In this article, I check out the D&A Alpha Pro DAC/amplifier/preamp. The Alpha Pro features a flagship ES9039MSPRO DAC chip and up to 6000mW x2 @32Ω. It’s priced at 699 USD.

D&A (Digi & Aesth) is an emerging brand with a focus on high-end DACs. They place strong emphasis not just on sound quality but also on aesthetics—hence the “Aesth” in the name. Their design philosophy, “Future Design,” is clearly reflected in the Alpha Pro, which is a refreshing departure from the typical black-box designs that dominate the category.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul in exchange for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

D&A Alpha Pro

Features

In terms of inputs, the Alpha Pro offers plenty of flexibility. You’ve got Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless streaming, plus USB-C, Toslink, coaxial SPDIF, and a trusty pair of RCA inputs for legacy sources. Whether you’re feeding it digital or analogue, it’s ready to accommodate.

Outputs are just as comprehensive. For headphones, there’s a 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced, and 3.5mm single-ended, covering everything from desktop dynamics to demanding planars. For line-level duties, you get both XLR and RCA outputs, so it can slot seamlessly into balanced or single-ended speaker rigs.

The Alpha Pro isn’t just a DAC and headphone amp—it also doubles as a dedicated analogue preamp or can serve as a complete all-in-one desktop system. Whether you’re using it to drive headphones directly or feeding it into a separate power amp, it adapts to your setup with ease.

At the core of the Alpha Pro is the flagship ES9039MSPro DAC chip from ESS. It’s paired with an XMOS XU-316 USB controller, supporting up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD512 over USB. Coaxial and optical inputs handle up to 192kHz/24-bit and DoP64, while Bluetooth 5.1 adds wireless convenience with LDAC streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz (990/660/330kbps). MQA decoding is supported too—though, to be honest, that’s probably not high on most people’s list these days.

The SNR is a healthy 133dB via XLR, with 128dB even through RCA—seriously impressive figures. But where the Alpha Pro really flexes is in output power: 6000mW x2 @ 32Ω. In short, it drives even the most demanding headphones without breaking a sweat.

Volume control is handled by an NJU72315-based analogue circuit, employing a precision resistor array for accurate level adjustments (in theory — more on that later). The headphone output impedance is just 0.1Ω, ensuring clean, controlled sound across a wide range of headphones.

Design & Usability

To differentiate the Alpha Pro visually from the sea of desktop DACs in the wild, D&A have given it a unique appearance. This is achieved by using a plexiglass panel on the front, combined with a series of white LEDs that give it that “Future Design” look, along with some vintage elements, such as the selection buttons and analogue potentiometer.

It lights up with a cascade of LEDs the moment you turn it on. Some people will love this aspect of the Alpha Pro while others are sure to hate it, especially considering you can’t dim the LEDs or turn them off completely. There are 4 settings for the lighting: all on, a responsive mode where the two white LED bars dance in sync with the music, a slightly more subdued mode, where only the function buttons are lit and a breathing mode.

The front panel contains the 3 headphone outputs: a 4-pin XLR, 6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced. Next to the headphone outputs are the 4 function buttons: Power On/Off, Gain High/Low, Output – Phone out, Pre out and Line out and the input selection button.

Unfortunately, the button labels and LED indicator labels are in tiny text, and very difficult to read. This is exacerbated by very bright LED’s right next to them, which makes reading them at night nearly impossible. You’ll need to commit the buttons and functions to memory to avoid frustration.

Sound

I tested the D&A Alpha Pro with the Moondrop Para, Sennheiser HD650 and Meze Audio 105 AER. IEMs used for testing include the Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula, FiiO FH19 and IO Audio Volare. I tested the Line Out with my FiiO SP3 BT desktop speakers.

The Alpha Pro’s 0.1Ω output impedance means that it’s perfectly suitable for sensitive multi-BA IEMs. In fact, the Alpha Pro is one of the most versatile headphone amps I’ve tested in regards to being compatible with anything from the most sensitive IEMs to the most demanding headphones.

