(New) ES9038Q2M Dual Mono DAC HAT

Introduction

ES9038Q2M Dual Mono is the third-generation audiophile grade core ESS DAC board. Based on the latest ESS SABRE32 reference DAC technologies, it can provide the highest possible sound quality and performance for audiophile DIYers at reasonable cost. User can run this DAC at either default ASRC mode or the advanced SYNC clock mode when works with a FifoPi.

Launched in late 2026, the New ES9038Q2M Dual Mono III DAC represents a major upgrade over its predecessor, delivering significantly higher precision, enhanced performance, and a new level of sonic excellence.

Highlighted Features and Specifications

• 32bit SABRE32 DAC true dual mono architecture
• Supports up to 768KHz 16/24/32bit PCM, native DSD1024, and DSD256 via DoP and S/PDIF
• SYNC and ASRC dual clock mode
• External synchronous clock range from 22.5792MHz to 98.3040MHz. Or 100MHz internal asynchronous clock.
• Control and register settings by external ESS controller or MonitorPi Pro
• Controller operates in isolated mode when used with FifoPi to eliminate ground loop and EMI noise
• Raw balanced current output enables use of a variety of external output stages such as the Transformer I/V, the standard OPA I/V or the OPA861 zero feedback balanced I/V
• Dual mono configuration can provide 389 Ohm ultra-low output impedance to get much higher dynamic output current than the normal single chip configuration
• Direct 3.3V power inputs ready for ultracapacitor power supply or LifePO4 battery power supply
• Independent lock LED indicators for both left and right DAC chips
• Can automatically switch between PCM, DSD, DoP and S/PDIF
• XO socket design makes it possible to swap/upgrade to better local clock
• Very easy to switch to SYNC modem by just removing local XO from the socket and plugging an U.FL MCLK cable
• DIY friendly with many modification and upgrading opportunities

New Features and Improvements of the ES9038Q2M Dual Mono III DAC

1. Heavily enhanced local power-supply filtering featuring a total of 18,000 µF of ultra-low-ESR polymer and film capacitors, combined with high-bandwidth filtering, to minimize the power-supply noise floor and provide cleaner, more stable power to critical circuits.
2. Optimized four-layer PCB design with tighter impedance control to achieve higher signal integrity and further reduce the overall noise level.
3. Higher-Profile GPIO Socket eliminates the need for a GPIO spacer when used with FifoPi or other audio HATs.
4. Additional U.FL MCLK input socket located on the bottom side of the PCB allows the use of an ultra-short 2-inch U.FL cable, minimizing the MCLK signal path and potentially further improving clock performance.
5. Larger PCB size provides greater layout flexibility, while improved silkscreen markings enhance legibility and make installation and configuration easier.
6. Precision-engineered construction with careful attention to detail ensures a high level of hardware quality, consistency, and reliability.

Performance Measurement

Note: 

1. This DAC needs a MonitorPiPro (recommended) or ESS controller to drive. It doesn't work without a controller because there is no suitable Linux driver so far.

2. The new ES9038Q2M DM III DAC features more and taller components than previous versions. Extra care must be taken during installation to Ensure Sufficient Clearance between the DAC and I/V boards. Please use suitable standoffs and carefully check that no pins or components between the two boards can come into contact. If necessary, trim the DIP pins on bottom side of the I/V board , or place an insulating film in between to prevent any possibility of a short circuit. Please double-check the clearance before powering on the DAC.

3. Please use the 21 mm standoffs supplied with the DM III DAC when installing it on top of any IanCanada PCB, such as the FifoPi or ShieldPi Pro. However, 19 mm standoffs, which are sold separately, may be required when installing the DM III DAC directly on top of a Raspberry Pi.
4. I/V board options: IV STD II,  OPA861 MkII I/V Board,  Transformer I/V Stage

5. For the ES9038Q2M DM III, the only difference between the early and final production versions is the standoff height between the DAC and I/V boards: the early version uses 14 mm standoffs, while the final production version uses 15 mm standoffs. Those standoffs are supplied with the DAC.
   

ES9038Q2M DM III User's Manual

(ES9038Q2M DM II User's manual)

Other Documents

https://github.com/iancanada/DocumentDownload/tree/master/RPiDacHAT/ES9038Q2MDualMonoDacHAT