Tuesday, March 19, 2024
e32 Mark II Dac Overview

exaSound’s e32 Mark II DAC is built on the success of its predecessor, the award winning e32. With a truly balanced design, a high power, high performance headphone amplifier and ultimate resolution volume control, the new e32 Mark II DAC is designed and manufactured entirely in Canada. Never has affordable digital sounded so true…

The e32 Mark II DAC is based on the enhanced ES9028PRO monolithic DAC chip from ESS. Leveraging the world’s highest performance 32-bit Hyperstream technology, the ESS Sabre Pro series enabled us to create the next generation of Reference Class conversion. The e32 Mark II will bring out the true resolution power of your audio system.

exaSound’s in–house design delivers world recognized, award winning sonic purity
  • ZeroJitter™ — a unique true asynchronous USB interface with error correction assures accurate data reception
  • ZeroResolutionLoss™ — an exclusive volume control with three–way volume synchronization
  • GalvanicInfinity™ — affords complete galvanic isolation for ultimate external noise reduction
  • FemtoMaster™ — our quad-clock architecture, with 82 femtosecond master clock and 3 auxiliary stream-control clocks, minimizes jitter for maximum timing accuracy, image development and bass extension
  • Truly balanced design - yields the best analog noise performance and lowest distortion


Roon offers engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music. Via intelligent automatic cloud service library management, Roon delivers metadata for the user’s library and frees the user from the complexities of music library management.


e32 Mark II is a Roon Tested DAC. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon Labs and exaSound for maximum compatibility with the Roon software and service. Roon identifies exaSound devices and sends them audio optimized for their capabilities. Together, Roon and exaSound deliver the power, flexibility, and performance benefits of digital audio, with the easiest setup and highest reliability available.



The exaSound e32 Mark II DAC includes full MQA decoder and renderer performing full ‘unfold’ for delivering Hi-Res music data up to 24-bit 384kHz.


MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a new technology which delivers studio master quality audio using no more bandwidth than a CD quality file – so it can be easily streamed or downloaded. MQA encoded content is available from major streaming services and download sites.

Exceptional Value
  • Award winning, reference level fidelity at a sensible price
  • Vanishingly low noise and distortion with highly accurate and extended frequency response form the foundation for our natural, dynamic sound and ultimate subjective appreciation
  • Flexible connectivity, with simultaneous, independent balanced and unbalanced output stages means you’re always free to use the interface you want, or both at the same time
Benefits
  • Uncompromised fidelity — ENclusiv™ zero-configuration comprehensive sample rate support, all the way up to native DSD 256 (Quad DSD) and 32 bit PCM at 384 kHz/DXD.
  • Forget guesswork — Zero-configuration automatic filter selection for every format and sampling rate
  • Love the convenience — Synchronized simultaneous operation from IR Remote, device controls and software dashboard
  • Blackest blacks — Ultimate clean power, with 11 linear power conditioning stages, and an upgradable external power supply
  • Get lost in your music — Roon: the most engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music. e32 Mark II is a Roon Tested DAC
  • New: Full MQA decoder for unlocking the highest quality reproduction of MQA encoded streams and files



INNOVATIVE DESIGN »« AFFORDABLE PERFECTION
The difference is obvious from your very first listen, even with an ordinary Compact Disc. The e32 DAC Mark II offers a very neutral presentation, and the more resolving your system, the better it can perform. With high quality HRA studio masters, you will hear the music literally as it was recorded, with nothing added and nothing taken away.

 


