Qudelix - T71 USB DAC

Four ES9219 SABRE HiFi® DACThe Qudelix-T71 is a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that is designed to receive and process multi-channel audio from a host source device. Unlike most conventional USB DACs that only receive two-channel stereo audio, the T71 can receive up to 8 channels of digital audio.

The T71 is equipped with a high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that utilizes a proprietary algorithm to process the incoming multi-channel surround audio. It mixes the audio channels into the appropriate speaker format based on the connected speakers or headphones.

One of the features of the T71 is its ability to automatically detect the incoming audio channel format. The device's screen displays real-time channel information of the incoming audio. This information shows the format, such as 5.1 Rear, 5.1 Side, 7.1, or 2.0 channels, indicating what the T71 USB DAC is currently receiving from the host source device.

Based on the input format detected, the T71's DSP switches its processing mode accordingly. This ensures that the audio is processed and mixed in the most appropriate way for the given input format, providing an optimal listening experience.

*Please note that T71 does not support Bluetooth.

at a glance • NXP iMXRT600 ARM + DSP Core
• Four ES9219C SABRE HiFi® DAC
• Two Texas Instruments INA1620 AMP
• Unbalanced output max. 4V RMS (3.5mm)
• Balanced output max. 8V RMS (2.5 & 4.4mm)
• 4~10 hours battery time (1000mA Battery)
• 2.0 Channel Stereo Mode 384KHz / 32-bit
• 7.1 Channel Surround Mode 96KHz / 32-bit
• 20-Band Equalizer
• Two High Sensitivity MEMS Microphones
• PC Chrome App Windows/macOS/Linux
• 84 x 40 x 1.6mm / 75g
• Aluminum CNC Body / Plastic Bottom case

Relative DynamicsOne of the primary disadvantages of down-mixing surround audio, such as 7.1 or 5.1, into a 2-channel stereo format is that it can lose relative dynamics in the audio signal.

In a surround sound system, different audio channels are used to deliver specific sounds to different speakers, creating a sense of immersion and spatial positioning. Each channel carries specific audio information, such as dialogue, background noise, music, or sound effects.

When down-mixing to stereo, the audio information from multiple channels must be combined into two channels. This process involves reducing the number of channels and redistributing the audio content across the stereo field. As a result, certain audio elements, such as spatial cues and specific channel separation, can be lost or compromised.

Additionally, the audio signal's dynamic range may be affected during down-mixing. Dynamic range refers to the difference between the quietest and loudest parts of the audio. With a larger number of audio channels, each channel can have its own dynamic range. However, when down-mixing to stereo, the dynamic range of the entire audio signal needs to fit within the limitations of two channels. This can lead to compression or scaling down of the audio within the given dynamic range, potentially reducing the overall impact and fidelity of the audio.

Therefore, while down-mixing allows compatibility with stereo systems, it does come with the disadvantage of potentially sacrificing the relative dynamics and spatial qualities of the original surround sound audio.

• NXP iMXRT600 (ARM + DSP)
• Four ES9219 SABRE HiFi® DAC
• Two Texas Instrument INA1620 High-Fidelity Audio Operational Amplifier
• 3.5mm UNBAL Max. 4VRMS
• 2.5 & 4.4mm BAL Max. 8VRMS
• High Precision MEMS Audio Clock
• High-Resolution USB DAC
• 20-Band EQ
• 1000mA Battery
• Color OLED Display 240 x 135
• High Sensitivity Dual MEMS Microphone
• Four Multi-functional Buttons & Four LEDs
• Chrome app for PC/MacOS
• Android Mobile app
• Material • Aluminum Body (Dark Gray) • Plastic Bottom (Black)
• Size 84(H) x 40(W) x 16(D) mm
• Weight 75g