The ES9281PRO is the first USB product that offers an integrated hardware MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) renderer that makes MQA playback easy and cost-efficient.
#Earman sparrow plus#
“ Sparrow is powered by ES9281PRO, the flagship of the ESS line, which can provide best-in-class audio performance at 124 dB DNR and -112 Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N). This next bit has been borrowed from the Sparrow’s product page. As such, EarMen can take over in describing why the above matters.
As I explained in my TR-Amp review, I’m casual scum when it comes to explaining and/or understanding the tech behind DACs and amps. Sound Quality and Device Pairing The Sparrow utilizes the Sabre ES9281Pro, a flagship in their ESS lineup of DACs. It’s such a good looking device, I would hate to see that happen to anyone. If it somehow finds its way from your pocket to the ground the shock will transmit straight through to the glass, increasing the likelihood of cracks or chipping. The Sparrow lacks a plastic insulating layer between the aluminum frame and glass panels. The build quality is fantastic, but I would like to see either EarMen or a third part like DDHiFi develop a case for it because glass is glass, and glass breaks when dropped. Overall, the Sparrow looks classy and feels excellent in the hand. I never refer to this feature, but if you’re one who does, you might be underwhelmed by the lack of precision in format indication. The colour indicators are more limited than some of the competition, such as the aforementioned BTR3K and Earstudio HUD100, both of which indicate 5 or more formats with various colours. Green says you’re using PCM, DXD, or DSD audio formats, while Magenta indicates MQA is in use. It indicates a number of things white means the device is connected, with red indicating the opposite. Further adding to the premium feel of the Sparrow is that all of this branding/writing is under the glass panels, ensuring they won’t wear off over time.Ī neat touch that went unnoticed until the device had powered up was the EarMen logo doubling as an LED.
A small Hi-Res Audio logo sits dead centre. Flipping to the rear panel you find the MQA logo, model and brand names, again in that sexy reflective silver. The brand and model names are decked in a reflective silver that looks better in person than in pics, while the logo is a soft white. The front glass panel houses the EarMen logo, brand name, and model information. It doesn’t effect anything and I haven’t experienced any issues with durability, it just looks odd given they didn’t do the same thing with the larger 3.5mm port. The type-C and 3.5mm ports are neatly integrated, while the 2.5mm port is flattened along the top and bottom, shaving off some of the plastic surround. On top top end of the device is a USB type-C input, while the opposite end housing the standard 3.5mm output, along with a balanced 2.5mm output. It feels amazing in the hand for such a small device, with a weight and density I would attribute to something larger and more visually substantial. A lot like the FiiO BTR3K, the Sparrow takes cues from modern smartphone design with front and rear glass panels and a painted black aluminum surround.
#Earman sparrow portable#
I appreciate that EarMen included a Type C to C cable in the box, as that has been a main criticism of mine as of late for a couple other products that fill a similar niche, such as the Radsone Earstudio HUD100 and EarMen’s own TR-Amp, although the latter is notably less portable than the Sparrow or HUD100.īuild Quality Initial images of the Sparrow had me thinking it would be a compact, plastic affair, but wow was I ever surprised once it showed up. Overall a very simple but effective unboxing experience. Also inside is a warranty card and a much more in depth specifications sheet. Set within shaped inserts are the Sparrow and two cables USB Type A to C, and USB Type C to C. Flipping to the rear are some basic specifications along with logos for PCM, Hi-Res Audio, DXD, DSD, and MQA.Ĭutting the QA seals and lifting the slender top flap reveals a sheet of soft foam taking up the entirely of the interior. What’s neat about these images is they are 1:1 and accurately reflect the Sparrow’s compact dimension.
On the front is the usual branding and model info, along with a glossy, embossed image of the Sparrow set between wire frame images of the front and rear panels. Packaging and Accessories The Sparrow arrives in a surprisingly large, flat box with a mostly smooth, matte black texture.
0 kommentar(er)
