AUDIO DEVICE
Mid-Tier Compact Balanced DAP (ES9219C)
Specifications
| Category | Dap |
|---|---|
| Brand | Compact Audio |
| Form factor | Handheld |
| Power source | Battery |
| DAC chip | ES9219C |
| Amp topology | Class AB balanced |
| Output power @ 32Ω | 240 mW |
| Output power @ 300Ω | 78 mW |
| Output impedance | 1.2 Ω |
| SNR | 120 dB |
| THD | 0.0012 % |
| Max PCM rate | 32-bit / 384 kHz |
| Max DSD | DSD256 |
| MQA support | yes |
| Price (USD) | $699 |
| Release year | 2025 |
Overview
Mid-tier balanced portable player built around a single ES9219C DAC chip with a Class AB balanced amplifier stage. The 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced output delivers 240 mW into 32 Ω, sufficient for every IEM in the database and most high-sensitivity portable headphones.
Dedicated low-gain mode caps the output for sensitive IEMs — necessary on the Multi-BA IEM which produces excessive volume even on standard sources. PCM tops out at 32-bit / 384 kHz; DSD native to DSD256.
The right pick for serious IEM listening on a budget that doesn’t justify the flagship. Pairs naturally with the reference dynamic IEM and the planar magnetic IEM.
Output jacks
Recommended pairings
Reference Single-Dynamic-Driver IEM (Beryllium-Coated)
16Ω · dynamic
Tribrid Flagship IEM (1 DD + 4 BA + 2 EST)
18Ω · hybrid
Multi-BA Studio Reference IEM (6-Driver 3-Way Crossover)
22Ω · balanced-armature
Planar Magnetic In-Ear Monitor (14.2 mm Driver)
32Ω · planar-magnetic
Frequently asked questions
What headphones pair well with Mid-Tier Compact Balanced DAP (ES9219C)?
Mid-Tier Compact Balanced DAP (ES9219C) delivers approximately 240 mW into 32Ω and 78 mW into 300Ω with an output impedance of 1.2 Ω. That makes it well-matched to most IEMs and easy-to-drive headphones.