Audiolab D7 DAC Headphone Amplifier with Meze 105 Silva Open-back Headphones

Since the launch of the original M-DAC in 2011, Audiolab has been a driving force in reshaping the affordable audiophile DAC landscape. The M-DAC set a precedent for future Audiolab products, laying the groundwork for the brand’s integration of class-leading DAC technology into a wide range of award-winning hi-fi components. This trajectory has culminated in the highly acclaimed 9000 series. Continuing Audiolab’s commitment to performance and value, the new D7 model carries forward the brand's philosophy of high-end engineering in a compact and attainable package. Drawing from the development expertise behind the 6000 and 7000 series, the D7 benefits from trickle-down technology to challenge expectations in its class.

State-Of-The-Art Chipset

Compact yet feature-rich, the D7 reflects Audiolab’s distinctive design language with robust construction, a sleek aluminium chassis, and a user-friendly OLED display. Unlike many DACs at this price point, the D7 features a comprehensive and intuitive menu system with full remote control functionality—surpassing the basic interfaces of many rivals. Central to its performance is the ESS9038Q2M DAC chipset, also found in the 7000A, enabling high-precision digital-to-analogue conversion. This advanced chip supports integration with a wide array of sources, including CD transports and wireless streamers, ensuring smooth connectivity across diverse listening setups.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The D7 boasts versatile connectivity options with four S/PDIF inputs (two coaxial, two optical), USB inputs for external drives and PC/Mac connections, plus Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support for high-quality wireless streaming. Outputs include coaxial, optical, RCA, and fully balanced XLR, providing flexibility for integration into virtually any system. In terms of audio performance, the D7 supports high-resolution formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via USB, with full internal MQA decoding—offering a true audiophile experience regardless of source material. Audiolab’s expertise with HyperStream II architecture and jitter reduction ensures a clean, detailed signal with ultra-low noise.

Above & Beyond

Beyond its impressive DAC credentials, the D7 includes a high-performance headphone amplifier with current-feedback circuitry, delivering excellent clarity and drive across a wide range of headphone types. Users can further tailor their listening experience with five DAC filter options and upsampling to 352.8kHz or 384kHz, allowing fine adjustment based on system characteristics or file format. Matching the design and quality of the 6000 and 7000 series, the D7’s build quality, tactile controls, and sleek appearance uphold Audiolab’s high standards. With its combination of high-end features, thoughtful design, and accessible price point, the D7 redefines what is possible in entry-level DAC performance.

Meze 105 SILVA

Tuned with a keen balance between musicality and refinement, the Meze 105 SILVA delivers a sound that is clear, rich, and effortlessly engaging. Transients are fast and articulate, revealing intricate details with natural ease. The treble extends gracefully—smooth yet revealing—while the bass remains tight and well-controlled. It never overpowers, but is always present when called upon, resulting in a sound signature that’s both expressive and sophisticated.

Design That Transcends Time

Rooted in the Mid-Century Modern movement, the 105 SILVA embodies the principles of clean geometry, functionality, and enduring durability. Natural and modern materials are seamlessly integrated, with vintage charm meeting contemporary form. The walnut wood ear cups are adorned with a distinctive radial grille, creating a design that never feels outdated. A spring steel headband and PVD-coated cast zinc alloy hardware complete the build, forming a robust yet flexible structure made to stand the test of time.

Precision-Engineered Driver Design

To achieve a sound signature that appeals to audiophiles and music lovers alike, we explored countless 50 mm driver iterations, experimenting with different materials and tuning techniques. The result is a highly versatile driver capable of delivering exceptional performance across a broad spectrum of musical genres. Whether you favour classical, jazz, or modern electronic music, the 105 SILVA brings your favourite tracks to life with precision and flair.

The W-Shaped Dome Advantage

At the heart of this performance is a carbon fibre-reinforced cellulose composite dome. This advanced material reproduces high frequencies with striking clarity, detail, and definition. More durable than conventional materials used in dynamic drivers—yet remarkably lightweight—it significantly reduces resonances that could otherwise lead to harmonic distortion. The result is a cleaner, more natural high-end, contributing to the headphone’s immersive sonic character.

D7 DAC Headphone Amplifier Specifications