No AirPlay
- No Spotify Connect
- No TIDAL Connect
- No Qobuz Connect
- Balanced output uses 4.4mm rather than XLR
- Maximum USB resolution requires compatible source software
- MQA is no longer used by TIDAL
Connection Guidance
- Connect digital sources through USB, optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
- Use a proper USB data cable for computer audio.
- Use a 75-ohm digital coaxial cable for the coax input.
- Use a suitable Toslink cable for optical digital sources.
- Attach the supplied antenna before using Bluetooth.
- Connect the RCA outputs to a normal analogue line input.
- Use an appropriate 4.4mm balanced interconnect for balanced output.
- Do not connect headphones to the 4.4mm line output.
- Do not connect the Tradutto directly to a power amplifier without safe volume control.
- Do not connect the analogue outputs to a phono input.
- Install the appropriate EarMen Windows driver where required.
- Use the supplied 12V supply or a specifically compatible EarMen PSU connection.
Key Features
- Dedicated stereo DAC
- Fully balanced analogue architecture
- ESS ES9038Q2M DAC
- XMOS XU216 16-core USB processor
- USB-B digital input
- Optical Toslink input
- Coaxial S/PDIF input
- Bluetooth 5.1 input
- Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth
- SBC Bluetooth
- AAC Bluetooth
- aptX Bluetooth
- aptX HD
- aptX Low Latency
- External Bluetooth antenna
- PCM to 768kHz
- DXD to 768kHz
- DoP DSD64
- DoP DSD128
- DoP DSD256
- Native DSD512
- MQA hardware decoding
- MQA Studio compatibility
- RCA analogue output
- 2Vrms RCA output
- 300-ohm RCA output impedance
- 4.4mm balanced analogue output
- 4Vrms balanced output
- 600-ohm balanced output impedance
- 0.0003% specified THD+N
- Greater than 116dB RCA SNR
- Greater than 120dB balanced USB SNR
- Greater than 122dB balanced S/PDIF and Bluetooth SNR
- SoundPlus OPA1642 operational amplifiers
- WIMA capacitors
- MELF low-noise resistors
- Gold-plated PCB
- OLED front display
- Front input selection
- Dedicated Bluetooth pairing button
- Remote control supplied
- Rechargeable remote battery
- USB-C remote charging
- 12V DC operation
- External power adaptor supplied
- EarMen PSU-3 compatibility
- 150 x 150 x 30mm chassis
- 550g weight
- Two-year manufacturer warranty subject to EarMen terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EarMen Tradutto?
It is a dedicated fully balanced digital-to-analogue converter with USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth inputs and fixed RCA and 4.4mm analogue outputs.
Which DAC chip does it use?
The Tradutto uses the ESS ES9038Q2M.
Which USB processor does it use?
It uses a 16-core XMOS XU216 USB processor.
Does the Tradutto have a headphone amplifier?
No.
Is the 4.4mm socket a headphone output?
No. It is a fixed-level balanced analogue line output intended for a compatible amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Can I connect headphones directly to the Tradutto?
No. A separate headphone amplifier is required.
Does it have volume control?
No. Both analogue outputs operate at fixed level.
Can the Tradutto work as a pre-amplifier?
No. It does not provide variable analogue output or volume control.
Can I connect it directly to a power amplifier?
Not unless another device provides safe volume control between them. The Tradutto's outputs are fixed level.
What is the RCA output level?
EarMen specifies 2Vrms at 0dBFS.
What is the balanced output level?
EarMen specifies 4Vrms at 0dBFS.
What is the RCA output impedance?
Approximately 300 ohms.
What is the balanced output impedance?
Approximately 600 ohms.
Does it have XLR outputs?
No. Balanced analogue output uses a compact 4.4mm Pentaconn connection.
Can I connect it to XLR inputs?
Yes, using a correctly wired 4.4mm-to-XLR balanced interconnect.
Which digital inputs does it have?
USB-B, optical Toslink, coaxial S/PDIF and Bluetooth.
Can I connect a CD transport?
Yes. Use the transport's optical or coaxial S/PDIF output.
