Introduction - Oppo SonicaDAC User Manual

Introduction
In pursuit of outstanding digital to analog audio playback, OPPO Sonica DAC is equipped with an
ES9038PRO 32‐bit HyperStream DAC chip. As the flagship of the ESS SABRE PRO series, the ES9038PRO
sets new benchmarks for audio performance. Sonica DAC's power circuitry includes a linear power
regulator drawing from a massive toroidal power transformer, which provides a very clean and robust
power supply to the audio components.
Sonica DAC can be used as a standalone high‐performance DAC, providing digital inputs like Optical,
Coaxial and asynchronous USB DAC that support PCM up to 768 kHz 32‐bit and DSD up to 22.5792 MHz
(DSD512).
Sonica DAC is also a high resolution audio player that is capable of decoding up to 24‐bit / 192 kHz
resolution FLAC, WAV and Apple Lossless files, as well as DSD64 files at 64x sample rate. You can also
play music files from USB drives attached to the Sonica DAC, from computers and servers connected via
Ethernet or Wi‐Fi, or from a mobile device running the Sonica app.
As a member of the Sonica Wi‐Fi speaker family, Sonica DAC is also a music streamer, allowing you to
stream music from your smartphone and tablet using the Sonica app, AirPlay, or Bluetooth. When
grouped with Sonica Wi‐Fi speakers, Sonica DAC can play music streamed to the speaker group, and you
can also connect an existing analog audio source to the multi‐room speaker group using Sonica DAC's
AUX input.
Sonica DAC provides XLR balanced and RCA stereo outputs. The audio output path is fully balanced from
the DAC chip all the way to the XLR jacks. Even the RCA output signal is derived from the balanced
output. The balanced design provides better common‐mode noise rejection and improves signal quality.
It also provides better channel separation by eliminating the common ground return path. You can set
either output to volume‐controlled or bypass, allowing Sonica DAC to be connected to preamps or
directly to power amplifiers. A 12V trigger input and output allows you to turn on and off the entire
audio system with one click.
Sonica DAC sports an aluminum chassis with classic volume and source selection knobs. A 2.8‐inch OLED
display complements the brushed metal front panel, showing the current volume and detailed audio
information.
Sonica DAC brings high‐resolution audio playback, network streaming, and mobile device connection to
your existing home audio system. As a member of the OPPO Sonica product family, the AUX input of
Sonica DAC enables you to connect an existing analog audio source to the Sonica multi‐room network.
Add one, two, or more Sonica Wi‐Fi speakers and enjoy your favorite tunes anywhere in your home.
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