D&A Alpha | Desktop DAC and Amp

Alpha Combines High-Quality Conversion and Amplification in One Unit Aimed at Enhancing Computers, Streamers, and Digital Transports Dual ES9039Q2M DACs with SIGMA DAC topology Balanced discrete amplification Decoding up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD512 Clean, refined chassis with precision capacitors, MELF resistors, and isolated power domains Bloom's Take The Alpha proves that standout performance doesn’t have to come with a flagship price tag, delivering a crystal clear, highly detailed presentation that leans reference without losing its musicality. Its output is impressively linear, with deep, tight bass, a natural and well-layered midrange, and clear, extended treble that maintains a lifelike sense of timbre and space across your music. Alpha’s combination of detail, resolution, and weight creates a sound that feels far more definitive than you’d expect at this price, offering a larger soundstage and a more organic tonal character than many competing DAC/amps in its class. With enough power to handle everything from IEMs to demanding headphones, it’s a simple, transparent desktop solution that prioritizes pure sonic performance over feature overload. Read our full review. D&A Alpha The Alpha’s decoding stage is built around dual ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chips configured in a true balanced architecture, with each channel handled independently to reduce crosstalk and preserve channel separation. This dual-DAC layout feeds a multi-channel summation stage designed to lower noise and improve linearity before the signal reaches the analog section. On the digital side, USB decoding supports up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD512, while optical and coaxial inputs support up to 192kHz/24-bit and DoP64.  Signal Integrity The Alpha uses a four-layer PCB that routes critical signals on protected inner layers, with grounded outer layers helping shield interference. The layout separates digital control, high-speed data, analog audio, and power into distinct domains (with independent ground planes and star power routing) to reduce noise transfer between sections. For timing-critical paths, ±5ps delay control improves phase matching across four differential pairs. Discrete Power Delivery Power is handled by dual independent Mean Well modules, one dedicated to the DAC section and one to the headphone amp section, followed by purification and discrete component regulation. This keeps rails stable under load so dynamics stay intact when you switch from sensitive IEMs to harder-to-drive headphones. Bluetooth 5.3 For wireless listening, the Alpha includes Bluetooth 5.3 with codec support that includes LDAC, aptX, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. A concealed large-diameter helical antenna is designed to improve effective reception area while keeping the rear panel clean.  Power and Gain Matching The Alpha provides multiple gain selections to make volume control usable across different headphones. Balanced gain steps are listed as -3.3dB (L), +6dB (M), +12dB (H), with unbalanced gain steps listed as -9.3dB (L), 0dB (M), +6dB (H). Output power scales by load (up to 9000mW ×2 at 32Ω from the balanced output) so you can keep headroom without riding the top of the volume range. Specifications Inputs: USB / Optical / Coaxial / Bluetooth Outputs: XLR / RCA / 4.4mm headphones / 6.35mm headphones Line Output Voltage (XLR): 5.2Vrms Line Output Voltage (RCA): 2.5Vrms Headphone Output Level (balanced): 7500mW ×2 (16Ω), 9000mW ×2 (32Ω), 2200mW ×2 (150Ω), 1100mW ×2 (300Ω), 550mW ×2 (600Ω) Headphone Output Level (unbalanced): 5000mW ×2 (16Ω), 2500mW ×2 (32Ω), 500mW ×2 (150Ω), 250mW ×2 (300Ω), 150mW ×2 (600Ω) THD+N (XLR): 0.00006% (-123.5dB) (UN-WTD) THD+N (RCA): 0.00007% (-121dB) (UN-WTD) THD+N (HP): 0.00017% (-115dB) (UN-WTD) Dynamic Range: XLR 131dB, RCA 127dB, HP 125dB SNR: XLR 131dB, RCA 127dB, HP 125dB Output Impedance: Line out 100Ω, HP out Near 0Ω Headphone Amplifier Gain (balanced): -3.3dB (L), +6dB (M), +12dB (H) Headphone Amplifier Gain (unbalanced): -9.3dB (L), 0dB (M), +6dB (H) USB Transmission: USB 2.0 (Asynchronous) USB Compatibility: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (Needs driver), macOS, iOS, Linux, Android MQA Decoder: USB / Optical / Coaxial MQA-CD Decoder: Optical / Coaxial Max Supported Sampling Rate (USB): Up to 768kHz/32bit; DSD512 (Native) Max Supported Sampling Rate (coaxial): Up to 192kHz/24bit; DoP64 Max Supported Sampling Rate (optical): Up to 192kHz/24bit; DoP64 Bluetooth: 5.3 (Support SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC) Power Consumption: <50W Standby Power: <0.5W Size: 7.68" × 2.17" × 8.19" Weight: 3.64 lb In the Box D&A Alpha Pro Power cable USB cable User manual