Audiolab D7
Audiolab D7 desktop DAC with ESS9038Q2M converter, full MQA decoding and built-in headphone amplifier, to drive a hi-fi system or a demanding pair of headphones.
Description
The D7 is a desktop digital-to-analogue converter from Audiolab, a brand recognised since 2011 for its accessible DACs, from the original M-DAC to the 6000, 7000 and 9000 series. It follows this philosophy by offering high performance in a compact chassis, with an OLED display and a navigation menu providing easy access to advanced settings, unlike many competitors fitted with simple buttons or LEDs.
At the heart of the D7 lies the ESS9038Q2M converter, tasked with turning digital signals from CD players, network players or computers into an analogue signal for a hi-fi system. The unit supports high-resolution audio, with DSD up to 22.5792 MHz (DSD512) and PCM 32-bit/768 kHz via the USB input, as well as full MQA decoding. Oversampling options and several digital filters allow the sound to be adjusted to listening preferences.
The D7 also acts as a digital hub thanks to extensive connectivity: four S/PDIF inputs (two coaxial, two optical), a USB input for an external hard drive, a USB Type B input for a computer or smartphone, as well as coaxial, optical, RCA analogue and balanced XLR outputs. Bluetooth 5.1 is included, with support for high-quality codecs such as aptX HD. A built-in headphone amplifier, inherited from the Audiolab 7000A, allows headphones to be driven directly without a separate stage.
This DAC is aimed at a user wishing to centralise several digital sources (computer, network player, hard drive, smartphone via Bluetooth) around a single conversion point, while also having a headphone output capable of directly driving a demanding pair of headphones, without going through a separate amplifier. It suits a desktop setup as well as a compact hi-fi system connected to a power amplifier or active speakers via its analogue outputs.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.2 dB) |
| Output impedance | 12 Ohms |
| Net weight | 1.42 kg |
| Gross weight | 2.2 kg |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 180 x 208 x 56 mm |
What to check before buying used
On the D7, check the OLED display (dead pixels, marking) and that the navigation menu scrolls properly, as this has occasionally caused freezing issues on early units. Test each digital input (coaxial, optical, USB) as well as the headphone output if fitted, as a poorly soldered connector is more common than a fault with the ESS9038Q2M converter itself. Also check that MQA decoding and oversampling activate normally, as these functions depend on a firmware update sometimes overlooked by the previous seller.
Looking for this reference: D7 DAC ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.