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Ampapa Q1 HiFi Desktop DAC with Switchable ESS9039 and AK4493 Review

A desktop DAC that lets you switch between ESS9039 for a clean, analytical sound and AK4493 for warmth, with XMOS XU316 USB, Bluetooth 5.2, an OLED screen and a 1000mW headphone jack at $269.99.

3.83.8 out of 5 starsUpdated October 14, 2026
$269.99Price checked October 14, 2026
Check price at Douk Audio
Ampapa Q1 HiFi Desktop DAC with Switchable ESS9039 and AK4493

Our verdict

The Ampapa Q1 is a do-it-all desktop DAC at $269.99: switchable ESS9039 and AK4493 chips, XMOS XU316 USB with PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, Bluetooth 5.2, coaxial and optical inputs, and four line outputs plus a 1000mW headphone jack. Being able to assign a different DAC chip and filter to each output is genuinely unusual at this price. The main caveats are the Windows UAC 2.0 driver, the fixed EMI mesh, and the single-ended headphone jack.

Best for
Desktop listeners who want to switch between two DAC voicings and feed several amps or speakers from one compact, remote-controlled unit
Skip if
You need a balanced 4.4mm or XLR headphone output, or you want a plug-and-play Windows DSD setup without installing a driver
Check price at Douk AudioHow we research

The Ampapa Q1 is a desktop DAC priced at $269.99. It is the upgraded successor to the Douk Audio DAC-Q11, keeping the dual-DAC concept while adding the ESS9039, AK4493, XMOS XU316 USB, Bluetooth 5.2 and an OLED display, and it pairs visually and functionally with the Ampapa D1 amplifier.

The headline feature is the dual DAC architecture: ESS9039 for a clean, analytical presentation or AK4493 for a smoother, more musical one, with the preferred chip and filter mode assignable to the LINE output and headphone output separately. The maker quotes SINAD of at least 113dB and THD+N as low as 0.0002%. The XMOS XU316 USB stage supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, covering studio-grade file libraries.

Connectivity is broad: USB-C with switchable UAC 1.0/2.0 modes for consoles and legacy devices, coaxial and optical inputs, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX/aptX-HD. Outputs run to 2x RCA and 2x balanced TRS, enough to drive four amps or active speakers at once, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack rated at 1000mW with two gain levels for both IEMs and high-impedance headphones. Four pluggable LM49720 op-amps sit behind a top window for easy rolling, the OLED offers 11 display modes including retro VU meters and spectrum views, and there is full RGB lighting, a remote control, brightness adjustment and a 12V trigger out.

Compatibility details worth knowing: Windows 10 and 11, macOS, Android, iOS and audio Linux systems such as Volumio and ROON are supported; USB connection to phones needs OTG; no drivers are needed on mobile, macOS or Linux, and Windows only needs one in UAC 2.0 mode. The top-window mesh is a built-in EMI shield and should not be removed.

Shipping is worldwide with free and expedited options, and cost varies by country. Under 2kg ships airmail in an estimated 10-25 days; heavier orders move to DHL, UPS or FedEx in 5-8 days. Import duties and customs fees are the customer's responsibility. Free 30-day returns with a full refund and a 1-year warranty apply to all items, excluding orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, subjective change of mind, and anything else outside the warranty terms.

What we liked

  • Two DAC chips in one box: assign ESS9039 or AK4493, plus filter mode, to each output and match the sound to the source or mood
  • Strong measurements for the price — SINAD ≥113dB and THD+N as low as 0.0002%
  • High-res headroom with PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512 over USB
  • Four outputs (2x RCA and 2x balanced TRS) can feed multiple amps or active speakers, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack with two gain levels
  • Four pluggable LM49720 op-amps behind the top window allow rolling without soldering, and the OLED offers 11 VU and display styles

Worth noting

  • Windows requires a driver in UAC 2.0 mode, although mobile devices, macOS and Linux are driver-free
  • The mesh over the top window is a built-in EMI shield that must not be removed — the maker also advises keeping phones and routers away from the unit
  • The headphone output is single-ended 3.5mm only, so owners of balanced 4.4mm or XLR-headphone cables will need an adapter

Questions before you buy

Can I really choose between the two DAC chips?

Yes. You can switch between ESS9039 for a clean, analytical sound and AK4493 for smoother musicality, and assign your preferred chip and filter mode to the LINE and headphone outputs separately.

Do I need to install a driver?

Only Windows needs one, and only in UAC 2.0 mode. macOS, Android, iOS and audio-focused Linux systems such as Volumio and ROON are driver-free; connecting a phone over USB requires OTG support.

Can I change the op-amps?

Yes. The Q1 uses 4 pluggable LM49720 op-amps accessible through the top window, which can be replaced by standard dual op-amps such as 2604, 2134 or Muse types.

What are the shipping and warranty terms?

Worldwide shipping with free and expedited options; under 2kg ships airmail (10-25 days), over 2kg by DHL/UPS/FedEx (5-8 days), with import duties paid by the customer. Free 30-day returns for a full refund and a 1-year warranty apply, excluding orders by mistake, misuse, change of mind and anything outside the warranty terms.

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