Audiophonics offers you the successor of the DAC I-Sabre 9028, this time with the ES9038Q2M decoding chip. This version offers outstanding sound performance, thanks in particular to the HyperStream II architecture, traditionally reserved for professional devices.

Increasingly stunning audio quality

In line with its predecessors, the ES9038Q2M offers exceptional sound performance thanks to components selected to ensure the highest accuracy and precision in reproduction, without making it aggressive. This version is based on recognized technologies. It also takes advantage of HyperStream II, significantly improving the dynamic range while limiting jitter and unwanted noise. The board also includes an ultra-low phase noise clock for the ES9038Q2M.

An improved user experience

Thanks to an integrated microprocessor, the I-Sabre 9038Q2M is able to automatically detect the format and sampling rate of the source and automatically adapt to it. It automatically detects if the source is in 16bit, 24bit or DSD DoP. This CPLD chip control maintains high stability while preventing decoding problems and the appearance of artifacts while listening.

A complete solution

This converter has all the potential to evolve into a complete solution. For example, an OLED screen dedicated to displaying the source, volume, bitrate, etc. can easily be added. It will also be possible to add an encoder to control the volume of the DAC to avoid the quality losses inherent in volume software management.

Dedicated driver integrated in RPI kernels > 4.19.34

Used in conjunction with a Raspberry Pi, the DAC I-Sabre ES9038Q2M will provide a complete dematerialized reading solution. The support of the driver by the Raspberry Pi kernel from version 4.19.34 allows an easy installation as well as access to hardware volume control, filter management and input selection (I2S/SPDIF).
(dtoverlay=i-sabre-q2m in config.txt)

To date (July 2019), the driver selection is integrated in:

MoOde Audio

MoOde Audio is an MPD-based solution like Volumio. It allows the playback of files, radios, UPnP streams and even Qobuz (controlled in UPnP).

DietPi

The DietPi software solution allows you to use Logitech Media Server / Squeezelite and/or Roon. It is also an efficient basis for installing other applications that will require some computer knowledge (SSH connection) to go further.

piCorePlayer 5.0

piCorePlayer is a powerful, accessible and fast to set up Squeezelite LMS interface. It allows to configure in depth all the functionalities of the DACI-Sabre to exploit all the possibilities offered by the card.

Alsamixer under DietPi control interface.

Formats PCM / DSD pris en charge

The DAC I-Sabre is compatible with 24bit 192kHz with the RPI-DAC driver and up to 32bit 384kHz with its driver and distributions using an optimized audio kernet (Volume, DietPi). It can also read DSD64/DSD128 DoP with solutions such as Volumio and Logitech Media Server.

It can also read DSD64/DSD128 DoP with solutions such as Volumio and Legitech Media Server. The S/PDIF input accepts a PCM format up to 24bit 192kHz and up to DSD128 DoP. The I2S input supports 32bit 768kHz in PCM and up to DSD512 DoP.

Support for DSD on Logitech Media Server with piCorePlayer requires prior configuration.

Audiophonics ES9038Q2M review by The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel

Audio Precision Measures

OLED Screen / Rotary encoder/ I2S / SPDIF wiring diagram

Easy use with AUDIOPHONICS PI-SPC II