E1DA

E1DA 9038D6K

Name: E1DA 9038D6K
Brand: E1DA
Price: 129 USD
Availability: InStock

Last updated August 1, 2026

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A pocket-sized USB DAC/amp built around the ES9038Q2M chip, with every unit individually calibrated.

Buy at Linsoul Audio$129.00

Official product page

Overview

The 9038D6K is a USB-powered portable DAC/amp using an ES9038Q2M chip with OPA1622/OPA1602 op-amps, weighing 12g in a 48x22x9mm sandblasted black anodized aluminum case with laser-engraved specifications. It has hardware volume control in 0.5dB steps, supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, and every unit is individually calibrated with its results printed on the case.

Pros

ES9038Q2M DAC chip with OPA1622/OPA1602 op-amps in a 12g, 48x22x9mm portable form factor
USB-powered with no internal battery to degrade over time
180mW @ 32Ω output power with hardware volume control in 0.5dB steps
Every unit individually calibrated with results printed on the case

Cons

E1DA's own documentation notes potential audible noise near LTE/4G/5G radios due to a highly sensitive I/V stage
Some 2020+ laptops may need a manufacturer firmware fix for USB3 compatibility
3.5mm single-ended output only — no 4.4mm balanced option

Specifications

DAC Chip: ES9038Q2M
Dimensions / Weight: 48 x 22 x 9mm, 12g
Connectors: USB-C input, 3.5mm unbalanced output
Output Power: 180mW @ 32Ω; 120mW @ 16Ω (1kHz, THD=1%)
Frequency Response: 5–80kHz +0.05/−1dB @ 32-bit/384kHz
SNR/DR: 126dB(A) typical (2.75Vrms reference)
THD+N: <0.0001% typical @ 24-bit/44.1kHz (no load)
Audio Format Support: PCM 32-bit/384kHz; DSD256

FAQs

Does it have a built-in battery?

No — it's USB-powered directly from the connected source, with no internal battery.

Does it support balanced output?

No — it has a 3.5mm single-ended output only.

Is there a known compatibility issue?

E1DA notes some 2020-and-newer laptop models may need a firmware fix for USB3 compatibility, and the sensitive I/V stage can pick up audible noise near LTE/4G/5G radios.