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Douk Audio Z1 Gaming Headphone Amplifier with ESS9039 DAC Review

A gaming headphone amp and DAC with an ESS9039Q2M chip, 430mW balanced output, XLR and 3.5mm mic inputs with 48V phantom power, and USB audio mixing with voice return.

3.73.7 out of 5 starsUpdated October 14, 2026
$219.99Price checked October 14, 2026
Check price at Douk Audio
Douk Audio Z1 Gaming Headphone Amplifier with ESS9039 DAC

Our verdict

The Z1 is Douk Audio's $219.99 answer to the gaming DAC-amp combo: an ESS9039Q2M DAC feeding a 430mW balanced 4.4mm headphone output, with XLR and 3.5mm mic inputs, 48V phantom power and hardware mic volume and mute. USB mode mixes game, AUX and voice audio into a single stream that can return to your PC for chat, and you can pick NE5532 or MUSE01 op-amps when ordering. It works with PC, PS5 and mobile. Watch the details: one headphone jack at a time, and optical mode turns off the mic features.

Best for
Gamers and streamers who want one box for a serious DAC, a balanced headphone amp and a phantom-powered mic input.
Skip if
You need two headphones connected at once, want mic features from an optical source, or prefer a minimal plug-and-play DAC.
Check price at Douk AudioHow we research

The Douk Audio Z1 is a gaming headphone amplifier and DAC priced at $219.99. It is designed to sit between a PC, PS5 or mobile device and a headset or headphones, handling both competitive gaming audio and everyday HiFi listening from one aluminum desktop box.

At its heart is an ESS9039Q2M DAC chosen for ultra-low noise, wide dynamic range and detailed reproduction, with eight selectable DAC filter modes for fine-tuning. The 4.4mm balanced headphone output delivers 430mW into 32 ohm with strong channel separation for demanding headphones, and treble, midrange and bass knobs let you adjust the tuning on the fly - tone, volume and filter settings apply across all outputs.

The microphone side is unusually complete for a gaming DAC: dynamic or condenser mics connect via XLR or 3.5mm jacks, with built-in 48V phantom power and physical knobs for mic volume and mute, covering voice chat, meetings, karaoke and content creation. In USB input mode, the Mix button combines audio from USB, AUX and the mic into one stream, output through the headphones and AUX out and returned to the USB host for monitoring or routing, while MIC OUT carries only your voice. A few operating notes from the listing: only one headphone output is active at a time (4.4mm wins if both are plugged in), optical input mode disables all mic functions, and mic use over the AUX input needs a 4-pole TRRS cable.

Douk Audio ships worldwide with free and expedited options; costs vary by country. Parcels under 2kg ship airmail (10-25 days), heavier orders by DHL, UPS or FedEx (5-8 days), and any import duties or customs fees are the customer's responsibility. The store offers a 30-day free return or full refund and a 1-year warranty on all items, excluding orders placed by mistake, man-made damage or misuse, subjective change of mind, and anything outside the warranty terms.

What we liked

  • ESS9039Q2M DAC with ultra-low noise and wide dynamic range for both gaming and music listening
  • 4.4mm balanced output delivers 430mW into 32 ohm with strong channel separation for demanding headphones
  • Supports dynamic and condenser mics via XLR or 3.5mm with 48V phantom power, plus physical mic volume and mute knobs
  • USB input mode mixes game audio, AUX and your voice into one stream and can return the mix to the USB host
  • Choose between NE5532 or MUSE01 op-amps at purchase, with treble, midrange and bass knobs and 8 DAC filter modes

Worth noting

  • Only one headphone output works at a time - when both jacks are connected, the 4.4mm output takes priority
  • In optical input mode the Z1 acts only as a DAC, and all microphone functions including Mix and Mic Mute are disabled
  • Using the AUX input for a microphone requires a 4-pole TRRS cable; a 3-pole TRS cable shorts the mic circuit

Questions before you buy

Why is there no sound from the 3.5mm output when both headphones are connected?

The Z1 only supports one headphone output at a time. When both jacks are connected, the 4.4mm output takes priority; disconnect the 4.4mm headphone to use the 3.5mm output.

Can I use the microphone with the optical input?

No. In optical input mode the Z1 works only as a DAC and all microphone functions - Mic input, Mix and Mic Mute - are disabled. Switch to USB input mode to use them.

Why is there no microphone sound after connecting the AUX input?

Check that the AUX cable is fully inserted and that it is a 4-pole TRRS cable. A 3-pole TRS cable shorts the internal microphone circuit and the mic signal cannot be transmitted.

Do the tone, volume and filter controls apply to every output?

Yes. According to Douk Audio's FAQ, the tone, volume and filter controls simultaneously apply to all outputs on the Z1.

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