FEATURES

  • Sample Rates: ENclusiv™ comprehensive sample rate support
    • DSD: 2.8224 or 3.072 MHz
    • DSD2: 5.6448 or 6.144 MHz
    • DSD4: 11.2896 or 12.288 MHz
    • PCM/DXD: 44.1kHz to 384kHz at 32 bits
    • MQA full ‘unfold’ for delivering Hi-Res music data up to 24-bit 384kHz
  • Converter Core: ESS Technologies 9028Pro reference monolythic 8 channel DAC configured for stereo
  • USB Input: Proprietary ZeroJitter™ asynchronous USB interface with error correction on classic B–Type connector, USB cable included
  • Host Support: Custom, high performance Mac OS & Windows ASIO drivers; MAC Core Audio drivers with DoP256 support
  • Player Application Support: Automatic sampling rate switching, software upsampling up to 384 kHz PCM and DSD4
  • Clock: FemtoMaster™ super–low jitter quad-clock architecture, with 82 femtosecond master clock and 3 auxiliary stream-control clocks
  • Power Conditioning: 11 linear power filtering stages
  • Host Noise Rejection: GalvanicInfinity™ - Galvanic isolation between the USB subsystem and the DAC circuitry eliminates ground loop noise and blocks computer–generated interference
  • Headphone Output: Third generation headphone amplifier, 4W into 16Ω doubles the current output to drive low impedance and low sensitivity headphones
  • Digital Inputs: Two S/PDIF inputs provide jitter reduction and superb D/A conversion when used with CD transports
  • Analog Outputs: Simultaneously driven, gold–plated balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs
  • Power Management: 12V Trigger output
  • Remote Control: Included 7 button remote, the e32 can be easily programmed to work with most IR remotes

Streaming Options

The exaSound Sigma Streamer turns any exaSound DAC to a network-connected device. It offers top-quality streaming with Roon Ready, HQPlayer, UPnP and Airplay. It delivers seamless, top-quality sound over wired or wireless connection, accessing high-resolution streaming services and local files. Sigma Streamer can be used with computer or with streaming server like exaSouns’s Gamma Server.

Bundle pricing is available for the e32 Mark II DAC in combination with the Sigma Streamer.
Power Supply Options

exaSound DACs are powered by external 12V power supply. The e32 Mark II uses 11 internal linear power conditioning stages in cascaded configuration. Every subsystem is powered by dedicated power source. This sophisticated power conditioning makes the e32 very insensitive to the quality of the external power supply.

The e32 Mark II DAC is sold with a desktop style switching power supply included. Customers interested in using a premium quality linear power source have the option to order the e32 Mark II DAC bundled with a Teddy Pardo power supply.

The Teddy 12/2 power supply is based on a superior regulator called SuperTeddyReg.
Click here to read more about Teddy Prado’s power supply technology.


Specifications
  • Power output: 12V, up to 2A
  • Mains Supply: 110-120V or 220-240V
  • Dimensions: 24x16x6 cm


PCM Sampling Rates - Asynchronous USB
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz

DSD Sampling Rates - Asynchronous USB
(Windows ASIO;
Mac Core Audio DoP256;
Mac ASIO) 

2.8224MHz (64Fs) 3.072MHz (64Fs)
 
5.6448MHz (128 Fs) 6.144MHz (128 Fs)
 
11.2896MHz (256Fs) 12.288MHz (256Fs)
 MQA Sampling Rates - Asynchronous USB MQA full ‘unfold’ for delivering Hi-Res music data up to 24-bit 384kHz  
PCM Sampling Rates - Coaxial SP/DIF
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz  
PCM Sampling Rates - Optical (TOSLINK)
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz 
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise,1kHz, 0dBFS
0.00021% 
Total Harmonic Distortion1kHz, 0dBFS
0.000125%
Intermodulation Distortion
19kHz + 20kHz
0 dBFS 2nd order IMD
-144dB  0.000006%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
A-weighted, 2 Vrms
128dB
DAC Master Clock Jitter
0,082ps (82fs) rms
Frequency Response
0Hz - 20kHz (-0.15dB) @ 44.1kHz / 48kHz sampling rates;
0Hz - 30kHz (-0.15dB) @ sampling rates >= 88.2kHz;
Phase:
Non-inverting
Channel Separation
130dB @ 1kHz
Digital Inputs
USB 2.0, SP/DIF Coaxial, SP/DIF TOSLINK (optical) 
Number of channels USB
  2 channels PCM, DSD
 Number of channels SP/DIF 2 channels PCM 
Operating System Requirements: Windows
Windows 10 x64, Windows 8 x86, Windows 8 x64, Windows 7, Windows XP
ASIO compatible player required for all Windows platforms
Operating System Requirements: Mac
Mac OS Mavericks, Yosemite, El Captain, Sierra
Digital Volume Control Steps
0.5dB
Volume Matching between Channels
Better than 0.1dB
Line Output Unbalanced
(gold-plated contacts)
RCA
Line Output Balanced
(gold-plated contacts)
XLR 
(XLR and RCA line outputs can be used simultaneously)
Line Output Level Unbalanced
 2.2Vrms
Line Output Level Balanced
4.5Vrms
Line Output Impedance
200Ohms
Line Output Offset
< 5mV
Headphone Amp Current Output
 500mA peak
Headphone Amp Output Impedance
0.5Ohm, 20Hz-20kHz
Headphone Amp Output Voltage  0-7V
Headphone Amp THD+N
0.00087%, 1Vrms into 60ohms
Headphone Amp Intermodulation Distortion
1Vrms into 60ohms
19kHz + 20kHz 2nd order IMD
 -120dB  0.0001%
Headphone Jack
1/4" TRS, SE 
USB Connector
 Classic USB B
Power Jack Diameter
Int. 2.5mm / Ext. 5.5mm
Power Consumption
 <20W
Dimensions
(W x H x D)
 6.5 x 2.2 x 9.25 inches (165 x 55 x 235mm) 
Weight
2.4lbs (1.1Kg)  
 Price e32: US $2,499


