I bought this product today for 123,50 zł PLN (approximately 29,20 euro ) including free shipping.
In case of problems with the device - free return at Amazon’s expense.
It looks like there’s different components in the DAC implementation: different caps, I don’t see the same clock chips (or same quantity); and there’s other differences as well. Maybe what’s been reduced in the DAC board has been transferred to the cost of the rest of the unit. But still, I also wonder what the pricing logic is behind this.
I’ll take more detailed photos once the package arrives - 31.12.2025.
According to information available online reviews on Amazon it features chip an ARM Cortex M4 with DSP with STM32F446 - ST Microelectronics + ES9038Q2M
On the Amazon.com website - it is written that this model has three Texas Instruments SoundPlus HiFi audio operational amplifiers - but which models are they - OPA16XX?
Additionally, it has balanced XLR audio signal outputs - standard jack to XLR for connection to an amplifier.
Like you and @wheaten, I also don’t understand the pricing policy on amazon / InnoMaker.
Well the DAC Pro is priced at $89 by Inno-maker.
I think they are dumping old OEM stock, hardly anything to find besides links to wholesalers
@Wheaten
At the beginning of December 2025 this InnoMaker RPI HIFI DAC Pro was available for 215 zł PLN - circa 50 euro - Amazon.pl
I bought it for a friend.
Version with red capacitors.
Amazon.pl - Currently it is for 240 zł PLN - circa 57 euro.
Amazon.nl - 64 euro.
Amazon.de - 67 euro.
Build quality and sound adequate for the price ?
How does it compare to the InnoMaker DAC Pro Hat ?
Not tested yet.
Fully occupied with peppy_meter and templates.
First impression,
- Sound Check: It doesn’t match the Inno-Make DAC PRO
- Button Logic (or lack thereof): Volume controls are playing mind games, left cranks it up, right turns it down. Who signed off on that?
- Screen Drama: No way to turn off the display, so hello, burn-in! It’s like the screen wants to leave a permanent mark on your soul.
- Spectrum Party: Loving the four spectrum analyzers, because who doesn’t want a mini rave on their desk?
- Case of the Wiggles: Just a bare case, so it slides around like it’s auditioning for Dancing with the Stars.
The DAC is identified with Volumio, only SW volume control. Filters can’t be set within Volumio like with the Inno-maker DAC Pro.
It’s a nice gimmick, and for 30 Euro it sounds good, but a bit more muffled, which comes pretty clear with tracks like Angel from Massive Attack.
You can set filters with a button on the front panel.
The display also shows the filter type.
Information on selecting the filter type is in the full user manual.
A similar option exists in the Khadas Tone 2 Maker Kit - it is also a USB DAC.
Filters only button.
Filters can’t be set within Volumio
Yes, I know, but I am evaluating it with Volumio.
Filters can’t be set, only SW Volume control/
Hi. Just in case, you can set filters from within Volumio with the DAC Pro Hat.
Hi All:
I didn’t expect anyone on the forum to notice and discuss this product, and I was genuinely excited when I saw it. However, I must also say — and I sincerely apologize — that while this is a newly released product, it does have some issues.
There are two problems:
- Due to a bug in our USB protocol software, this product is not compatible with macOS and may cause the Mac system to freeze and reboot.I have added an explanation on Amazon
- The physical buttons are somewhat stiff and require more force than ideal when adjusting the volume up or down.
Aside from these issues, everything else performs as intended. We put a great deal of effort into material selection and sound quality testing. All components used are original chips manufactured after 2024, and we provide full after-sales support, so please rest assured.
Originally, I planned to scrap these units overseas, but I couldn’t bring myself to do so, as a lot of effort and care went into them. Therefore, I am considering offering them at a significantly reduced price to users who do not use macOS.
I have received a lot of criticism from macOS users. To be honest, this situation has been quite discouraging. We invested substantial time and effort into designing, tuning, and testing this product, but due to oversights in the code and shortcomings in our testing process, these problems still occurred. I have been continuously reflecting on my mistakes. There is still a long way to go on the path of product design. We expect to release an updated version that supports macOS later this year, at which point the pricing will return to its normal level. If you have any question, feel free to contact me (calvin@inno-maker.com)
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Hi Calvin, I bought both the original DAC Pro HAT for RPi and this USB dongle, as they are both based on the ES9038Q2M. I am running this dongle off a Win 11 x86-64 PC, and it sounds absolutely fine and I have no faults with it.
Thanks for persisting with the device and the discounted price allows one to experiement with it. Yes, I won’t plug into my Mac Mini unless I wish to hard crash it!
One question with the front display, the playback frequency is displayed. Is there any intention to update the firmware to allow bit depth to be displayed (i.e. 16-bit, 24-bit etc)?
Many thanks,