{"product_id":"kguss-topping-d10s-mini-usb-dac-es9038q2m-high-resolution-desktop","title":"KGUSS Topping D10s Mini USB DAC ES9038Q2M - High Resolution Desktop","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the KGUSS Topping D10s Mini USB DAC is assessed as a compact desktop DAC\/decoder aimed at listeners who want clear, low-noise playback from a PC source. The single biggest reason to consider it is its support for very high resolution formats up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256 combined with an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and XMOS XU208 USB interface, which together deliver noticeably cleaner detail and lower distortion than most basic USB audio adapters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh resolution playback:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supports PCM 16-32bit and sample rates to 384kHz plus DSD64 to DSD256 for native or DoP playback, letting users play studio-quality files without downsampling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXMOS USB interface with custom driver:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uses XMOS XU208 and a Thesycon-based customized driver for reliable high-resolution and DSD native compatibility on PC systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eESS DAC core:\u003c\/strong\u003e Employs the ESS ES9038Q2M to achieve very low THD+N and clearer, more refined audio reproduction compared with typical budget DACs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplaceable op amp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features an OP amp socket so DIY users can swap the OPA2134 for tonal changes and personalization of the analog output stage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic power handling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powers on and off synchronously with the host PC even if the USB port retains standby power, simplifying everyday use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact form factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small desktop footprint makes it easy to add high resolution decoding to a computer audio setup without taking much space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe D10s is best for desktop audiophiles, music producers and serious listeners who want a straightforward external DAC to extract clearer detail from high-resolution PCM and DSD files. The unit is especially useful for people who play back native DSD or very high sample-rate PCM from a computer and want a low-noise, accurate front end for headphones or a small amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less suitable for users who need an integrated headphone amplifier with very high output power, or those who require wireless streaming or a battery-powered portable DAC. Also, casual listeners who only stream standard-resolution tracks will see less benefit versus a good integrated USB audio interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eVery good high-resolution support including DSD256 and PCM up to 384kHz for future-proof playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLow distortion and clean output thanks to the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC core.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eXMOS XU208 and a customized Thesycon driver provide stable PC compatibility for DSD native streams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eReplaceable OP amp socket allows tonal tweaks for DIYers who want to modify the sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDoes not include a built-in headphone amp with high output power, so very demanding headphones may need a separate amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAdvanced DSD setup may require driver installation and a configuration guide to enable native playback for some systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAC chip\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eESS ES9038Q2M\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB interface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXMOS XU208 with customized Thesycon driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCM support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16-32bit, 44.1-384kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSD support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDSD64 to DSD256 (DoP and Native)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplaceable OP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOPA2134 socketed (user replaceable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower behavior\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAutomatic power on\/off with PC USB host\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe KGUSS Topping D10s Mini USB DAC is a strong value for desktop users who want transparent, low-noise playback from high-resolution PCM and DSD sources. Its ES9038Q2M core and XMOS interface deliver clear improvements over basic USB adapters, and the replaceable op amp offers a path for modest tuning. Buy it if you need accurate decoding from a PC; skip it if you need a portable battery DAC or a high-power headphone amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the D10s support native DSD?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it supports both DoP and Native DSD up to DSD256 when the host and player are configured correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a special driver?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor full high-resolution and native DSD support on PC, install the customized XMOS\/Thesycon driver provided by the seller or manufacturer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I change the op amp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the unit has a socketed OP amp (stock OPA2134) that can be swapped to alter the analog stage characteristics, though electrical parameters may change.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KGUSS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48174981120219,"sku":"B088CZ7XBN","price":109.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71t_18xRqFL._AC_SY300_SX300.jpg?v=1769649324","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/kguss-topping-d10s-mini-usb-dac-es9038q2m-high-resolution-desktop","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}