Designed & Made
in Serbia
2 Years of
Warranty
Ideal for
Audiophiles
Ideal for
Indoor Use
Cirrus Logic CS43198
DAC Chip
Pair with Laptop
via USB-C
Connect With
USB-C
Metal
Build
Super Lightweight
Design
DESCRIPTION
FOR HIGH-GRADE MUSIC LISTENING ACROSS PORTABLE AND DESKTOP SET-UPS
Harboring the best of technology and performance, the all-new EarMen Donald DAC is a high-end music device that’s developed to offer a top-notch sound output in a portable as well as desktop setup. This DAC delivers an analog output of 32bit/384kHz and offers realistic imaging with high-definition audio. If you are looking to deep dive into your MQA files, EarMen’s patented processors can help you experience high-end music playback.
CIRRUS LOGIC DAC CHIP FOR A CLEAR AND DETAILED AUDIO EXPERIENCE
Sporting the best combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software solutions, the Donald DAC is very suitable for natural and clear music listening. What makes this DAC unique is its superior separation and pronounced stereo effect while still balancing the entire frequency range. The internal circuit board consists of an XMOS 200 series USB controller and a 32-bit Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chip for optimal digital to analog conversion. It supports a wide range of audio formats including the highly popular MQA codec, PCM resolutions up to 384kHz, and 32 bits DXD (352.8kHz / 24-bit).
COMES WITH DUAL POWER SUPPLY OPTIONS
With the Donald DAC, you get an option to power it either using your computer or in a combination of the computer and an external source. If you use the external source you can experience sound with better dynamics and definition across the frequency range. You can feel the overlays of tones distinctively while the overall sound will become more impactful. For convenience, the DAC has an indicator light to show which power source is being used. While the blue light indicates the computer as the power source, red light stands for an external power source.
FEATURING A STYLISH AND AN HIGHLY DURABLE DESIGN
The Donald DAC is designed to offer powerful sound and comes in a compact and stylish design. The body is made of highly durable metal along with a glossy plastic finish that highlights the end caps and trimmed frames. It can be mounted horizontally as well as vertically and comes with a standard mounting stand. It features a standard RCA analog output and the commonly-used USB-C port for connection as well as charging. This DAC is optimally designed in European factories to meet the highest quality and performance standards.
SPECS
| SUPPORTED FORMATS | PCM 384kHz/32bit, DSD, DXD, MQA Rendering |
| DAC | 32 bit Cirrus Logic CS 43198 |
| USB | XMos 2XX |
| INPUT | USB-C – DATA/Power Supply USB-C – External Power Supply |
| OUTPUT | RCA |
| DIMENSIONS | L * H * W (mm) 114 x 80 x59 |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. EarMen Donald DAC |
2. Donald DAC proprietary stand |
COMPARISONS
EarMen - Donald DAC9,999/- | Earmen - TR-Amp23,999/- 24,999 | Earmen - Eagle7,999/- 12,999 | Earmen - Sparrow15,999/- 19,999 | |
| DAC Chip | Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9281 DAC Chip | ESS Sabre ES9281PRO DAC Chip |
| Sample Rate | 32bit/384kHz | 32bit/384kHz | 32bit/384kHz | DSD - 64/128 DoP DXD - 384/352.5 kHz PCM - Up to 384 kHz MQA - Up to 384 kHz |
| Ideal For | Desktop Use | Desktop Use | Portable Use | Portable Use |
| Weight | 150g | 240g | 15g | 12g |
| Inputs | USB-C – Data/Power Supply USB-C – External Power Supply | USB-C - Data USB-C - Charging | USB-A | USB-C Female |
| Outputs | RCA | 6.3mm Stereo 3.5mm Stereo | 3.5mm Stereo | 2.5mm Balanced 3.5mm Unbalanced |
| USB Interface | USB - C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 350mW @ 32Ω | 62mW@16ohms 62mW@32ohms 27mW@150ohms | 2.0Vrms @ 32Ω | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 110dB | 114dB | 122dB | |
| MQA Support | ||||
| Volume Control | ||||
| In The Box | EarMen Donald DAC Donald DAC Proprietary Stand | EarMen TR-Amp Remax USB-A To USB-C Cable Rubber Band Mesh Carrying Bag Information Sheet | EarMen Eagle USB Type C To USB Type A (Female) OTG Cable User Manual | EarMen Sparrow USB To USB-C Cable USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Expert Verdict | 'Donald not only sounds great and musical, but it also easily outperforms many mid-fi DACs. Donald DAC is perfect when you’re starting out with the hobby.' Headfonia | 'Earmen did a good job with this one, no doubt about it. Super happy that quality was highly considered and an important factor for this company to offer.' HEADFONICS | 'The EarMen Eagle will satisfy the vast majority of people who want trusted, reputable sound quality from a well-respected company using high-quality parts for a very fair price.' Head-Fi | This is a most impressive portable hi-fi product – and those looking for a competent USB dongle DAC/ headphone amp should pay it serious attention.' stereonet |
WARRANTY & MEDIA REVIEWS
2 Year Warranty
Don't sweat it, this EarMen Donald DAC comes with a 2 year warranty from EarMen that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
about EarMen's warranty in India.
'The EarMen Donald DAC is one of the better budget DAC’s out there. I enjoy a load of purity now and then and I can safely say that this DAC is something purists will like a lot.'
'Donald not only sounds great and musical, but it also easily outperforms many mid-fi DACs. Donald DAC is perfect when you’re starting out with the hobby.'
'The EarMen Donald DAC is a nice little piece that’ll sit prettily on your desk, and the sound is fine. If you’re attracted to the looks, go for it.'
'The EarMen Donald DAC is an excellent DAC for a hundred dollars and a great addon to an inexpensive receiver or integrated amp that doesn’t have a built-in DAC.'
