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DRD-1 Differential Reference® DAC

Black audio component with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
DRD-1 Differential Reference® DAC

New
Regular price
$699.00
Sale price
$699.00
Regular price
Temporarily unavailable
Unit price
per 

Product Overview

Meet the DRD-1 Differential Reference® DAC. It brings music and movies closer by lowering background noise and preserving natural tone. Voices sound more lifelike, and bass carries shape and drive. A short, fully balanced signal path keeps the performance intact from input to output. You connect your TV with HDMI-ARC for high quality stereo and simple control.

For music, use USB-C with your computer or streamer. Fixed-level outputs feed your preamp or powered speakers with steady headroom. The steel chassis is compact, stackable, and easy to place.

Make it one system.
Shop Differential Reference® Stack -->

Go with the full Differential Reference® Stack for one-tap control and cleaner, more balanced audio. Plus, built-in savings and a free performance Cable Kit ($100 value) for easy wiring.

Product Features

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Quieter background

A short, fully balanced (noise-rejecting) path and OPA1656/OPA1678 stages keep hiss down and detail up, so space, texture, and punch come through.

Back panel of an electronic device with various connectivity ports on a black background

TV to hi-fi

Plug your TV’s ARC port into HDMI-ARC (TV audio return) for clear stereo and simple control, one cable, no lip-sync headaches.

Electronic device with visible circuit board and components on a white background

Formats handled

ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M handles PCM to 768 kilohertz, native DSD to DSD512, and DoP (DSD over PCM) to DSD256; S/PDIF supports 24-bit/192 kilohertz.

Audio interface with analog inputs on a black background

Fixed-level outputs

Fixed-level (not volume controlled) outputs deliver 4 volts RMS at 0 dBFS on balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA for easy gain staging and maximum headroom.

Specs & Downloads

Complete Your Audio Solution

These products work great with DRD-1 DAC
DRA-1 Differential Reference® Stereo Amplifier
Black audio equipment with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
Regular price
$799.00
Sale price
$799.00
Unit price
per 
DRS-1 Differential Reference® Streamer & Media Hub
Black audio equipment with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
Regular price
$799.00
Sale price
$799.00
Unit price
per 
DRP-1 Differential Reference® Stereo Preamp
Black audio amplifier with digital display and Emotiva branding on a white background
Regular price
$699.00
Sale price
$699.00
Unit price
per 
12" Balanced XLR Cable
Black audio cable with XLR connectors on a white background
Regular price
$19.99
Sale price
$19.99
Unit price
per 

FAQ

The DRD-1 converts digital audio from sources such as a computer, streamer, CD transport, or TV into a high-quality analog signal for your stereo system. It uses an ESS ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC and a fully balanced differential analog signal path through its XLR outputs.

The DRD-1 includes USB-C, coaxial S/PDIF, optical Toslink, and HDMI-ARC inputs. That gives you connections for computers, streamers, digital transports, televisions, and other compatible stereo digital sources.

HDMI-ARC lets you send stereo digital audio from the ARC connection on a compatible TV or projector directly to the DRD-1. It is an audio return connection, not a conventional HDMI source input, video input, or I2S connection.

No. The DRD-1 is a two-channel DAC and accepts stereo PCM audio. A compatible TV will often recognize it as a stereo device automatically. If necessary, set your TV's digital audio output to stereo PCM rather than Dolby Digital, DTS, or another multichannel format.

The DRD-1 has fixed-level analog outputs, so it should normally be connected to a preamp or another device that provides volume control. Do not connect it directly to a power amplifier unless safe volume control is provided elsewhere in the signal path.

No. The USB-C connection is a USB Audio input designed for a computer or compatible digital source. For direct playback from USB storage, use a streamer such as the DRS-1.

Through USB, the DRD-1 supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz, DoP up to DoP256, and native DSD up to DSD512 with the appropriate software and driver support. The coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs support stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Standard PCM playback does not require an additional driver on current Windows, Apple, and most Linux computers. DoP and native DSD playback may require compatible drivers, playback software, or additional configuration depending on your computer and player.

Yes. The same compact metal remote can control both the DRD-1 and DRP-1, with controls assigned to the appropriate functions on each component. The DRD-1's OLED display can also be dimmed through several levels or turned completely off.

The DRD-1 is covered by Emotiva's five-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage begins on the original retail purchase date and may be transferred to another owner during the original five-year term. See Emotiva's warranty terms for complete coverage details.

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