 ASIO is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
   The MQA logo is a trade mark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2018




FFT Spectrum at 0dBFS
FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) spectrum of 1 kHz, 0 dBFS (2 Vrms) signal. The harmonic distortion of the 2nd harmonic at -127 dB (0.00004%), followed by the 3rd harmonic at -121 dB (0.000089%). The higher harmonics are around -135 dB or lower.


Intermodulation Distortion (IMD)
IMD 19K+20kHz @ 0 dBFS (2 Vrms). The 2nd order difference product appears at 1 kHz and is about -144dB (0.000006%). The 3rd order IMD products produce symmetrical sidebands around 19K/20kHz and are below-116dB.



THD + N Ratio

THD Ratio

Jitter
FFT spectrum (1024K points averaged 8 times) of 11.025 kHz signal at 44.1kHz sampling rate. This measurement exposes the smallest periodic jitters, which would appear as sidebands symmetrically located around the signal. The FFT spectrum is extremely clean, with all the artifacts around -150 dB. Only one clearly defined jitter-related double sideband is visible, located +/- 1kHz from the signal at -150 dBFS.




Noise Floor with USB Galvanic Isolation


FFT spectrum (1024K points averaged 8 times) showing the noise floor measured on the e32 Mark II DAC XLR line outputs. The e32 Mark II DAC is connected with a standard USB cable to a PC. The noise floor is extremely clean. There are no visible traces from the computer high-frequency noise usually transmitted via the USB connection. The power line related noise (60Hz and its harmonics) is below -160 dB (0.000001%).

Noise Floor without USB Galvanic Isolation
For comparison, the same measurement is taken without Galvanic ground isolation. The noise level is increased by 30dB. This experiment clearly shows the benefits of using Galvanic isolation.



FFT Spectrum at -140 dBFS
FFT spectrum of 1 kHz, -140 dBFS signal. This measurement illustrates the DAC's ability to reproduce the smallest details in a 32-bit system. The -140 dBFS signal is clearly resolved 25-30dB above the noise floor.



Headphone Amplifier - FFT Spectrum at 1 Vrms
FFT spectrum of the headphone amplifier output, with a 1 kHz, 1 Vrms signal into a 60-ohm load. The harmonic distortion of the 2nd harmonic is around -120 db, and the 3rd harmonic is around -106 dB.



Headphone Amplifier - Intermodulation Distortion (IMD)

Headphone Amplifier - THD + N Ratio
 
Headphone Amplifier - THD Ratio


All measurements are performed with the Audio Precision APx525 system:
  • the line outputs of the e32 Mark II DAC terminated with 100KOhms resistors
  • FFTs are 1024K points, averaged 8 to 12 times
  • Source files are 192 kHz/32bit, generated with Adobe Audition
  • Unless the type of the power supply is specified, a 12V Lithium battery is used as a power source for the DAC


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