exaSound e22 MQA Upgrade-able ~ DAC w/DSD REDUCED!

Great sounding DAC with  DSD

Mark II 

Digital Inputs: Asynchronous USB Audio 2.0: PCM Up to 384 kHz; DSD 64 Fs: 2.8224 MHz; 3.072 MHz, DSD 128 Fs: 5.6448 MHz; 6.144 MHz, DSD 256 Fs: 11.2896 MHz; 12.288 MHz (Requires OS X 10.9)
SPDIF Coaxial Input 1: PCM 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
SPDIF Optical Input 2: PCM 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
Output: Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.2 inches X 6.5 inches X 9.25 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Price: $3499.00
Website: exasound.com

Firmware upgradable for MQA Compatibility (Per Vendor in direct email Q & A) - when made available

Awards and Reviews:

https://www.exasound.com/Blog/tabid/74/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/200/HIVi-Japan-Best-Buy-Winter-2015--exaSound-e22Mark-II-DAC-Awarded-1st-Prize.aspx

https://www.audiostream.com/content/exasound-audio-design-e22-dac

https://www.dagogo.com/exasound-audio-design-e22-dac-review/                  

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/exasound-e22-dac.20245/reviews

From Article:

Overview

Input/Output
 
On the back the e22 has upgraded gold RCA outs, an upgraded gold coax SPDIF input, and a USB type B jack instead of the e20's USB mini jack. The e22 also has a 12V trigger output. Both have identical optical SPDIF inputs. The front display and buttons are the same, and everything seems solid. One slight annoyance is that the backlit area of the display is not centered in the front panel cutout in both units, something you can't see on the website pictures. While this seems very out-of-place to anyone even mildly OCD, it has zero bearing on functionality. However, I do implore exaSound to fix it:
 
Remote control is supported with an included, ubiquitous Apple IR Remote, and works flawlessly to duplicate the functionality of the front buttons. That is, it can turn the unit on/off, change inputs, and change volume. Regarding volume... the e20's volume can be set anywhere from 0db to -80db. At 0db there is no attenuation at all and output should be bitperfect. Attenuation is implemented by asking the ESS Sabre chip, politely, to turn it down. 
  Is the e22 worth $1000 more than the e20? Although I didn't AB them side-by-side, I'm confident any SQ difference is minimal. But there are solid engineering improvements in the e22, like a better clock, beefier headphone output, a 12v trigger, gold connectors, and so on. I would say go for the e22 if you can swing it.

"best DAC on the market for computer audiophiles" Pros - DSD256 support, rock-solid ASIO driver, phenomenal SQ Cons - small rubber feet, slightly off-center backlighting Intro
 
From the land of ice hockey, frozen wine, and decent beer, comes:
 
Two DACs manufactured by a small company in Canada called exaSound, run by a smart guy named George Klissarov. Both support PCM up to 32/384 and DSD up to DSD256 over USB. The e20 mkIII will run you $2499 and the e22 will run you $3499. exaSound also sells an 8-channel DAC called the e28, for $3849. See here for a spec comparison chart.
 
I bought the e20 first, and after deciding I liked it -- a lot -- I bought the e22. The e20 will serve office duty with my less-expensive audio equipment, while the e22 will remain at home with my nosebleed stuff. I should note that I did not compare them together at the same time. Since they can't both be connected viaUSB to a single computer simultaneously, it would be difficult to do quick A/B tests anyway. Also, my e20 is one of the lucky few that came with a free upgraded clock, so that would make any differences that much harder to hear. But my sonic memory is pretty good, and as I detail below, they both sound phenomenal.
 
Build Quality
 
The e22 is a few inches longer than the e20, but otherwise they are of identical dimensions. Both units are very light and compact, with an aluminium chassis, but they don't have the "audio jewellery" look. In other words, they look more at place next to your PC than next to a $50K amp. I do wish the units had something better than the small stick-on rubber feet they come with. I wanted more clearance on the bottom so I added these clear rubber feet from Amazon.
 
The power supply on both units is external, but it's a very high-quality power brick, according to exaSound. If you worry about this, there are third-party companies that will sell you a custom AC/DC converter for $500 and up. I personally would be shocked if it made a difference.The units do not get hot or even warm during operation, unlike many previous DACs I've owned. This applies both to the chassis and the power brick. A sign of proper engineering, IMHO.