Audiolab D7 Compact DAC
D7 and D9: Continuing the M-DAC’s legacy
A key part of the M-DAC’s success was the use of ESS Technology’s then new and groundbreaking 32-bit Sabre DAC technology. The ES9018 Reference DAC chip was introduced in 2009, and the M-DAC was one of the very first DAC components to use it.
When the M-DAC arrived in 2011, it proved to be a revelation – not just owing to this innovative chipset but also because of the circuitry Audiolab designed around it. This ensured it made the most of the ES9018 Reference’s attributes whilst eliminating the deleterious effects of sub-optimal implementation.
The range of Sabre DAC chipsets has since expanded and is now widely used by audio manufacturers, but these chips remain challenging to implement to achieve optimal performance. While they are capable of excellent resolution, products that use them can sound sterile if appropriate care is not taken with the accompanying circuitry. Audiolab has more experience in working with these chips than any other manufacturer, from the original M-DAC onwards, giving the company a significant advantage.
A compact and affordable digital sound enhancer
The 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 upsample 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.
Impeccable design, superior performance
The premium-level D9 raises the quality bar still further in every respect – build quality, facilities and, of course, sonic performance. Its affiliation with Audiolab’s flagship 9000 Series hi-fi components is clear from the outset, with its crisply designed exterior and eye-catching colour display. Technically, the D9 bears close comparison with Audiolab’s 9000N