Designed and hand-made entirely in Canada

exaSound’s in–house design delivers world recognized, award winning sonic purity 

• World's highest performance Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chip increases 4 times the paralleled DAC channels to bring more presence in the mid-range
• Sophisticated reference voltage sources and master clock power circuits deliver more precise 3D imaging and more natural portrayal of transients
• Each channel has autonomous balanced and unbalanced analogue output stages that can be used simultaneously. Components with superb linearity and enhanced power lines offer lower noise and distortion levels, fine micro dynamics and natural base reproduction
• Octo-mono output stage topology offers reduced EM interference and reduced channel crosstalk, resulting in better detail and resolution
• Future-proof design allows for upgrades of the output stages, the streamer module CPU, RAM and SSD storage

• ZeroJitter™ — a unique true asynchronous USB interface with error correction assures accurate data reception
• ZeroResolutionLoss™ — an exclusive volume control with four–way volume synchronization brings convenience and dynamic range comparable to the best analogue volume controls
• 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
• Balanced internal design - yields the lowest analog noise and lowest distortion

s88 is a Roon Ready streamer and Roon Tested DAC. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon Labs and exaSound for maximum compatibility with Roon. 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.

Streaming Options

                

The s88 Streaming DAC offers master-quality Tidal and Qobuz streaming with Roon and Airplay. It delivers seamless, top-quality sound over wired or wireless connections, accessing high-resolution streaming services and local files. s88 can be used with the Roon Nucleus and with PC and Mac-based audio servers.
exaSound-made Gamma and Delta servers offer tight integration and improved ergonomics when used with the s88 Streaming DAC. The exaSound Delta server offers the highest CPU performance available on the market for multichannel DSP processing with Roon.

Benefits

• Uncompromised fidelity — ENclusiv™ zero-configuration comprehensive sampling rate support up to native DSD512 and 32 bit PCM 384 kHz / DXD
• Simplicity — Play multichannel or stereo in one playlist without changing settings  
• Forget guesswork — Zero-configuration automatic filter selection for every format and sampling rate. Manual reconstruction filter selection available for advanced applications
• Love the convenience — Synchronized simultaneous operation from IR Remote, device controls and software dashboard
• Unique ergonomics - acceleration-sensing volume knob delivers precise 0.5 dB volume changes when turned slowly and large volume correction with short fast turn
  
• Blackest blacks — Ultimate clean power with 15 linear power conditioning stages, and an upgradable external power supply
• Get lost in your music — Roon is the most engaging, enjoyable way to browse your music. Roon Ready enables fast and highly reliable auto–discovery for instant setup
• New Audio Optimization Settings allow manual selection of PCM reconstructions filters and roll-off filters
• New Bluetooth Audio Streaming support makes s82 easily accessible in casual listening settings
• New Advanced Settings refine the transition playback states from track to track

Features

• Sample Rates: ENclusiv™ comprehensive sample rate support
  • DSD64: 2.8224 and 3.072 MHz
  • DSD128: 5.6448 and 6.144 MHz
  • DSD256: 11.2896 and12.288 MHz
  • DSD512: 22.5792 and 24.576 MHz (Stereo Only)
  • PCM/DXD: 44.1kHz to 384kHz at 32 bits
• Converter Core: ESS Technologies ES9038PRO reference monolithic 8 channel DAC
• USB Input: Proprietary ZeroJitter™ asynchronous USB interface with error correction on classic B–Type connector, USB cable included
• USB Host Support: Custom, high performance Windows ASIO drivers.
• LAN Input: Wired Gigabit Ethernet and wireless Wi Fi 802.11ac supporting Roon RAAT, Signalyst NAA, UPnP, Bluetooth and Airplay audio streaming.
• Server Support: Roon, HQPlayer, UPnP, Bluetooth and Airplay. Built-in multichannel UPnP server with DSD512 support.
• Clock: FemtoMaster™ super–low jitter quad-clock architecture, with 82 femtosecond master clock and 3 auxiliary stream-control clocks
• Power Conditioning: 15 linear power filtering stages, optional dedicated linear power supply for the DAC subsystem
• Host Noise Rejection: GalvanicInfinity™ - Galvanic isolation between the USB subsystem, streamer module and the DAC circuitry eliminates ground loop noise and blocks computer–generated interference
• Headphone Output: Third generation headphone amplifier, capable of driving low impedance and low sensitivity headphones
• Additional Stereo Digital Inputs: SPDIF and TOSLINK inputs with customizable jitter control offer superb D/A conversion when used with CD transports
• Analog Outputs: Simultaneously driven autonomous balanced and unbalanced output stages. Gold–plated balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line outputs.
• Power Management: 12V Trigger output
• Remote Control: Included 7 button remote, s88 can be configured to work with most IR remotes
• Remote Support, Remote Diagnostics, Remote Updates

Power Supply Options

The s88 Streaming DAC supports two power supply configurations.

Single Power Supply Configuration
The exaSound s88 Streaming DAC is offered with a desktop style 12V switching power supply. The s88 uses 15 internal linear power conditioning stages in cascaded configuration. Every subsystem is powered by dedicated power source. This sophisticated power conditioning makes the s88 very insensitive to the quality of the external power supply.

