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Small silver aluminium box with volume knob, balanced RCA outputs and two USB-C ports

Khadas

Khadas Tone2 Open-Sourced DAC Audio Component

SKU CH-60RV-DD3AY

Open-source desktop DAC with ESS ES9038Q2M chipset, balanced RCA outputs, 32-bit 768 kHz PCM and native DSD512 support

  • ES9038Q2M DAC delivers -118dB THD+N for transparent sound
  • XMOS XU208 handles 32-bit 768kHz PCM and native DSD512
  • Balanced RCA line-out uses three pins for superior noise rejection
  • Second USB-C port accepts 5V linear supply for ultra-clean power
  • Hybrid digital/analog volume knob keeps attenuation in the analog domain

Open-Source Desktop DAC

The Khadas Tone2 is a compact desktop digital-to-analog converter built around an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and XMOS XU208 USB interface. It targets listeners who want a transparent, measurements-led front-end for headphone or speaker systems and appreciate hardware that publishes its schematics and firmware sources.

Balanced RCA Line Output

The defining connection is a pair of three-pin balanced RCA jacks that carry differential signals in the same footprint as standard RCA plugs. This interface allows compatible amplifiers to reject common-mode noise without requiring XLR cables or adapters.

For Experimenters and System Builders

Makers who need direct access to I2S, I2C and UART lines via the 30-pin FPC connector will find the exposed interfaces useful for custom front panels or DSP add-ons. Buyers who only need a simple plug-and-play USB DAC with no configuration or expansion requirements may prefer a sealed, fixed-function alternative.

Highlights

  • ES9038Q2M DAC delivers -118dB THD+N for transparent sound
  • XMOS XU208 handles 32-bit 768kHz PCM and native DSD512
  • Balanced RCA line-out uses three pins for superior noise rejection
  • Second USB-C port accepts 5V linear supply for ultra-clean power
  • Hybrid digital/analog volume knob keeps attenuation in the analog domain

Specifications

No published specifications for this item yet.

Questions about this item

How does the -118dB THD+N figure translate to actual listening quality?

The -118dB THD+N measured at the line-out means harmonic distortion and noise sit well below the threshold of hearing, so music reproduces with a clean, transparent background even at high gain.

What does the XMOS XU208 USB interface cap at for PCM and DSD playback?

The XMOS XU208 handles up to 32-bit 768kHz PCM and native DSD512, so high-resolution files pass through bit-perfect without down-sampling.

What physical space and connectors are needed to mount the 30-pin FPC and 4-pin VIN interfaces?

The board exposes a 30-pin 0.5 mm pitch FPC connector for UART, I2S and I2C, plus a 4-pin VIN header for DC input; both require matching ribbon cables or headers inside your enclosure.

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