AUDIO DEVICE
Desktop Reference DAC (Dual ES9038Pro)
Specifications
| Category | Desktop Dac |
|---|---|
| Brand | Reference Audio |
| Form factor | Desktop |
| Power source | Linear Ps |
| DAC chip | Dual ES9038Pro |
| Amp topology | n/a (line-out only) |
| SNR | 130 dB |
| THD | 0.0002 % |
| Max PCM rate | 32-bit / 768 kHz |
| Max DSD | DSD512 |
| MQA support | yes |
| Price (USD) | $2199 |
| Release year | 2023 |
Overview
Stand-alone reference DAC for serious desktop systems. Two ES9038Pro DAC chips in mono-per-channel configuration; balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs (line-level only — feeds a separate headphone amp or preamp). USB Audio Class 2, optical TOSLINK, coaxial S/PDIF and AES/EBU inputs.
32-bit / 768 kHz PCM and DSD512 native decode. Linear regulated power supply with separate transformers for digital and analog stages. The right source for the desktop headphone amplifier chain and for active monitors via XLR.
Pair with the USB ground-loop isolator when fed by a noisy desktop PC. Format support catalog: from PCM 16/44 through DSD256.
Frequently asked questions
What headphones pair well with Desktop Reference DAC (Dual ES9038Pro)?
Pairing depends on the impedance and sensitivity of your headphone — see the equipment pairing analyses below.