Using Additional Linear Power Supply for the DAC Analogue Stages
To achieve the lowest possible noise level, a third-party 12V linear power supply can be used for the DAC analogue circuits and IV stages.

exaSound s88 / s88 Mark II 8-Channel Streaming DACs Owner’s Manual.pdf
Last updated on October 07, 2022

 

D/A Converter IC	ESS Technology ES9038PRO 32-bit, 8-channel PRO series
PCM Sampling Rates - USB, Network Streaming	44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz
DSD Sampling Rates: • USB - Windows ASIO • LAN - Network streaming Notes: • ASIO Compatible player like Roon,JRiver and HQplayer is requited on Windows.	DSD64:  2.8224MHz; 3.072MHz   DSD128: 5.6448MHz; 6.144MHz   DSD256: 11.2896MHz; 12.288MHz DSD512: 22.5792MHz; 24.576MHz
PCM Sampling Rates-SPDIF Coaxial IN 1, Stereo	44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
PCM Sampling Rates-Optical (TOSLINK) IN 2, Stereo	44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise	0.00021% @ 1kHz, 0dBFS
Total Harmonic Distortion	0.00014% @ 1kHz, 0dBFS
Intermodulation Distortion	-128db 0.00004% @ 19kHz + 20kHz 0 dBFS 2nd order IMD
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	Balanced: 123.8 dB, A-weighted, 4.6 Vrms Unbalanced: 123.5 dB, A-weighted, 2.0 Vrms
DAC Master Clock Jitter	0.082ps (82fsec) rms
Frequency Response	0Hz - 20kHz (-0.15dB) @ 44.1kHz / 48kHz sampling rates; 0Hz - 30kHz (-0.15dB) @ sampling rates  88.2kHz and higher
Phase:	Non-inverting
Channel Separation, typical	133dB @ 1kHz
Digital Inputs	LAN, USB, SPDIF Coaxial, SPDIF TOSLINK (optical), USB storage
Line Outputs	Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA), gold-plated contacts
Line Output Level	Balanced: 4.6 Vrms Unbalanced: 2 Vrms
Line Output Impedance	Balanced: 400 ohms Unbalanced: 200 ohms
Line Output Offset	< 5mV
Headphone Amp Current Output	250mA peak
Headphone Amp Output Impedance	1 Ohm, 20Hz-20kHz
Headphone Amp Output Voltage	0-6Vrms
Headphone Amp THD+N, typical	0.0012% , 1Vrms into 60ohms
Headphone Amp Intermodulation Distortion 1Vrms into 60ohms 19kHz + 20kHz 2nd order IMD, typical	-120dB  0.0001%
Headphone Jack	1/4" TRS, SE
Volume Control	Four-way volume synchronization, Volume bypass, Channel trimming, Mute ZeroResolutionLoss™ volume control provides all-time 0dB Full-Scale streaming Acceleration-sensing volume knob
Volume Control Step	0.5 dB
Volume Matching Between Channels	Better than 0.1 dB
Operating System Requirements: Windows	Windows 11 x64, Windows 10 x64, Windows 8 x86, Windows 8 x64, Windows 7, Windows XP ASIO compatible player required for all Windows platforms
USB Ports	Type A: 2x USB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0 Type B: USB 2.0
Ethernet Interface	Gigabit Ethernet
Wi-Fi Interface	Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 802.11 ac/n 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Compliance PCI, CISP, FIPS, FISMA
IP Setup	IP4, DHCP, manual configuration
Wireless Security Mode	WPA-PSK2 AES (Home)
External Main Power Supply	Input: 10-240V AC, 1.4A, 50-60Hz Output: 12V DC, 5.4A
Power Consumption	< 64W
Power Jack Diameter	Internal: 2.5mm External : 5.5mm
Enclosure	Premium machined and anodized aluminium mono-block Finish: Silver, Black
Dimensions (W x H x D)	17.5 x 2.625 x 9.64 inches (445 x 70 x 245 mm)
Weight	11.46 lbs (5.2Kg)
Package dimensions (W x H x D)	20.75 x 8.25 x 16.5 inches (525 x 209 x 423 mm)
Package Weight	15.2 lbs (6.9Kg)

Firmware Updates

To check for updates go to http://s88.local, open the Info page and tap or click the "Check Updates" button.  On older versions of the Web user interface updates are managed on the Settings page.

Version 49 (2022-09-29)

• Web Streaming via HDMI - experimental, under development. Includes support for YouTube, Qobuz and TuneIn Radio.To enable go to the General Settings page, scroll down and click Web Streaming.
• Volume Presets - volume level for individual channels (volume trimming) can be saved to and loaded from named profiles. 
• Stability and performance improvements.

Version 47 (2022-05-12)

• Fixed issue with login to wireless networks.

Version 46 (2022-04-20)

• Support for the s82 Streaming DAC.
• Completely redesigned Web user interface with touch-screen support.
• Channel volume trimming levels can be saved to profiles and reloaded.
• New System Info screen.
• Light and Dark user interface themes.
• System reset, reboot and shutdown commands.
• Improved network configuration screen.
• Improved diagnostic data reports.
• Reduced memory usage in verbose logging mode.
• Performance and stability improvements.

Version 43 (2021-11-11)

• Support for s88 Mark II.
• Tidal Connect Support for s88 Mark II
• Audio Optimizations for s88 Mark II.
• Advanced Settings for s88 Mark II.
• Bluetooth Audio streaming for s88 Mark II - Experimental.
• Performance and stability improvements.

Version 42 (2021-05-20)

• Linux kernel update.
• Performance and stability improvements.

Version 41 (2021-04-09)

• Major update of the exaOS operating system.
• Added Advanced Setting menu.
• Added settings for DPLL control for SPDIF and Toslink inputs.
• Updated Signalyst Network Audio Adapter.
• Updated Roon RAAT.
• Updated UPnP / Open Home Server.
• Upgraded Samba sharing for better discovery with Windows 10.
• Performance and stability improvements.

Version 31 (2020-09-03)

• Support for e62, e68, e48 DACs.
• Updated Signalyst Network Audio Adapter.
• Updated Roon RAAT.
• Updated CD ripping module.
• Performance and stability improvements.

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