It has a transparent but not entirely neutral sound signature. The Alpha Pro adds a touch of extra body and richness, making music feel more immersive and engaging. Thanks to its excellent SNR, it delivers a pitch-black background that enhances instrument separation and spatial precision. While it doesn’t offer the most expansive soundstage, the D&A Alpha Pro excels at placing instruments with pinpoint accuracy, giving the presentation a focused feel without sounding congested or closed-in.

Where the Alpha Pro really shines is in its transient response and dynamic range. It has a snappy, controlled attack that captures the texture and nuances of fast-moving instruments like snare drums, plucked strings, and piano keystrokes. Micro-detail retrieval is excellent without being overbearing, allowing subtle reverb trails and low-level background cues to emerge effortlessly. Whether you’re listening at low volumes or pushing it harder with full-size planar headphones, the Alpha Pro maintains its composure and clarity, revealing layers in the music without smearing or losing tonal balance.

Comparison

Topping DX9

Compared to something like the Topping DX9, the Alpha Pro trades a bit of outright analytical sharpness for a more natural and engaging presentation. While the DX9 leans drier and more clinical, the Alpha Pro counters with a richer tonal palette and a slightly warmer tilt, making it more forgiving with less-than-perfect recordings. Both units offer excellent versatility, but the Alpha Pro’s superior IEM handling and more musical delivery may give it the edge for those who value emotional connection over pure technicality.

Verdict

All in all, the D&A Alpha Pro is a fantastic unit—powerful, versatile, and consistently enjoyable to listen to. Its sound is rich and immersive, with great spatial precision and transient control, making it one of the most satisfying DAC/amps in its class. Driving anything from sensitive IEMs to demanding over-ears, it delivers clarity and musicality in spades.

My only real gripe is with the lighting and labelling. The LEDs are bright with no option to dim them or switch them off, which can be distracting in a dark room. And the text and labels on the front panel are quite small, making them tough to read. If D&A could add a simple lighting dimming control and slightly larger front-panel labels, it would be hard to find a better all-in-one unit at this price.

Specifications

Inputs: USB / Optical / Coaxial / Bluetooth / RCA
Outputs: XLR / RCA / XLR headphones / 4.4mm headphones / 6.35mm headphones
Line output voltage:
    XLR: 5.2Vrms
    RCA: 2.5Vrms
Headphone output level:
    4000mW x 2 (16Ω)
    6000mW x 2 (32Ω)
    1400mW x 2 (150Ω)
    700mW x 2 (300Ω)
    350mW x 2 (600Ω)
THD+N:
    XLR: 0.00006% (−124dB) (UN-WTD)
    RCA: 0.00007% (−122dB) (UN-WTD)
    HP: 0.0001% (−115dB) (UN-WTD)
Dynamic range:
    XLR: 133dB
    RCA: 128dB
    HP: 125dB
SNR:
    XLR: 133dB
    RCA: 128dB
    HP: 125dB
Output impedance:
    Line out: 100Ω
    Headphone out: Near 0Ω
Headphone amplifier gain:
    Balanced: +15.8dB
    Unbalanced: +9.8dB
USB transmission: USB 2.0 (Asynchronous)
USB compatibility: Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 / 11 (Needs driver), Mac OSX, iOS, Linux, Android
MQA decoder: USB / Optical / Coaxial
MQA-CD decoder: Optical / Coaxial
Max supported sampling rate:
    USB decoding: Up to 768kHz/32bit, DSD512 (Native)
    Coaxial input decoding: Up to 192kHz/24bit, DoP64
    Optical input decoding: Up to 192kHz/24bit, DoP64
Bluetooth 5.1
    Codecs supported: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
    LDAC: 24-bit/96kHz at 990/660/330kbps
    aptX HD: 24-bit/48kHz at 576kbps
    aptX: 16-bit/44.1kHz at 352kbps
    SBC: 16-bit/44.1kHz at 328kbps
    AAC: 16-bit/44.1kHz (bitrate not specified)
Power consumption: <50W
Standby power: <0.5W
Size: 225 x 55 x 199.3mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 1.76kg / 3.88lb