EarMen Donald DAC Review

[maverickronin]

Hmm.. And what’s wrong with that?

I think it's taking the "sex sells" theme to self parody levels.

 

[Ron Texas]

Pretty good for the price. Nobody really needs a SINAD that's any better. I love the name.

 

[Xulonn]

The Sparrow has a normal name, but the product page compensates for that with an out of focus nude woman playing a cello. I don't even...

I just entered "naked woman cello" at Google images - apparently this is a popular subject for photographers. (Don't click on the link if you are a prude or otherwise offended by naked human bodies!)

 

[maverickronin]

I just entered "naked woman cello" at Google images - apparently this is a popular subject for photographers. (Don't click on the link if you are a prude or otherwise offended by naked human bodies!)

I tried subbing in "drums" and didn't get as many results, so maybe it is a cello thing.

 

[Blumlein 88]

Picasso preferred a mandolin.

Milla Jovovich of Fifth Element fame looks nice with one as well. And yes she can play one.

Click on spoiler tag for pic.

Spoiler

 

[GXAlan]

So what you have proven is that dedicated power supplies have measurable differences in noise, despite what might be expected to be a highly regulated power supply!

What happens if you plug your monitor or the Samsung charger into a Line Conditioner? @amirm (hint/nudge)

 

[martijn86]

Tramp?

That's some Schiit level naming right there.

I checked on their website and two out of three products (branded EarMen at least...) have silly names.

The Sparrow has a normal name, but the product page compensates for that with an out of focus nude woman playing a cello.

I don't even...

Sparrows are small but mighty and extremely vigilant in every aspect of their lives. The tiny sparrow is a reminder that good things come in small packages, and the loudest voice is not always the most powerful.

At least it's a fitting marketing message.

 

[617]

Of the distortion components. the relatively benign second order dominates. Really impressive measurements for a $99 DAC.

This comes in cheaper than the Khandas Tone board, after adding an enclosure. No cost wasted on controls or display might make this a good option for a PC based active crossover.

That's what I was thinking. Run your audio into a nano digi minidsp and then out to 2 or more of these for an active setup.

 

[617]

I just entered "naked woman cello" at Google images - apparently this is a popular subject for photographers. (Don't click on the link if you are a prude or otherwise offended by naked human bodies!)

I'm fine with naked women but I hate Cellos

 

[Blumlein 88]

I'm fine with naked women but I hate Cellos

How do you feel about violas?

 

[maverickronin]

I'm fine with naked women but I hate Cellos

 

[ZolaIII]

Auris Audio is a small brand from Serbia and on our language it's written as it's pronounced so Dack is DAK (while DAC is DAK) & Trump is tramp.

 

[DuxServit]

The product labels “Chicago, IL” and their website says their products are manufactured in Europe.

Good step forward in supply-chain transparency, IMHO.

 

[jharkness]

How would this compare to the Topping D10?

Better or worse and by how much? We talking plecebo much or by OMG this is world ending, never need another?

Granted i know this is not going to be the end all be all but I say for under $200 would this be the best?

 

[Kaiju]

Good to see new company recommended.

 

[Toku]

The display only shows the power status. I don't know if it is playing correctly even if I enter MQA.

 

[Guermantes]

This should also be DSD capable according to the Cirrus Logic datasheet:
https://www.cirrus.com/products/cs43198/

 

[pavuol]

I just entered "naked woman cello" at Google images - apparently this is a popular subject for photographers. (Don't click on the link if you are a prude or otherwise offended by naked human bodies!)

I clicked it, shame on me! And found this (click it only in the name of education on history of art)
Anyway, I get a feeling naked women always tend to distract us from science!

Ehm, cough cough, what I wanted to say in the first place, nice review!

 

[amirm]

So what you have proven is that dedicated power supplies have measurable differences in noise, despite what might be expected to be a highly regulated power supply!

Well no. I am pretty sure the primary port is regulated as well or performance would be very bad. Likely the second port provides additional power.

 

[GXAlan]

Well no. I am pretty sure the primary port is regulated as well or performance would be very bad. Likely the second port provides additional power.

If you still have the DAC, and your monitor has multiple USB ports, it may be interesting to plug the second port into the monitor also like those old first-gen external mechanical USB HDD/DVDs.

edit; the degree of regulation on the first is also really good. I was just thinking that unless a line conditioner can show a measurable difference, you can show that even a device like this where the primary port is not as good as having dual ports, running the primary port off a line conditioner has no effect. Thus for a power supply at this level of regulation, while you see a benefit from a second power source, the benefit if any from a line conditioner is Lower.