exaSound e32 Mark II DAC
Best high fidelity audio for discerning audiophiles.
This Canadian-made DAC leverages the ESS ES9028PRO chip for exceptional clarity, featuring proprietary technologies like ZeroJitter USB and FemtoMaster clocking. It offers full MQA decoding and Roon integration, delivering studio-master quality audio with minimal noise and distortion. The robust headphone amplifier and flexible output options make it a versatile centerpiece for any high-fidelity system.
Who it's for
- Discerning audiophiles prioritizing ultimate sonic accuracy and transparency.
- Critical listeners demanding pristine sound reproduction without digital artifacts.
- Enthusiasts building sophisticated, noise-free, high-performance audio chains.
Who should skip it
- Value-focused buyers or those with limited budgets for audio gear.
- Consumers seeking a simplified, all-in-one digital audio playback solution.
- Less technically inclined users or those preferring universal hardware compatibility.
Performance breakdown
Conversion Precision
The ESS 9028Pro chip delivers reference-grade accuracy for demanding audiophiles.
Jitter Suppression
FemtoMaster quad-clock architecture virtually eliminates timing errors for pristine signal integrity.
Headphone Drive Capability
High-current output effortlessly powers even the most demanding low-impedance headphones.
Noise Isolation
GalvanicInfinity technology effectively scrubs computer-generated interference from the audio path.
Digital Format Versatility
Comprehensive support for native DSD256 and full MQA decoding ensures future-proof playback.
Volume Control Fidelity
ZeroResolutionLoss design maintains bit-perfect audio quality at any listening level.
Key Specs
Sample Rates
DSD: 2.8224 or 3.072 MHz, DSD2: 5.6448 or 6.144 MHz, DSD4: 11.2896 or 12.288 MHz, PCM/DXD: 44.1kHz to 384kHz at 32 bits, MQA full ‘unfold’ for delivering Hi-Res music data up to 24-bit 384kHz
Converter Core
ESS Technologies 9028Pro reference monolithic 8 channel DAC configured for stereo
USB Input
Proprietary ZeroJitter™ asynchronous USB interface with error correction on classic B–Type connector, USB cable included
Host Support
Custom, high performance Mac OS & Windows ASIO drivers; MAC Core Audio drivers with DoP256 support
Clock
FemtoMaster™ super–low jitter quad-clock architecture, with 82 femtosecond master clock and 3 auxiliary stream-control clocks
Power Conditioning
11 linear power filtering stages
Host Noise Rejection
GalvanicInfinity™ - Galvanic isolation between the USB subsystem and the DAC circuitry eliminates ground loop noise and blocks computer–generated interference
Headphone Output
Third generation headphone amplifier, 4W into 16Ω doubles the current output to drive low impedance and low sensitivity headphones
Digital Inputs
Two S/PDIF inputs provide jitter reduction and superb D/A conversion when used with CD transports
Analog Outputs
Simultaneously driven, gold–plated balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs
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