---
product_id: 104763624
title: "Khadas Tone Board Hi-Res Audio USB DAC Based in Chip 32-bit ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 External Sound Card with S/PDIF Input RCA Audio Cable (Male-Female)"
brand: "khadas"
price: "€ 226.24"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
url: https://www.desertcart.sk/products/104763624-khadas-tone-board-hi-res-audio-usb-dac-based-in
store_origin: SK
region: Slovakia
---

# 8-core processor 32-bit DAC Universal compatibility Khadas Tone Board Hi-Res Audio USB DAC Based in Chip 32-bit ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 External Sound Card with S/PDIF Input RCA Audio Cable (Male-Female)

**Brand:** khadas
**Price:** € 226.24
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate Your Sound Experience!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Khadas Tone Board Hi-Res Audio USB DAC Based in Chip 32-bit ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 External Sound Card with S/PDIF Input RCA Audio Cable (Male-Female) by khadas
- **How much does it cost?** € 226.24 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sk](https://www.desertcart.sk/products/104763624-khadas-tone-board-hi-res-audio-usb-dac-based-in)

## Best For

- khadas enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted khadas brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Expandable Design:** Easily extend your audio setup with multiple output options.
- • **Powerful Processing:** Harness the power of an 8-core XMOS XU208 for seamless audio playback.
- • **Low Jitter Performance:** Enjoy crystal-clear audio with ultra-low phase noise and jitter.
- • **Versatile Connectivity:** Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux for ultimate flexibility.
- • **Unmatched Audio Clarity:** Experience high-resolution sound with the ES9038Q2M DAC.

## Overview

The Khadas Tone Board is a high-resolution USB DAC featuring the advanced ES9038Q2M chip and XMOS XU208 microcontroller, ensuring exceptional audio quality and compatibility across various platforms. With ultra-low jitter performance and multiple extension options, it’s designed for audiophiles seeking a superior sound experience.

## Description



## Features

- XMOS: XU208-128-QF48, Eeight Cores, Core Share up to 500 MIPS; ES9038Q2M 32-Bit Stereo Mobile Audio DAC.
- COMPATIBILITY: Windows PC, Mac OS, Android, Linux PC, Volumio, LibreELEC, and Other SBCs. The XMOS USB Audio to ensure a rock-solid connection. We selected to use the XMOS XU208 microcontroller for its stability, powerful functionality,and its reliability. You can be sure that the Tone Board will just work when connected to most audio sources,such as computers and mobile media terminals.
- DIFFERENT VERSIONS: VIMs Versions (Khadas Tone + VIMs) connected through GPIO Pins; Generic Edition won't have GPIO Pins on board. (for this Asin it's Generic edition)
- EXTENSION: One 30-Pins FPC Connector for 8 Channels Analog Output Extension; Two 10-Pins FPC Connectors for OLED Display and I2S Extension; VIMs Version also have 40-Pins Female header connecting with VIMS and 20-Pins SMT Header for debugging XMOS and VIMs.
- UNTRA=LOW PHASE NOISE CLOCK JITTER:The SiTime ultra performance oscillator SiT820&8209 series with just 0.5ps phase jitter and output frequency stability as low as ± 10PPM. We chose it as a reference clock in our audio system so that the data clock jitter < 30ps.

## Images

![Khadas Tone Board Hi-Res Audio USB DAC Based in Chip 32-bit ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 External Sound Card with S/PDIF Input RCA Audio Cable (Male-Female) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414WO4hlq6L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Good things come in small packages
  

