CrinEar IEMs by Crinacle

[crinacle]

Protocol Max dongle released, but apparently sold out?

CrinEar Protocol Max Portable DAC-Amplifier

FULFILMENT TIME: 4-5 DAYS! The Protocol Max marks CrinEar’s bold entry into the source gear market, bringing our philosophy of acoustic precision to digital-to-analog conversion and amplification. With up to 600 mW of clean power on tap from its balanced output, the Protocol Max effortlessly...

hangout.audio

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):

116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:

500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:

125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:

Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:

On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

 

[Curupira]

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

How's the plankton and PRaT?

Congratulations on the implementation of the PEQ function inside the squig's EQ, you seem to know your audience really well.

 

[AMDfanTO]

Will there be an option to store multiple EQs and swap, similar to the Qudelix 5K?

 

[Adamant11746]

Will there be an option to store multiple EQs and swap, similar to the Qudelix 5K?

Seconding this. It would be great to have this ability for those of us who swap headphones/IEMs on a regular basis. Currently I use Wavelet for mobile and EqualizerAPO for PC, but I would definitely consider something external for mobile if I could easily swap between at least 2 EQ profiles (up to 5 would be nice, but 2 would work).

I don't know if the hardware supports this, but if it does that would be a great way to differentiate this from other EQ capable dongles.

 

[AMDfanTO]

Ya it's a non-starter for me if I can't. I use my qudelix to swap from over ears, closed back and iem - depending on the use case

 

[Hifihedgehog]

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

Any chance we might see a crossfeed option or is that not possible with the onboard hardware? Just glancing at (and drooling over) the pretty charts, Protocol Max looks like a strong contender to @neutroncode's Neutron HiFi DAC V1. In fact, this looks like the definitive portable DAC and amplifier setup. The fact you could hook up even a pair of Dan Clark Audio headphones to this and it (based on the specifications, anyway) not choke at low volume is extremely compelling.

Amazon.com: CrinEar Protocol Max | Portable DAC-Amplifier with 10-Band PEQ, Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 + Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 | 600mW High Power Amplification : Electronics

Buy CrinEar Protocol Max | Portable DAC-Amplifier with 10-Band PEQ, Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 + Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 | 600mW High Power Amplification: Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[jasonhanjk]

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max


​

The Fosi Audio DS2 have lower noise and it only cost $55.
That being said, DS2 is a DAC only.

Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC & Amp Review

Hi Turambar, thanks for your quick reply. Just name it: RTFM. :) Even if it is not entirely clear to me why an adapter should cause such problems, this is probably an incorrect method of use. 4.4mm to 4Pin XLR adapters are entirely safe to use. It's possible that you just happened to get a...

www.audiosciencereview.com

In theory, DAC-amp should sound better with low impedance IEM.
So I'm looking forward for the THD+N vs power graph using 8 ohm.
Also the claimed -65dB crosstalk is based on 8 ohm?

 

[heraldo_jones]

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

Looking good! There is any limit on the amount of bands we can upload to the device?

 

[mc.god]

Looking good! There is any limit on the amount of bands we can upload to the device?

The CB5100 Pro usb bridge should support up to 10 band PEQ.

 

[mc.god]

How's the plankton and PRaT?

Congratulations on the implementation of the PEQ function inside the squig's EQ, you seem to know your audience really well.

we should thank @Jeromeof for this

 

[jkim]

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

It seems that TTGK modified the TT39518F01-Pro module to add the SGM8262 op-amps. This will be a nice product similar to the FiiO KA15. With respect to performance and functionality, there should be virtually no difference between this and FiiO KA15. Even the solution to DRE-induced distortion looks identical to TTGK's and FiiO's (the DRE activation threshold set to a much lower level) as indicated in the multitone test's elevated noise for -45 dB signal. But the KA15 supports a 'DRE Disable' option, too, which completely removes the distortion even at very low levels. I would prefer the KA15, anyway, because it enables on-the-fly change of settings with its buttons and on-device display.

Any chance we might see a crossfeed option or is that not possible with the onboard hardware? Just glancing at (and drooling over) the pretty charts, Protocol Max looks like a strong contender to @neutroncode's Neutron HiFi DAC V1. In fact, this looks like the definitive portable DAC and amplifier setup. The fact you could hook up even a pair of Dan Clark Audio headphones to this and it (based on the specifications, anyway) not choke at low volume is extremely compelling.

Amazon.com: CrinEar Protocol Max | Portable DAC-Amplifier with 10-Band PEQ, Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 + Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 | 600mW High Power Amplification : Electronics

Buy CrinEar Protocol Max | Portable DAC-Amplifier with 10-Band PEQ, Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 + Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 | 600mW High Power Amplification: Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

In my view, these new DACs with onboard PEQ from FiiO, Topping, TTGK (manufaturing for TRN, NiceHCK, Crinacle), etc. are not comparable to Qudelix, RME, JDS Labs products. One key difference is attention to detail. All the PEQ filters' correct operation, little or no quantization noise from filters, control of fade-in/skip behavior, no pops from sleep entry/exit (power-saving features), etc. should be done right. Critically, I am confident that, even if there are some software/firmware issues reported, the latter brands will properly and correctly address those for their customers. I have no such confidence in FiiO, Topping, TTGK. I really hope they will change the situation... EDIT. I believe Crinacle is in the right position to make that change since he is a direct customer of TTGK.

