Apos - Merlin AKM Desktop DAC

Not all wizards wear robes: Wielding an AK4493 DAC chip, a TI OPA1652 analog output stage, and an Amanero USB module that banishes jitter to the nether realms, the Merlin DAC is here to weave magic from your ones and zeroes. Conjured for the Gremlin. Ready for anything. When we launched the Gremlin tube amp, a few sharp-eared listeners told us it paired beautifully with Geshelli DACs. We tried one for ourselves and wholeheartedly agreed. So we reached out to our friends at Geshelli Labs and began work on what would become the Merlin: the ideal digital wizard companion for the Gremlin’s analog mischief. But this DAC isn’t a one-spell wizard. With balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outs, it’s ready to weave magic into just about any system. Amanero 768 USB Module The USB input is handled by an Amanero 768 module—one of the most stable, reliable USB interfaces on the market. It supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512, with galvanic isolation to reduce system noise. With driver-free operation, it connects via USB Type-C and draws no power from your source, giving you better compatibility and zero ground loop issues. Sonic magic with the AK4493 Musical, full-bodied, and crystal clear, the AK4493 D/A chip supports 32-bit files and sampling rates up to 768kHz through USB. Its dynamic range (120dB) and THD+N (0.00038%) performance offer noise-free resolution. Texas Instruments analog stage The output stage is driven by a TI OPA1652 op amp. This low-noise, low-distortion chip has a clean, neutral tonality that preserves the depth and resolution of the AK4493. SPDIF decoding done right The TI DIX9211 chip handles coaxial SPDIF input with support for 24-bit/192kHz PCM. It's a robust, low-jitter decoder that integrates well with consoles, CD players, streamers—anything that runs coaxial out—to keep timing errors low and digital edges clean. Product highlights AK4493 DAC chip with 32-bit, 768kHz PCM support Native DSD512 playback via USB TI OPA1652 op amps TI DIX9211 SPDIF decoder for clean coaxial input Amanero 768 USB interface with driverless Type-C connection Coaxial SPDIF input supports up to 192kHz/24-bit RCA and XLR outputs Specs DAC chip: AKM AK4493 Op amps: XLR: 2x TI OPA1652 RCA: 1x TIOPA1652 SPDIF decoder: TI DIX9211 USB interface: Amanero 768 with USB Type-C SNR: 120dB THD+N: 0.00038% PCM support: USB: up to 768kHz/32-bit SPDIF: up to 192kHz/24-bit DSD support: Native DSD512 (USB) Inputs: USB Type-C, Coaxial SPDIF Outputs: RCA, XLR Power: 12V DC Weight: 6.4 oz Dimensions: 5" W x 3.25" D x 2.25" H What’s Included Apos x Geshelli Merlin DAC Manual Power cable