HOTRODDED HIFI AUDIO DECODER / DAC (AS-NEW)

(Please also see my other DACs for sale.)

OVERVIEW
For sale is an as-new HiFi DAC/Audio Decoder. It is brand new and has only been opened to install higher-grade op-amps and to test operation.

This is a modern, wide-soundstage DAC/decoder with balanced XLR and RCA outputs, multiple digital inputs, and Bluetooth. Ideal for TV (optical), streamers, PCs, and phones (Bluetooth), feeding an integrated amp, power amp, or active speakers.

UPGRADE DETAILS (ANALOGUE STAGE)

• I/V stage: upgraded to 2 × Texas Instruments OPA1612 (matched pair)

  • A reference-grade, ultra-low-noise / low-distortion op-amp commonly used in high-performance DAC output stages. Chosen here for clean, accurate current-to-voltage conversion and excellent linearity.

• LPF stage: upgraded to 1 × Sparkos SS2590 PRO discrete op-amp (approx. £120 RRP)

  • Discrete “studio-grade” module designed for transparency (“wire with gain” concept), fitted in the low-pass filter/output conditioning stage.

AUDIOPHILE-GRADE LARGE WHITE CAPACITORS (OUTPUT / FILTERING)
This DAC uses large polypropylene film capacitors in the analogue low-pass filter and output stage. In simple terms, they help smooth the analogue signal after conversion, reduce unwanted high-frequency artefacts, and block DC before the signal reaches your amplifier. Compared with small ceramic/electrolytic parts found in cheaper DACs, film capacitors typically offer lower distortion and more stable behaviour.

WHY THESE UPGRADES MATTER (PRACTICAL TERMS)

• OPA1612 in I/V: cleaner conversion, very low noise/distortion, crisp transients, neutral/accurate tonality

• Sparkos SS2590 PRO in LPF: refined filtering/output conditioning, improved control, lower perceived grain, more natural presentation
  Overall: precision and neutrality from the OPA1612, followed by discrete refinement/control from the Sparkos in the LPF stage.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Fever HiFi DAC / Audio Decoder

• Power lead

• Remote control

• Any original packaging/accessories present

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

• DAC chip: ESS ES9038Q2M

• Outputs: Balanced XLR, RCA

• Inputs: USB Type-A, Optical (SPDIF), Coaxial

• Bluetooth: 5.1 (codec support can vary by device/firmware)

• PCM support: 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, 16-bit to 32-bit

• DSD support: up to DSD512 (unit/firmware dependent)

• Chassis: high-grade metal case

• Op-amps: socketed / user-replaceable

FILTERS (ON-UNIT SETTINGS)

• Hybrid – balanced all-round setting (detail + smoothness)

• L-Sharp – most detailed/edgy (can be bright on some systems)

• L-Slow – slightly softer than L-Sharp, still clean

• M-Sharp – punchy, lively, more forward

• M-Slow – smoothest/most natural, easy long listening (my favourite)

NOTES

• Genuine private sale of the physical item owned by me

• If you plan to use XLR, ensure your amplifier/speakers accept balanced input; RCA works with any standard amp

• Packed securely for shipping

ITEM SPECIFICS (EBAY)

Brand: Fever HiFi
Type: DAC / Audio Decoder
DAC Chip: ESS ES9038Q2M
Audio Outputs: XLR, RCA
Audio Inputs: USB Type-A, Optical (SPDIF), Coaxial
Bluetooth: Yes (5.1)
Maximum PCM: 384 kHz / 32-bit
Maximum DSD: DSD512 (unit dependent)
Colour: Black