 

[d2k5000]

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications shoul

Thanks for the post! I've sent out a unit to Amir so we may see some measurements on ASR, but in the meantime here's some data from our lab:

SINAD on single-ended/balanced (600Ω load):
View attachment 481188View attachment 481189
116dB on SE, 117dB on BAL

THD+N vs Power output on Balanced, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481191View attachment 481192
500mW (32Ω) and 54mW (300Ω) maximum power output
4Vrms max

THD+N vs Power output on Single-ended, 32Ω and 300Ω loads:
View attachment 481193View attachment 481194
125mW (32Ω) and 13.5mW (300Ω) maximum power output
2Vrms max

Multitone Distortion at 0dBFS, -15dBFS, -30dBFS, -45dBFS:
View attachment 481195
Mainly to show that the Cirrus' DRE-induced IMD "hump" has been corrected in this DAC.
SMPTE ratios are kept comfortably under -100dB above -25dBFS.

FFT 44.1kHz:
View attachment 481190
On the default filter: Fast roll-ff, low-latency (Fast-LL)

Output Impedance:
<0.3Ω (SE), <0.6Ω (BAL)
​

And of course, the user guide on how you can upload your PEQ profiles to the Protocol Max can be found here, alongside more specifications should one be curious.

I had a couple of filter related questions.

The "Low latency" mode mentioned above would mean the same as "minimum phase" for a filter setting right? As I understand it, "Linear phase" would be the other phase option for the CS43198 right? I am still learning about filter settings, and the terminology is a bit confusing at times.

Also, will users be able to change the filter settings on the Protocol Max?

Thanks

 

[Hifihedgehog]

EDIT. I believe Crinacle is in the right position to make that change since he is a direct customer of TTGK.

Hence my mention to @crinacle if crossfeed was technologically feasible with the current board and, if so, if that could be implemented at some point. Totally agreed that the others you noted are a wash in the digital processing and firmware side. That said, the electrical performance and power on tap are actually better than the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 which is why it interests me. Crossfeed would make it a no-brainer.

 

[jkim]

Hence my mention to @crinacle if crossfeed was technologically feasible with the current board and, if so, if that could be implemented at some point. Totally agreed that the others you noted are a wash in the digital processing and firmware side. That said, the electrical performance and power on tap are actually better than the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 which is why it interests me. Crossfeed would make it a no-brainer.

Why not Qudelix 5K, then? Sure, power is greater from this new product or FiiO KA15. However, in reality, the maximum power output difference b/w these devices is not practically substantial. FiiO KA15/Protocol Max can be just 3.2 dB louder than Qudelix 5K at their maximum unclipping balanced output into 32 ohm load (4.3 vs. 3.0 Vrms @ 0.1% THD+N). Of course, not many headphones need that much power.

 

[solawind]

i quite like my Dusks with the dsp default setting. Is there any point in trying any of those new Crin IEMs? Maybe there are some Dusk owners out there

 

[frix]

i quite like my Dusks with the dsp default setting. Is there any point in trying any of those new Crin IEMs? Maybe there are some Dusk owners out there

If you like a better comfort and a smaller fitting shell and are not a fan of using USB DSP cable.

 

[solawind]

Why not Qudelix 5K, then?

yea i believe the 5k would be a better choice for most dongle users. Having a mic and BT is very convinient and the price difference is not substantial . Personally i would even prefer a DAC DSP IEM cable like the Dusks have, but with a mic (and ADC obviosly), as i hate to unplug iems for a short phone call.

 

[solawind]

If you like a better comfort and a smaller fitting shell and are not a fan of using USB DSP cable.

Looks like they are basically the same, i believe those FR deviations are within the measurement error range or due to tips difference.

 

[Hifihedgehog]

Why not Qudelix 5K, then? Sure, power is greater from this new product or FiiO KA15. However, in reality, the maximum power output difference b/w these devices is not practically substantial. FiiO KA15/Protocol Max can be just 3.2 dB louder than Qudelix 5K at their maximum unclipping balanced output into 32 ohm load (4.3 vs. 3.0 Vrms @ 0.1% THD+N). Of course, not many headphones need that much power.

Unless there has been a change, the SINAD on that is pretty terrible if I am not mistaken, right? Bluetooth and crossfeed notwithstanding, unless I am missing something here, it doesn't look that impressive.

 

[solawind]

Unless there has been a change, the SINAD on that is pretty terrible if I am not mistaken, right?

Someone got 93 SINAD with the 5k in low gain mode https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...h-dac-headphone-amp.17386/page-17#post-741781 . Low gain should be enough for most (if not all) IEMs. Anyway even 82 db is absolutely not "terrible" and is well beyond your hearing limits. Features and exellent 5k software is much more important factor here