James opinions the D&A Alpha, a brand new entry-level built-in twin ES9039Q2M DAC and headphone amplifier able to as much as 9W of output energy. It’s at present priced at $399.00.
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D&A Alpha Evaluate
Abstract
For the value, the D&A Alpha DAC and headphone amplifier presents good technical functionality, respectable decoding energy, a pleasantly impartial, heat tuning, satisfactory dynamics, highly effective amplification, and glorious distortion management.
Professionals
Spectacular output energy.
Near zero output impedance.
Instantaneous tone swap.
Cons
No distant management.
No RCA enter.
A number of months in the past, I reviewed the Digi & Aesth (D&A) Alpha PRO decoder and amplifier, which galvanized me with its compact measurement, design, and technicalities. As we speak, I’ve its sleeker, smaller counterpart, the D&A Alpha, on my desk for assessment.
Priced extra affordably at simply $399, the Alpha contains a slim profile and practically an identical aesthetics, together with the LED visualization results, whereas housing totally different {hardware} parts.
Key options embody a robust 9000mW output per channel, femtoclocks, and two swappable tone profiles.
I’ll check whether or not the Alpha performs in addition to the PRO model when paired with planar and delicate gear, and discover the important thing variations in comparison with different fashions, such because the FiiO K15.
Options
DAC
The D&A Alpha options SABRE chips from ESS, similar to the PRO model, however makes use of the lighter ESS9039Q2M chips, making it extra reasonably priced.
There’s a second PLL clock for jitter compensation of the Bluetooth, optical, and coaxial inputs, additional stabilizing the clock sign. One other pair of Femtosecond oscillators are utilized to generate steady and exact clock indicators across the DAC chips.
The design continues to function 4-ply PCBs, separating digital and analog sections, and implementing their SIGMA DAC topology. D&A combines 4 channels per aspect to attenuate noise, lowering it to only one-fourth of regular ranges and enhancing dynamics.
Just like the Alpha PRO, the Alpha helps decoding as much as DSD512 and PCM at 32-bit/768kHz, reaching an output impedance of <0.1Ω and a complete harmonic distortion (THD) of simply 0.00017% in its outputs.
Amplification
Although the Alpha is considerably extra reasonably priced and contains a smaller profile, it nonetheless incorporates high-quality parts, together with the Nisshinbo Micro Gadget NJU72315 volume-control chipset, +1% tolerance MELF resistors, and a Meanwell linear energy provide.
These parts assist protect dynamics by lowering noise, notably at decrease listening volumes.
The output energy impressively reaches 9000 mW per channel at 32 Ω hundreds, putting it among the many prime contenders in its class.
The output impedance stays impressively low at simply 0.1Ω, which favors a gear that requires extra uncooked energy or acquire elements to carry out optimally. Nevertheless, I’ll additionally assess how effectively it pairs with delicate IEMs.
With its totally balanced discrete amplification (FBDA) structure and 32 matched discrete transistors throughout its 4 amplification channels, the Alpha is constructed equally to the Alpha Professional.
As such, I anticipate it to ship constant efficiency or an identical tone with planar headphones and different current-demanding units, similar to its PRO counterpart.
Twin Sound Modes
Though there are not any EQ options, D&A features a easy DSP tweak that permits you to swap between a cleaner profile and a hotter, analog-like presentation with enriched harmonics on the click on of a button.
The LED modifications to orange for the hotter Tone-X profile, which is a welcome function that enhances synergy with varied gear and helps mitigate ambient noise when listening with open-back designs.
The output feels pure and could be very helpful for those who don’t need to play with EQ tweaks.
Design
At roughly 50% smaller in measurement, the Alpha’s design language intently resembles that of the PRO model. It options an acrylic entrance plate, a CNC-tooled aluminum case, and an LED gentle to indicate parts that evoke a sci-fi aesthetic.
You may cycle by way of varied lighting modes to get pleasure from totally different results with the VU meter or just dim the lights. The quantity management ring is illuminated, and different buttons additionally function LEDs to point the present mode, standing, and ranges.
