Douk AudioQ11 Digital to Analog Audio Converter, HiFi USB DAC Adapter ESS9038 + AK4493 with Coacial/Optical/PC-USB Inputs & RCA/AUX Outputs DSD256

Previous to getting this little audio gem I was using a MSB Link III and GDA-700 as DAC’s in my music systems. They were well reviewed DAC’s in their day and while they still sound great they are from a world before streaming and Hi-Res audio. So I decided it was time to upgrade to something more modern. Current DAC’s have a variety of features, options and come at various price points. This can be a overwhelming for someone re-entering the world of DAC’s s so after doing some research I thought the Douk Q11 was a sensible choice at a more than reasonable price. At a cost of $150 the Q11 is considered an entry level DAC but after putting it my system I can truly say it that it punches way above the entry level weight class. I am using it to stream music through my Bluesound Node 2i and as the outboard DAC for my Audiolab 6000CDT CD transport and works/sounds great in either role. The build quality is excellent and the setup a breeze. If you have been considering a stand alone DAC or looking to upgrade from an older one you would be hard pressed to do better with DAC’s that cost 5-6 times the cost of this one. I highly recommend this DAC for either a music or desktop system.

I have a bunch of DACs and, to be honest, I can barely tell a difference between them. It usually comes down to price, features, and ease of use. This checks all of those boxes. If feels well built, it has worked well with everything i have tried it with (USB, optical, COAX). It is pretty cool that it has 2 types of DAC chips in it. You can set it so it outputs either one to both sets of RCA out OR you can set one chip to one set and the other to the 2nd set of RCA outs. For what you get, it seems a good value.I have no issue recommending it!

Product was delivered very fast and was a great improvement to the sound of my digital music. I'm going to have fun rolling the op amps.

There is a major concern and very serious problem with the Douk Audio Q11 DAC in that Douk Audio does not provide any link to download the DSD drivers unless you email the company's support and request the link. If you are lucky, and ask enough times, they might send you the link for the DSD drivers. I have no idea why Douk Audio does this to its customers. The company is located in China and so if you are from the United States Douk Audio may feels that it's necessary to keep simple information like how to download necessary drivers for its products a top secret. Another big problem is there is no on-line manual for the Douk Q11 DAC. It would be nice if Douk cared enough for its customers.

I love the dual chips inside the unit.

I purchased the Douk Q11 specifically to feed my Little Dot mkiii headphone amp and it’s perfect for the job. The unit replaced an older Schiit audio entry-level DAC and it’s a noticeable improvement. I won’t get into the debate about whether quality DAC chips sound different but the Q11 includes two different higher-end DAC chips - the AK4493 and the ESS9038.The chips can be run individually or together and I’ll leave it to you to decide what you like best. Regardless, it’s a fun option.The controls are pretty straightforward with the exception of switching between DAC modes - for some inexplicable reason that can only be done via the included remote. It would have been nice to have that option on the unit itself for desktop use but it’s not a deal-breaker as I suspect most people will pick a preferred mode and leave it there.Sound-wise, the Q11 is articulate and poised with a generous soundstage but individual perceptions will vary based on what amplifier and headphones are used.The only other negative, from my perspective, is the kind of cheesy lucite view window in the top which gives off a blue glow. I don’t need to see the internals but, again, this doesn’t really matter since I stack components.The build quality is very good and I’m happy with the performance for the money.

Simple easy to use device, Wish it had balanced outputs. Oh, and that central knob.... ruins the look a good bit. Maybe they should sell an upgrade ?

Interesting device . I wouldn’t hesitate to give it a Goooooooo…. Thanks Douk