ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC

Khadas' Tone Board uses an ES9038Q2M decoding chip. This is not only the flagship ESS product, but also one of the best current hardware solutions for high-fidelity audio decoding. The latter includes the proprietary HyperStream 32bit 768kHz architecture and support from DSD to DSD256. It is complemented by advanced reconstruction filters and has excellent fineness in dithering.

This element is the heart of the device. It promotes precise audio reproduction with sustained dynamics and a wider sound stage. We benefit from excellent performances such as an SNR higher than 120dB, a very low harmonic distortion rate of 0.000337% @ 1kHz and an extremely low jitter since less than 3ps.

Outstanding audio performance

From the choice of components and their integration, through the quality of the connectors, to the manufacture of the PCB, Khadas has made no compromise on audio quality. The device benefits from two ultra-low noise and very low phase noise quartz clocks.

The power stage uses PSRR LDO low voltage drop regulators to significantly reduce unwanted noise while maintaining a highly accessible power system.

Review and Measurements of Khadas Tone Board by Audio Science Review

" The Khadas Tone Board is a high performance DAC and a bargain price. It is exceptionally well engineered and easily earns my highest recommendation! "

Extremely intuitive integration

Very easy to use, simply combine this Tone Board with the SBC Khadas VIM to enjoy a complete and connected audio system. In this VIM version of the Tone Board, the necessary connectors are pre-soldered to facilitate installation on the SBC. In addition, the module includes FPC connectors for an 8-channel extension and an OLED display.

The module is compatible with Android, LibreELEC and Linux distributions with Volumio support. In addition, the Tone Board can be used alone as a traditional DAC.