Moreover, the design consists of rubber toes that additional cut back resonance, enhancing decoding efficiency. As soon as once more, I contemplate each the Alpha and the Alpha PRO among the many most aesthetically pleasing choices within the decoder and amplifier market.
I really respect producers that mix cool design with sound, as this strategy strengthens the ambiance and total expertise for listeners. Given Alpha’s value level, this design stands out as the most effective whereas remaining user-friendly.
I/O
The Alpha lacks the XLR output discovered within the Alpha PRO, but it surely does embody 6.3mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs. You may cycle between inputs and outputs with a button, and there are not any popping noises when switching.
On the again, you’ll discover an XLR output for preamp use, together with RCA line out, coaxial, optical, and USB inputs. RCA enter is gone this time, although it’s upgraded to Bluetooth 5.3 and has a equally extruded module just like the Alpha PRO, which connects stably.
Total, the connectivity is passable for the value, particularly for individuals who need a bit little bit of wi-fi connectivity and search a compact preamp for his or her audio system.
Packaging & Equipment
The packaging for the Alpha is skilled and aligns with that of the Alpha PRO, prominently displaying D&A’s brand on the prime. There are not any overly fancy parts.
The unit is well-padded to make sure secure delivery and comes with energy cords and manuals for individuals who want to perceive each element of its capabilities and options.
Connectivity
Bluetooth
The Alpha options an improve from the Alpha PRO, now together with Bluetooth 5.3 as an alternative of 5.1, supporting LDAC, aptX HD, and different light-weight profile codecs.
With an identical protruding module extending from the metallic casing, the connection stays steady all through the lounge and even maintains energy by way of the partitions.
Anticipate Bluetooth vary to be barely higher than with 5.1, although it could solely be noticeable whenever you transfer your supply removed from the Alpha.
Whereas the decoding high quality is barely marginally behind that of USB, it’s nonetheless considerably much less dynamic. Nevertheless, this distinction will not be noticeable until you’re paying shut consideration.
Should you’re merely seeking to get pleasure from music within the background, the Bluetooth connection is actually extra handy.
USB-DAC
The Alpha inherits the Alpha Professional’s USB decoding answer, that includes the 16-core XU-316 XMOS USB receiver and USB-C connection. This enables it to help decoding as much as DSD512 and PCM at 32-bit/768kHz.
The USB connection remains to be most well-liked for superior high quality and dynamics, delivering firmer bass and smoother treble. The coaxial enter can also be respectable, exhibiting related transient efficiency whereas providing a barely hotter sound profile.
Sound Impressions
After per week of burn-in and experimenting with varied inputs and outputs, I’ve my impressions under, utilizing headphones such because the Sennheiser HD 800s, MOONDROP COSMO, HIFIMAN Ananda Nano, FiiO FT7, and the Meze Audio 105 SILVA.
Numerous IEMs included the high-impedance Westone MACH 20, rated at 96 Ω, and the extra delicate Odin MK II from Empire Ears.
Abstract
The D&A Alpha delivers a barely heat, clean output with respectable dynamics and extension. Throughout the assorted gear I examined, the tonality stays fairly constant, successfully capturing dynamics with agility within the lows and with clean presentation within the higher register.
Whereas it shares similarities with the Alpha PRO, it’s not as detailed in texturing each a part of the spectrum. As an alternative, it presents a extra forgiving, barely hotter, and polished tone.
Along with its resemblance to the Alpha PRO, the Alpha options two selectable tones, enhancing its flexibility for various pairings and music genres.
In follow, the hotter Tone-X profile operates like a vocal-boost mode, with enhanced mids and harmonics, offering a extra relaxed, vibrantly coloured vocal output.
When paired with planar headphones, particularly in noisy environments or with open home windows, it helps the vocals acquire extra physique and separates the vocalists extra distinctly.
Timbre
Utilizing primarily USB and Coax inputs for testing, the output feels clear and energetic within the treble, with punchy bass assaults that improve total dynamics.
