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Honest, data driven reviews like this are why I great appreciate this site and Amir's contributions. Thanks for this!! I did just pick up the Ananda Nano and like it a lot once I auto-eq'ed the highs a bit.

Correct. New Sealed Headphone and was pleasantly surprised. YMMV though.

Hifiman repaired my out of warranty XS for $120. When I received it back, it was a brand new one. Contact their support and see what they can do.

Yes. It powers on or off this way.

You can turn off the unit by pushing in the volume knob for a few seconds.

Everything looks pretty much the same with a few more filter options. HP Amp still not balanced, but I don't use it. If you already have the 2022, there isn't an overwhelming reason to upgrade unless you prefer AKM DACs.

2023 version came in some time ago. Impressions: It's very similar to the 2022 but with the updated XMOS chip. I'm running it Balanced through a Lokius and SMSL H300. I like it a bit better than last year's in that it seems to have a bit more "warmth" with the AKM DAC compared to the ESS DAC.

I was debating this or the new Loxjie with the ES9039Pro. I ordered the Sabaj 2023 since I haven't had an AKM DAC yet and want to support them after the fire they went through in the pandemic. I can post comparisions of the 2022 to the 2023 when it arrives. I expect it to be very similar with...

The ES9038 Pro is a far better DAC and years newer than the ESS ES9018K2M in the D10. The Sabaj also uses the newer XU216 USB interface instead of XU208 which does MQA (D10 does not).

~8W vs ~1.2W. Price/performance ratio is very high when it goes on sale. The XLR output of the a20d is truly balanced, while the internal HPA output is not. It also allows me to use the Lokius as a Hardware EQ.

Best value stack? Sabaj a10d 2022 when on sale Monoprice THX-887 when $199-250 My setup: Sabaj a20d 2022 when on sale (built in amp runs the the XS just fine) Monoprice THX-887 Schitt Lokius (for extra hardware EQ subbass running direct) Running XLR Balanced through the chain M500 MKIII might...

If you want a warmer sound, attach a hardware EQ like the Schitt Lokius via XLR in the chain for $299. The Lokius keeps the balanced connection and outputs to the amp via XLR. It also has passthrough if you want the sound pure and direct. I use it to get the extra warmth I like on my Hifiman...

I think you'd love it. One thing to consider... you may be startled at what seems like a complete lack of bass when you switch over to a DAC and Amp like this, as it doesn't color the sound in any way and may seem "flat" or "boring" at first. You may even think you wasted your money. You'll...

Excellent write up!

Ah, I didn't think it truly shut it off when doing that. Good to know.

So I set the device to Vol Variable and pulled the plug to it. (The device doesn't have a hardware on/off switch). When it powered back on, it stayed on Vol Variable.

The remote doesn't have a switch to change between "Vol Fixed" to "Vol Variable". You might be able to create a function or button to do so, but I haven't looked into it. I set mine to "Vol Fixed" for XLR Out and it remains when turned off/on via the remote.

Considering the price, I think these choices could have been some cost cutting measures to get the price where it is.... unless it's not supposed to be this way and a firmware upgrade comes along and magically fixes things (USB-C, not the amp). One can dream. I'm all for an OLED, Fully...

That I agree on. If USB-C to USB-A is required for operation, it should have been, and should be made more clear going forward.

You could also own the product, troubleshoot a product, or ask the Engineers why before claiming it defective, yet that seemed to be missed on your end. I only mentioned a possibility, since I'm working just fine here and enjoying the DAC. Although expected, nowhere does it claim to do USB-C to...