Eversolo has launched the DAC-Z10, a digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier featuring volume control and an advanced dual-mono architecture based on two AKM DAC chips. The large information display on the front can display various information, including a set of dancing VU meters with a choice of different styles.
Eversolo DAC-Z10
The new DAC-Z10 is designed as a digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier all in one package.
The new DAC-Z10 is designed as a digital-to-analog converter, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier all in one package. Eversolo has chosen DAC chips from Japan’s AKM, while previous models used DAC chips from ESS Sabre Technologies. Eversolo calls its new topology Fully Isolated Architecture (FIA), a design that physically separates the digital and analog domains to minimize interference and maintain signal purity.
Three separate toroidal transformers power the left and right channels, respectively, and the system circuits, resulting in a specified noise floor of just 42 μV.
Rather than relying on digital attenuation, Eversolo has opted for a true dual R2R volume control network.
Three separate toroidal transformers power the left and right channels, respectively, and the system circuits, resulting in a specified noise floor of just 42 μV. This complete channel isolation extends to the DAC, where a discrete combination of AK4191 and AK4499 converters is used for each channel. Combined with AKM’s latest Velvet Sound technology, the DAC-Z10 promises not only precision but also a touch of the tonal warmth for which AKM is renowned.
Combined with a fully balanced analog preamplifier section featuring both XLR and RCA analog inputs and outputs with +10 dB gain, the DAC-Z10 can function as a complete digital front end and control center, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier.
Rather than relying on digital attenuation, Eversolo has opted for a true dual R2R volume control network. This is a ladder resistor array for each channel that maintains perfect phase alignment and full resolution integrity across the entire volume range. Combined with a fully balanced analog preamplifier section featuring both XLR and RCA analog inputs and outputs with +10 dB gain, the DAC-Z10 can function as a complete digital front end and control center, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier.
Inputs and outputs
The clock speed is processed with the characteristic Eversolo precision. At its core consists of an OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) combined with phase-locked loop (PLL) jitter suppression and FPGA clock reconstruction, resulting in a timing system with femtosecond accuracy. For users with external master clocks, the DAC-Z10 accepts 10 MHz and 25 MHz inputs in both 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm impedance, ensuring seamless integration into serious high-end systems.
Connectivity includes all the usual options and a few thoughtful extras.
Connectivity includes all the usual options and a few thoughtful extras. USB supports DSD512 and PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit, while dual coaxial, dual optical, AES/EBU, and IIS inputs are fully isolated to prevent ground loops. HDMI ARC and eARC support makes connecting to a TV easy, while Bluetooth streaming is managed by Qualcomm’s QCC5125 module for wireless hi-fi playback. The dedicated headphone amplifier delivers up to 1 watt into both 16 ohm and 32 ohm loads and automatically adjusts the gain based on the headphone impedance. Only a 6.35 mm jack output is fitted on the front. A balanced headphone jack has been omitted.
Eversolo DAC-Z10
Eversolo DAC-Z10
Front and center is an 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen encased in an aircraft-grade aluminum housing to prevent interference. This interface allows users to select inputs, adjust settings, and choose from a variety of VU meter and spectrum display layouts. For those who prefer to stay put, the Eversolo Control app displays the entire interface via smartphone or tablet. An IR remote control is also included.
Eversolo DAC-Z10
The Eversolo DAC-Z10 is priced at $1,980.