*by D***R on Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2020*

I've been curious about this little DAC board ever since I read what Amir had to say about it in Audio Science Review a year or two ago. The photos don't do it justice; it's tiny. Back in October of 2018, it was the 8th highest performing DAC that he had measured. It is still the best performing DAC he has ever measured for under USD 100. Pretty impressive.Although entirely usable, this is a product for hobbyists. There's no remote control and no display. The white status light only indicates that the DAC is receiving power (no colors for different sampling rates, etc.). No power supply is provided, and some assembly is required. I ordered the bundle that includes the optional acrylic case and USB cable, highly recommended for the extra $5 (at the time of this writing). Note: this product is NOT compatible with SBCs like the Raspberry Pi: it is a stand-alone USB or S/PDIF DAC.Although spartan, the Tone Board is surprisingly featureful. The ES9038Q2M chip is used in many more expensive DACs, including the Allo Katana, Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital, and SMSL M8A. The Tone Board's USB input supports PCM sampling rates from 16-bits, 44.1 kHz up to 32-bits, 384 kHz (verified…anything higher produces noise on macOS), and DSD64 to DSD256. There's also an S/PDIF input (75Ω RCA), which supports PCM up to 24-bits, 192 kHz. Update: DSD does not seem to be supported on the S/PDIF input, sadly.The "youyeetoo" case that came with my bundle was not difficult to assemble, once I peeled the brown paper backing off each side of the ten (10) plastic parts. That's twenty stickers…glad that I didn't cut my nails this week! No instructions were included (as others have said), but I could have assembled it easily without googling for a YouTube video. The only tricky bit is working out where to use the short vs. long screws. Pro-tip: use the long screws for the four corners and save the short ones to attach the Tone Board to the bottom of the case. There's a standoff that needs to go between the left and right RCA jacks. These were spaced too close to use the provided hex nut on my board, so I just screwed the standoff to the bottom of the case without the nut. The eight screws that go into the bottom of the case are not countersunk, and no self-adhesive feet are provided. If you don't add your own feet after assembly, the case is likely to scratch whatever you set it on. Fortunately, I have plenty of stick-on feet, but you may wish to add a set to your order if you don't have some lying around.Once it's all put together, it's a smart little package. The provided USB-C to USB-A cable is supple, fabric-wrapped, and seems to be of decent quality. The RCA jacks are beefy and look like they belong on an audio component costing at least 10x this price. Spacing is wide enough that I can use audiophile locking RCA cables without the plugs touching. This is uncommon at this price-point.As to sound, well, I'm still letting it run-in, but no complaints so far. I'll give it a turn in my primary system this weekend, but for now, it's feeding a pair of IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors. While these are quite nice, I'm confident that I'm only enjoying a fraction of the raw dynamic range available from the Tone Board. The outputs are a little hot (in terms of voltage swing), so I had to reduce the levels in my media player software (Roon) by 6 dB to avoid overdriving the input stage of the iLoud monitors. With that adjustment (not the fault of the Tone Board), the soundstage, tone, and dynamics are remarkable.Things change fast in the DAC world, so for the Tone Board to still king of the "sub-$100 roost" after a few years is, indeed, impressive. If you have a few more clams to spend, the SMAL Sanskrit 10th Mk2 is a more "complete" product with display and remote control. The same goes for the TOPPING E30. I have not tried either yet, but they are on my short-list to explore.If you have pair of powered monitors or a decent analog headphone amp connected to your laptop, the Tone Board is worth checking out to upgrade your sound. Don't expect miracles, but the improvement in listening engagement is something that you will appreciate over time, especially if the quality of sound is something that spins your propeller.From what I understand, the latest product created by the designer of the Tone Board is the Soncoz SGD1 DAC. It's nearly 5x the Tone Board's price, but if you're looking for another 10% improvement in performance, plus more inputs, outputs, and features, this could be your upgrade path.Update: The sound after settling in…what I can say, but wow! Tonal balance is spot-on, and the resolving power–ability to hear all parts of a piece of music–is beyond remarkable. Of the 7+ DACs in my collection, this is currently my favorite. There's a lot to like, regardless of price, but especially at ~$100. What are you waiting for??!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Cheapest way I know of to get the ES9038Q2M chip
  

*by D***D on Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2020*

Sounds a bit livelier in the midrange than my roughly 20 year old M-Audio 2496 DAC audio card, which is also 24 bits with 32 bit processing and was a standard for many years.  The Khadas is the cheapest way I know of to get the ES9038Q2M chip.  Note that it does not come with the big connector, in case you were thinking of wiring it into another project.  I guess that with the connector, this board is sold as a part to manufacturers of more expensive audio equipment.You have to buy the case separately.  The hardest part of building the case was peeling the paper off the plexiglass, that actually took some time.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Minimalism and Transparency
  

*by D***N on Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020*

The Khadas simply is beast in performance, with a lower distortion and higher dynamic range than anything remotely near the same price. The sound is really good, accurate, good bass and top end and a nice full midrange. Used with my best speakers, it sounds very good  It also sounds better than some more expensive options I've compared it with. For the money, it's an excellent solution in my humble opinion,I made a DIY plastic box and it is already working.

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*Product available on Desertcart Slovakia*
*Store origin: SK*
*Last updated: 2026-03-02*