The Apos & Geshelli Merlin DAC offers a compelling entry point into the world of balanced audio, delivering impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. This review delves into the Merlin's design, features, and sound quality, focusing on its synergy with the accompanying Gremlin amplifier. We examine its compact and visually striking skeletal construction, noting both its aesthetic appeal and potential durability concerns. The internal components and their performance are also scrutinized, assessing the Merlin's contribution to the overall sound signature.The review explores the DAC's straightforward feature set, highlighting its lack of certain common functionalities while justifying its minimalist approach in the context of its price point. Particular attention is paid to its compatibility with the Gremlin amplifier, analyzing the combined sound characteristics and their suitability for different listening preferences. Ultimately, we assess whether the Merlin DAC successfully delivers on its promise of a high-quality, balanced audio experience without breaking the bank, weighing its strengths against its limitations.
Pros And Cons
- Excellent value at under $200
- High-quality internals for the price
- Clean signal output
- Allows for use with a solid-state amp in addition to the Gremlin amp for a pure sound
- One of the only balanced DACs on the market at this price point
- Unique and visually appealing design
- Relatively simple design with limited features
- Only USB-C and XLR/RCA outputs (lacks 4.4mm output)
- No Bluetooth, remote, filter options, or coaxial output
- Plexiglass plates may scratch easily and show dust
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Apos & Geshelli Merlin DAC arrived in its packaging, and the first thing that struck me was its compact size. It's surprisingly small, which is a plus for those with limited desk space. The unit itself boasts a unique, open skeletal design, showcasing its internal components. This design choice adds a visually appealing element that distinguishes it from other DACs.
Initial impressions suggest a well-built device, although concerns about the longevity of the plexiglass plates used in its construction came to mind. While aesthetically pleasing, plexiglass is prone to scratches and dust accumulation, potentially impacting its appearance over time.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Under the hood, the Merlin packs an AK4493 DAC chip, a Minaro 768 USB module, and a clean op-amp analog stage. This combination promises high-fidelity audio reproduction, even at its surprisingly affordable price point. During testing, the DAC performed exceptionally well, delivering a clean and undistorted signal, as expected.
One notable aspect is the Merlin's apparent design philosophy: letting the connected amplifier (in this case, the Gremlin) handle much of the tonal shaping and distortion. This approach results in a surprisingly neutral and pure signal from the DAC itself, maximizing compatibility with various amplification systems.
Features and Connectivity
The Merlin DAC offers a straightforward set of features, with USB-C input and both XLR and RCA outputs. While this simplicity keeps the price low, it also means some common features are absent, including Bluetooth, a remote control, filter options, and coaxial input. The lack of a 4.4mm output is a notable omission, considering the Gremlin amplifier uses this connection type for balanced audio.
The Gremlin Amplifier and Stacking Options
The Merlin DAC is particularly well-suited for use with the Apos & Geshelli Gremlin tube amplifier. This combination creates a balanced audio system at a relatively low price point compared to other balanced setups. The Merlin's clean output complements the Gremlin's characteristic tube sound and distortion.
There's also an optional stacking component for a tidy setup. While visually pleasing, it's somewhat pricey for a simple piece of plastic, making it an optional addition to the overall system.
Sound Quality and Listening Experience
The combined sound of the Merlin DAC and Gremlin amplifier is rich, warm, and lush. This combination leans heavily on the tube amplifier's characteristics, resulting in a pleasingly full-bodied audio experience. The Merlin DAC plays a crucial role by providing a clean, neutral foundation that doesn't mask or color the amplifier’s tone.
This system excels at conveying detail and creating a wide soundstage, making it suitable for various music genres. While not the cleanest sound profile, the warmth and saturation add to the overall listening experience, making it quite enjoyable.
Conclusion: Is the Apos & Geshelli Merlin DAC Worth It?
The Apos & Geshelli Merlin DAC is a compelling option for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking a balanced setup. Its affordable price, coupled with its excellent performance and compatibility with the Gremlin amplifier, make it a strong contender in its category. While it lacks some features found in higher-priced DACs, its clean output and exceptional value proposition justify its consideration.
However, its limited feature set and reliance on XLR connections might deter some users. The additional cost of XLR cables and the optional stacking component further increase the total system cost. Ultimately, the Merlin excels as a clean, balanced solution for its price, particularly when paired with the Gremlin amplifier. It's a great choice if you prioritize sound quality and a warm, balanced tone, but not if you need a wide range of features.