The Alpha maintains respectable management, avoiding exaggerated frequency emphasis for synthetic readability, and delivers constant tonality throughout hundreds when examined with FT7, Ananda Nano, HD 800s, and the older K701.
Authentic Mode
Within the unique tuning mode, it presents clean lows and mids, with a slight treble enhance that enhances vocal presence and penetration with out harshness.
The sound feels highly effective and agency at each ends, with enough extension that captures upper-register overtones clearly. Sub-bass reaches reasonably deep, which helps convey spacious atmosphere in large-venue recordings.
Tone-X Mode
Switching to the hotter Tone-X profile retains the higher registers clear and detailed whereas including noticeable physique to the bass and mid-lows.
Vocals acquire a sweeter, fuller character. I notably want this mode, because the inventory tuning doesn’t really feel as lush and elaborate within the bass, nor as relaxed with Jazzes and tracks at slower BPMs.
With high-impedance headphones just like the HD 800s, the Alpha delivers dynamic, firmly punchy bass with satisfactory layering. The Tone-X mode sounds lusher, although the inventory tuning mode provides a stronger sense of definitive energy.
One way or the other, I really feel just like the Tone-X mode works higher with vocal-shy IEMs, and it could press down the brittleness on some cleaner-sounding gears.
Total, articulation stays clean and pure throughout totally different hundreds, and the ability helps increased impedance gears to open up properly, whereas at decrease acquire ranges, it additionally sounds dynamic and detailed with delicate IEMs with out feeling compressed or flattened within the bass.
With reasonably delicate gears at round 32Ω, such because the latest DX3000 CL from Closing Audio, the Meze Audio 105 AER, and the Shanling HW600, it yields the most effective dynamics with punchier bass response.
I discover the switchable tonality function very user-friendly; no in depth EQ is required, and you may immediately swap between the swifter inventory sound profile, which works properly with instrumentals, and the extra mid-centric, hotter Tone-X mode with further harmonics, giving pairings extra versatility and enjoyable.
Each modes sound fairly stress-free with satisfactory decision, and the general expertise seems like a extra relaxed, much less pinpoint-accurate model of the Alpha PRO that doesn’t stress extracting particulars however presents the music’s movement extra swiftly.
Staging & Dynamics
The Alpha delivers a large, prolonged soundstage with satisfactory element retrieval of energy and an total clean tuning.
Its 9000 mW output could be extreme for delicate gear, however even at mid acquire, most planars and dynamic headphones sound managed, with out harshness or compression.
The inclusion of the brand new Tone-X mode additionally helps the mids sound extra distinctive, additional enhancing perceived positioning, readability, and fullness.
Within the cleaner unique tuning mode, bass stays clean by way of the mid-lows whereas permitting deep sub-bass to emerge naturally, enhancing perceived depth and layering.
The hotter Tone-X mode shifts towards higher intimacy, the place vocals and acoustic devices are introduced nearer, and with bass parts pulled extra ahead.
Each profiles preserve enough spaciousness, and the inventory tuning mode feels comparatively extra laid-back, but I might nonetheless contemplate it slightly balanced.
Throughout modes and acquire settings, dynamics keep vigorous with good air and texture within the bass. Even at excessive volumes or with higher-impedance hundreds (e.g., HD 800s), the Alpha maintains definition throughout most genres.
It proves much less forgiving on poorer recordings, particularly with bigger ensembles, the place midrange dynamics and separation demand higher mastering to shine, probably because of the slightly neutral-warmish tuning.
In Pop music and smaller-scale instrumental works, the efficiency is extra pleasing, providing a superb steadiness between element, roundness, and satisfying dynamics.
This mixture of excessive energy, versatile tonality switching, and uncompressed character makes the Alpha extremely adaptable with totally different headphones and delicate IEMs, delivering a sound that’s expansive and never hollowed out within the mids whereas sustaining satisfactory decision.
Click on on web page 2 under for my really useful pairings and chosen comparisons.
