Audiolab D7

[Dan Booth]

Hi guys!

I’m looking to buy a DAC to use as an audio hub in my lounge. I’m looking for one with a USB input (iPad - Tidal), Optical input (TV), remote volume control, as well as XLR outputs to go to a set of active Adam Audio studio monitors.

For context, I’m a professional guitarist, and I’m a huge fan of high quality sound. I own a pair of Ultimate Ears UE18+ IEMs which I pair with an Audioquest Dragonfly Red for portable listening. I love this combiniation very much but since moving house, I’m now looking to upgrade my system from studio monitors straight out of the TV, to a proper audio set up.

I have been reccommended the Audiolab M-DAC from a friend but since researching it appears the Audiolab D7 is the newest offering, designed to replace the original M-DAC.

I just wanted to ask, before I pull the trigger on the D7, are there any other products I should be looking at that you’d all recommend?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this! I look forward to your responses!

All the best,
Dan

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

How important is the XLR connection? D7 seems a nice piece of kit, but wondering whether a streamer / pre-amp from WiiM / Eversolo / etc might be worth consideration?