EarMen
EarMen Angel DAC Amplifier
Best portable DAC for audiophiles seeking high-resolution sound on the go.
Experience high-resolution audio anywhere with the EarMen Angel, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier. This fully balanced device, powered by a rechargeable battery, delivers exceptional sound quality for music lovers on the go. It features the ESS ES9038Q2M chip, supporting advanced formats like DSD512 and 768kHz PCM, along with MQA rendering and full decoding. Its balanced circuit design ensures minimal noise and distortion, providing a wide dynamic range. With versatile input options and powerful output, the Angel is ready to drive a variety of headphones.
$1080.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 766
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-23%
Below average
DAC Chip
90382
/ ESS ESQM
Who it's for
- Commuters needing long-lasting battery life and mobile device charging
- Audiophiles using demanding planar magnetic or high-impedance headphones
- Listeners prioritizing transparent, noise-free, and high-fidelity audio reproduction
Who should skip it
- Travelers requiring a lightweight device for true pocket portability
- Users sensitive to hardware heat during extended high-gain listening sessions
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level portable audio solutions
Performance breakdown
Audio Resolution
Handles high-resolution DSD512 and MQA files with impressive technical precision.
Drive Capability
Robust power output easily manages a wide range of demanding headphones.
Signal Purity
Balanced circuit design keeps noise and distortion remarkably low.
Portability
Compact enough for travel, though slightly heavy for pocket-only carry.
Battery Endurance
Seven hours of playback is sufficient but trails behind smaller competitors.
Connectivity Versatility
Multiple digital inputs ensure seamless integration with various audio sources.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS ES9038Q2M
Max PCM Resolution
768kHz
Max DSD Support
DSD512 (Native)
MQA Support
Rendering and Full Decoding Authentication
Battery
2×Li-Po 3000mAh
Battery Life
Up to 7 hours
Charging Time
3 hours
Dynamic Range
≥120dB
Features
- Fully balanced high-resolution audio circuit
- Portable design with integrated battery
- Supports DSD512 and 768kHz PCM playback
- Functions as a high-quality preamplifier
- MQA full decoding authentication
- Versatile USB-C and S/PDIF inputs
- Powerful output for diverse headphones
- Compact and durable build
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the EarMen Angel for its exceptional power and pristine audio quality, noting its ability to drive demanding headphones effortlessly. The sound presentation is consistently described as clean, transparent, and highly detailed, offering a neutral yet engaging musical experience. Build quality is a major strength, featuring a robust aluminum chassis that conveys premium durability. Users value the dual power modes, which offer flexibility for both portable and desktop use. While the unit is substantial in size and carries a premium price, the consensus is that the Angel delivers reference grade fidelity. It is highly recommended for users prioritizing raw power and superior audio performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Angel is designed with a powerful amplifier stage capable of driving a wide variety of headphones, including those with higher impedance requirements, thanks to its fully balanced circuit design.
Yes, the device features full MQA decoding and rendering, allowing you to experience high-resolution MQA audio files exactly as they were intended to be heard.
The integrated 2×3000mAh battery provides up to 7 hours of continuous playback. A full recharge typically takes about 3 hours.
Absolutely. The Angel functions as a high-quality preamplifier, allowing you to connect it to external power amplifiers or active speakers via its output interfaces.
The Angel is quite versatile, featuring USB-C, optical, and coaxial inputs. This allows you to connect it to a wide range of sources, including computers, smartphones, and dedicated digital transports.
The device includes both a 3.5mm single-ended jack and a 4.4mm balanced output. Using the 4.4mm connection allows you to take full advantage of the device's balanced circuit for reduced noise and improved channel separation.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$1080