Audiophonics I-Sabre DAC ES9028Q2M

The Audiophonics I-Sabre DAC ES9028Q2M offers many exciting improvements in trying to meet the high expectations of the Raspberry Pi audio DIY community.

Like its predecessor, the I-Sabre produces a high-end sound. This model can achieve playback rates of up to 32bit/768kHz and has a chip that automatically analyses the audio signal and alters the DAC accordingly. Thus, the signal does need to be decoded which gets rid of possible interference between the two audio devices.

The new I-Sabre can be powered with a 5V+ MicroUSB cable and even run the Raspberry Pi as well. Alternatively, you can also use a power management system in order to also use the Audiophonics power button as well as Allo's Kali Reclocker.

The larger build of this DAC also comes with more room for details, like a small cooling unit. Further options for expansion are also available: There are connectors open for an OLED display to show the volume and the bitrate of the incoming audio signal as well as a volume knob, both of which are hardware implementations that do not require any software adjustment. The aforementioned power button can also be added with the help of an ATX Power Management module.

At a glance

• Easy installation with Max2Play Audiophonics Plugin
• Compatible with Raspberry Pi 2B and 3B
• Supports extension hardware OLED display to automatically show volume, bit rate and input
• Supports Power Button (ATX Power Management required)
• Compatible with Allo Kali Reclocker
• Powers the Raspberry Pi via GPIO to need only one power supply
• Simple assembly (no soldering required)

Technical Details:

• 129 dB dynamic range
• Gold-plated RCA connectors
• Full-HD-Audio – up to 32 Bit/768 kHz playback possible
• Distance of spacer holes (HAT format): 50mm x 58mm
• 2x NJM 2114 AOPs at 12V integrated
• Fully HAT compliant
• Dimensions (LBH): 90mm * 57mm * 33mm

Parts included

• AUDIOPHONICS I-Sabre DAC ES9028Q2M
• 4 screws
• 4 M2.5 spacers

By purchasing this product, you receive an additional copy of the Max2Play Premium Testlicense (3-month period).
You can find more information about the features of the premium license here.

How to implement the OLED display and volume knob

How to use the ATX Power Management Module and the Power Button

Setup with Kali Reclocker by Allo and the Power Management Module

Plug & Play with Max2Play

Max2Play offers a browser-based administration interface for Raspberry Pi on a Linux basis. With Max2Play, applications (Max2Play extensions) can be installed and administrated on a minicomputer without any Linux knowledge. The controls can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or computer, without connecting a mouse or keyboard to the minicomputer. There is a special Audiophonics Plugin verfügbar.