SONCOZ LA-QXD1
ES9038Q2M 32bit / 768kHz DSD512
Here is a very complete symmetrical digital/analog/DAC interface integrating a combo of SABER ES9038Q2M chips as well as a USB XMOS interface.
Its resolutely high fidelity circuit, its sober and compact construction as well as its very accessible interface make it an ideal solution for audiophiles looking for an accessible and easy to configure DAC for a high-fidelity installation.
Reviewed by Audio Science Review
Usually a symmetrical output comes with a higher price since it is considered to be a premium feature. This is not the case here: for a really economical budget, you have the XLR output and more importantly, a superbly low noise and distortion level.
DAC ES9038Q2M chip
The LA-QXD is a high-precision DAC operating with two ES-3238 SA2 32-bit SA90 chips integrated in symmetrical mode.
This component is one of ESS flagship products and one of the best current hardware solutions for high-fidelity audio decoding, notably with the HYPERSTREAM 32 BIT 768KHZ architecture as well as native DSD support. They are also equipped with advanced reconstruction filters and have excellent finesse in dithering.
ESS technology is also very popular in that it provides extremely precise and signal-friendly volume control.
USB interface & S / PDIF interface
The LA QXD1 has a USB input on a USB-B connector controlled by an essential XMOS U208 interface. The latter allows it to work directly from audio streams on your computer or any device with this type of connector.
A second separate USB connector is in charge of powering the device. This redundancy makes it possible to completely ignore the audio noise linked to the capture of power supply noise by the USB interface. This power connector is USB-C to facilitate scenarios of nomadic use and battery power.
In addition to the USB input, the LA QXD1 has an S / PDIF interface. The latter allows it in the first place to decode the S / PDIF streams received on its oaxial inputs &
In addition, the SPDIF interface is also connected to the USB interface as well as to a digital output on coaxial port. In addition to its DAC function, the LA-QXD1 can thus behave like a digital interface, capable of interfacing its optical / coaxial and USB inputs to a coaxial S / PDIF output. This digital interface output offers various integration possibilities for occasionally or permanently connecting devices that do not have the appropriate connections.
Simple and accessible control panel
The device is easily controlled using four buttons on the front. These provide access to source selection, digital filter adjustment, volume control and mute functions.
A panel of four LEDs indicates the active output in real time and allows you to check that the device is powered up.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS |
Type | DAC
Digital interface |
Architecture | Symmetrical |
DAC chip | ES9038Q2M |
Entrances | USB-B (XMOS)
Optical Toslink
Coaxial SPDIF |
Exits | RCA analog stereo (unbalanced)
XLR analog stereo (balanced)
Coaxial SPDIF Digital |
Sampling frequency | USB: 32-bit / 768kHz PCM - DSD512 (Native)
Optical: 24-bit / 192kHz PCM - DSD64
Coaxial: 24-bit / 192kHz PCM - DSD64 |
Output level | XLR: 4.0Vrms @ 0dBFS
RCA: 2.0Vrms @ 0dBFS |
Frequency response | 20Hz ~ 20KHz (± 0.18dB) XLR / RCA |
Dynamic range | > 124dB A-Weighted |
THD + N | <0.00015% @ 1kHz XLR / RCA |
Crosstalk | > 130dB @ 1kHz XLR / RCA |
Output impedance | 200Ω XLR
100Ω RCA |
Modulation of background noise
| <4.3μVrms |
Dimensions | 149.3 x 87 x 37mm |
Weight | 475g |
PACKAGE CONTENTS |
LA-QXD1 | x1 |
USB-B male / USB-A male cable | x1 |
USB-C male / USB-A male cable | x1 |
LA-QXD1 FAQs:
Q1: Can I use the USB port that comes with my computer to power the LA-QXD1?
A1: The PC&x27;s own USB port for power supply is not enough to support the normal operation of LA-QXD1 (DC:5V@1A).
Q2: Power consumption of the whole machine.
A2: <4W.
Q3: What is the impedance of the XLR/RCA output?
A3: XLR output 200 Ω and RCA output 100 Ω.
Q4: Does the LA-QXD1 remember the volume and different filter choices for each input?
A4: LA-QXD1 does not have memory function, it will return to the default state after powering on/off.
Q5: How can I switch between the different filter modes of the LA-QXD1 DAC?
A5: Long press the Mute button for 2 seconds to select the filtering mode, and each long press switches one filtering mode. The switch order is APOD-BRIC-FAM-FAM-FAL-HYER-SLM-SLL.
(Note: Switch to the filter mode you want to play, and don&x27;t need to press a different button to confirm).
Q6: How can I know which filter is selected? Is there is a reference for the filters and the led combinations?
A6: The three LED indicators of TOS/COAX/USB will be displayed in combination. Refer to the LA-QXD1 DAC filter mode truth table.
Q7: LA-QXD1 default volume and adjust the stride?
A7: The default volume is -64dB, the adjusted volume stride is 2dB/Step, and the maximum volume is 0dB.
Q8: How do I determine if the volume of LA-QXD1 is turned up to the maximum?
A8: Press and hold the volume "+" to quickly adjust the volume, and the corresponding channel light flashes when you adjust the volume until the volume is up to the maximum to stop flashing.
Q9: How many output voltages for maximum volume?
A9: XLR 4.0Vrms/RCA 2.0Vrms.
Q10: Where can I download the latest firmware and drivers?
A10: Please download.
Q11: How can I upgrade the firmware of my LA-QXD1 DAC?
A11: Please refer to the LA-QXD1 Upgrade Guide for details.
Q12: Can I connect my headphones directly to LA-QXD1?
A12: It is not recommended to use as a headphone amplifier.
Q13: What&x27;s the purpose of the downloadable Thesycon Driver?
A13: To support PCM768KHz and DSD512.
Q14: Do I need drivers When using Windows XP? Windows 7, 8, 8.1? 10? MAC OS? OSX? Linux?
A14: Windows 8.1 and earlier versions require a driver. Windows10,MAC OS,OSX ,Linux does not need driver.
Note:All Windows platforms that need to support PCM768k and DSD512 must have our official custom drivers installed.
Q15: Is the SONCOZ LA-QXD1 DAC compatible with 32 kHz sample rate via SPDIF?
A15: Yes.
Q16: What about warranty?
A16: please refer our official website.
Q17: What is the default filter mode of the LA-QXD1?
A17: The default filter mode of the LA-QXD1 is the Apodizing Linear Fast Roll-Off Filter (APOD).
Support: support@smartfire.cn