The D&A Alpha Pro DAC Amp delivers a surprisingly polished audio experience, challenging established players in the sub-$700 market. This review delves into the Alpha Pro's strengths and weaknesses, examining its build quality, feature set, and most importantly, its sound signature. From its minimalist yet elegant design to its impressive technical specifications, we explore whether this newcomer justifies its place amongst more established brands like Topping and Aune.This in-depth analysis covers the Alpha Pro's impressive build, featuring a high-quality faceplate and a smooth, tactile volume knob. We examine its connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, and line-in, while noting the absence of automatic input switching. Furthermore, we evaluate its sound performance, comparing it directly to competitors such as the Topping DX7 Pro Plus and Aune S9C, focusing on aspects like detail retrieval, overall balance, and tonal characteristics. Ultimately, we determine if the D&A Alpha Pro represents a significant value proposition and a promising entry into the competitive landscape of high-fidelity audio.
Pros And Cons
- Good build quality, above brands like Topping but not top-tier
- Excellent volume knob with smooth resistance
- Aesthetically pleasing LED design with multiple modes (on, off, pulse, visualizer)
- Standard input options (USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, line in)
- High-performance specifications (32-bit ES939 MS Pro Sigma DAC, discrete class AB amplifier, 133dB DNR/SNR)
- Good power output suitable for demanding headphones
- Relatively flawless sound quality without standout negative characteristics
- Reference-grade neutral sound profile
- Improved treble response compared to some competitors (less grainy)
- Good dynamic range, especially for bass
- Clean sound overall
- Fair price (under $700)
- Well-performing DAC/amp
- LEDs are bright and noticeable
- Lacks an auto-switching mode for headphones/pre-outs
- No included remote
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Build Quality and Design
The Digi and Ace Alpha Pro boasts surprisingly good build quality for a new company. It's a simple, rectangular design, reminiscent of many stack amps. The understated aesthetic is elevated by a beautifully crafted faceplate, particularly appealing to minimalist design enthusiasts.
While not extravagantly luxurious, the build quality surpasses brands like Topping, sitting comfortably in the mid-range for its price point. The volume knob is a highlight, offering smooth, buttery resistance and a satisfying tactile feel, despite its somewhat small size.
Features and Functionality
The Alpha Pro features four buttons on its front panel: power, LED control, gain selection, and output selection (headphones, pre-outs, or line-outs). It offers a standard array of inputs: USB, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth, and line-in.
A notable omission is the lack of an automatic input switching mode. This would seamlessly switch between headphone and pre-out outputs based on headphone connection/disconnection, a feature present in competing models.
LEDs and Visualizer
The Alpha Pro features bright LEDs on its front panel, which might be a divisive feature for some. While their brightness is noticeable, they add a touch of visual flair and provide some functionality. They display the volume level and offer four modes: on, off, pulsing, and a visualizer mode that reacts to the music.
The visualizer mode, in particular, looks quite cool during music playback, though the LEDs' brightness could be a concern for some users in darker environments.
Specifications and Performance
The Alpha Pro boasts impressive specifications, including a discrete Class AB amplifier circuit and a 32-bit ES9395 Pro Sigma DAC. Its output is considerable, with 4 watts into 16 ohms and 5 volts RMS. The DNR and SNR ratings reach an impressive 133dB.
This results in powerful performance, easily handling even demanding planar headphones and IEMs. The ample headroom ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones.
Sound Quality and Comparison
The Alpha Pro's sound quality is remarkably balanced and neutral, lacking any significant flaws. This is impressive for a debut product, suggesting seasoned design experience within the company.
Compared to competing models like the Topping DX7 Pro Plus and Aune S9C, the Alpha Pro offers a similar level of performance. The sound signature is neutral and refined, lacking the graininess sometimes found in lower-end Topping amps. The DX9 offers a slight improvement in the treble response, but it falls into a higher price bracket.
Conclusion and Verdict
The D&A Alpha Pro offers a compelling combination of features, build quality, and sound quality for its sub-$700 price point. While lacking a remote control, its strengths lie in its polished sound, refined treble response, and excellent build quality, particularly the faceplate design.
In direct comparison to competitors like the Topping DX7 Pro Plus and Aune S9C, the Alpha Pro's sound signature is very similar. The choice may ultimately come down to personal aesthetic preference given the comparable sound quality. Overall, the Alpha Pro is a strong contender and a promising debut from a new audio company.