Can I connect a network streamer?
Yes. A compatible streamer can use USB, optical or coaxial output.
Can I use the EarMen Staccato?
Yes. Staccato and Tradutto were designed as matching streaming and DAC components and can be connected through optical or coaxial S/PDIF.
Can I use a computer?
Yes. USB provides high-resolution computer-audio playback.
Does it work with Windows?
Yes. The appropriate EarMen driver may be required for some advanced high-resolution and native DSD modes.
Does it work with a Mac?
Yes.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
PCM is supported at up to 768kHz through compatible USB playback.
Does it support DXD?
Yes, at up to 768kHz.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 are supported through DoP, with native DSD playback up to DSD512.
Can optical and coaxial play 768kHz?
No. The very high sample-rate capability is associated with USB. Conventional S/PDIF operates at lower maximum sample rates.
Does the Tradutto have Bluetooth?
Yes. It uses a Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth 5.1 platform.
Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
EarMen specifies SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and aptX Low Latency.
Does it support LDAC?
LDAC is not consistently listed in EarMen's core published specification for this model, so it should not be assumed when choosing the Tradutto.
Does it support aptX Adaptive?
aptX Adaptive is not part of the core Tradutto specification and should not be assumed.
Does the Tradutto support MQA?
Yes. Hardware MQA and MQA Studio support is provided for compatible material.
Does TIDAL still use MQA?
No. TIDAL discontinued MQA in July 2024 and now uses FLAC for its stereo lossless and high-resolution catalogue.
Can I still use TIDAL with the Tradutto?
Yes. Run TIDAL on a connected source or streamer and send its current FLAC-based digital audio to the Tradutto as PCM.
Does it support Spotify Connect?
No. The Tradutto is a DAC rather than a network streamer. Spotify can be played through a connected computer, streamer or Bluetooth device.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
No native network connection is built into the Tradutto. A separate compatible streamer is required.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
No native network streaming platform is built in. Qobuz can be played from a suitable connected computer, streamer or Bluetooth device.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No.
Does it have Ethernet?
No.
Does it have an OLED display?
Yes.
What does the display show?
It provides source and operating information, including incoming USB sample-rate information where appropriate.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes.
Can the remote adjust volume?
No. The Tradutto does not contain volume control.
Is the remote rechargeable?
Yes. Its internal battery is charged through USB-C.
Can the remote select inputs?
Yes. Power, source selection and Bluetooth pairing can be controlled remotely.
What power supply does the Tradutto use?
The Tradutto operates from an external 12V DC supply and the standard package includes a compatible power adaptor.
Can it use the EarMen PSU-3?
Yes. The auxiliary 12V outputs on the PSU-3 supplied with the CH-Amp can power compatible EarMen components including the Tradutto.
Can I connect a turntable?
No. The Tradutto has no analogue input. A turntable requires a phono stage and suitable analogue amplifier rather than a DAC input.
Can I connect the Tradutto to active speakers?
Yes, provided the active speakers have a compatible analogue input and their own safe volume control.
Can I connect it to an integrated amplifier?
Yes. Connect the RCA or suitable balanced output to a normal line-level input.
Should I connect it to the amplifier's phono input?
No. Use a normal line input such as Aux, CD or Line.
How large is the Tradutto?
Approximately 150 x 150 x 30mm.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 550g.
What is the warranty?
EarMen provides a two-year limited manufacturer warranty, subject to registration, proof of purchase and the company's current warranty terms.
Related EarMen Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- EarMen Tradutto demonstrations
- DAC and digital-source matching advice
- USB computer-audio setup
- Optical and coaxial connection guidance
- Bluetooth setup
- High-resolution PCM, DXD and DSD configuration
- RCA and balanced output comparisons
- 4.4mm balanced interconnect advice
- CD transport matching
- Network streamer matching
- EarMen Staccato integration
- CH-Amp and PSU-3 system setup
- Integrated amplifier matching
- Headphone amplifier matching
- Comparison with alternative DACs
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss integrating the EarMen Tradutto with your computer, streamer, CD transport, amplifier or headphone system.