The Sabre ES9038PRO 8-channel DAC chip handles digital sources, while two master-clocks, one for 44.1 kHz and one for 48 kHz eliminate jitter. Hi-Res support is extensive supporting PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD512, with upsampling of lower-quality audio streams to 352.8kHz/384kHz. It’s also certified Roon Tested.

Vinyl enthusiasts are catered for with support for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono cartridges that employs precise RIAA equalisation using a JFET based low-noise phono amplifier design. Phono input loads are fixed at 47K/100pF and 360/200pF respectively. While the MC input has three selectable gains; 46dB, 52dB and 60dB, to match the output of your chosen cartridge.

Rear panel signal inputs includes; USB-C, four S/PDIF (2 x coaxial and 2 x optical) and an HDMI ARC for connecting to a home cinema system. There are also 1x balanced XLR and 3 x RCA inputs. Outputs include, two S/PDIF (1 x coaxial and 1 x optical), 1 x XLR and 1 x RCA line level, 2 pairs of gold plated speaker binding posts and 1 x 12VDC 3.5mm trigger in/out. The front panel supports 1 x 6.35mm headphone socket driven by a current-feedback amplifier.

Control is available using the 4.3-inch front IPS screen, associated three buttons and the premium four-channel active volume control. The display can be set to show the volume, real-time signal levels, VU meters, menus, logos and more. Additional control is available using the supplied IR remote to access all primary functions, and is compatible with all components in the Platina series.

Finally, its “industrial design” echo’s Quads designs of old with its fascia design and side-mounted heat sinks, plus a steel chassis, thick anodised aluminium front panel and vibration-damping feet.

Features At A Glance:

• 2 x 200W (8 ohm) / 2x300W (4 ohm)
• Class AB Dual Mono Design
• ES9038Pro 32-bit DAC
• Roon Tested
• Highly linear Analogue Volume Control
• 4.3″ 800 x 480 Full View IPS LCD
• Dedicated High-performance Low Noise MM/MC Phono stage with selectable gain (46/52/60dB)
• Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp
• Supports USB Upgrade

Specifications:

• Inputs:
  • 2 x Analogue (RCA), 1 x XLR, 1 x Phono (MM / MC)
  • 2 x SPDIF (Coaxial), 2 x SPDIF (Optical)
  • 1 x PC USB(TYPE C) 1 x HDMI ARC
  • 1 x 12V Trigger
• Outputs:
  • 1 x RCA (pair), 1 x XLR (pair) , 1 x Stereo Speaker binding post (pair),
  • 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x 12V Trigger
• Sampling Frequency:
  • Optical / Coaxial: 44.1kHz – 192kHz
  • PC USB: 44.1kHz – 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512)
• Preamplifier Section:
  • Gain 0dB (Line): +46 / +52 / +60dB  Adjustable (Phono)
  • Input Sensitivity 1.2Vrms ( Line Volume = 0dB)
  • 2.4Vrms ( XLR Volume = 0dB)
  • 5mV (Phone MM, Gain = 46dB, Volume = 0dB)
  • 1mV (Phone MC, Gain = 60dB, Volume = 0dB)
  • Input Impedance:
    • 50K (Line)
    • 50K // 100pF (Phono MM)
    • 360R // 200pF (Phono MC)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.0004% (1KHz @ 2V, Volume = 0dB)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/- 0.1dB)
  • Output Impedance: 120 ohm
  • Signal-to-Noise ratio:
    • >110dB (Line &XLR, A-weighted):
    • >78dB (Phono MM, A-weighted)
    • >70dB (Phono MC, A-weighted)
  • DAC:
    • D to A Converter: ES9038Pro
    • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.001% (1kHz@0dBFS)
    • Output Level (0dBFS, 1KHz): 2.0VrmsMax.
    • Sampling Frequency:
      • Optical / Coaxial: 192KHz
      • PC USB: PCM 768kHz, DSD512
    • Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N) >116dB (A-weighted)
• Power Amplifier Section:
  • Gain: +30dB
  • Rated Power Output: 2 x 200W (8 ohm, THD<1%)
  • Rated Power Output: 2 x 310W (4 ohm, THD<1%)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0.3dB)
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.0008% (1kHz@100W/8ohm)
  • Input Sensitivity: 1.2Vrms
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): >112dB (A-weighted)Max.
  • Output Current: 20A
• Headphone Amplifier: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW ), Output Impedance 2.35 ohm, Load Impedance 20 – 600 ohm
• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 17.1kg
• Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): 445 x 134.5 x 348mm
• Power Requirements (depending on region): 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz, 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
• Standard Accessories: Power Cord, Remote Control, User Manual