CrinEar Protocol Max Portable DAC-Amplifier
CrinEar Protocol Max Portable DAC-Amplifier
4.48 / 5.0
(44) 44 total reviews
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The Protocol Max marks CrinEar’s bold entry into the source gear market, bringing our philosophy of acoustic precision to digital-to-analog conversion and amplification. With up to 600 mW of clean power on tap from its balanced output, the Protocol Max effortlessly drives everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones, all without breaking a sweat.
Beyond raw strength, the Protocol Max features persistent, PC browser-based parametric EQ via the Hangout.Audio Graph Tool, letting you fine-tune your sound signature and store your custom profiles directly onto the device. No companion app, no extra steps—just plug into your PC, set your curve, and enjoy.
With its blend of muscle, precision, and user-focused flexibility, the Protocol Max balances clean, reference-grade performance with real-world practicality, making it the ultimate pocket-sized DAC-amp for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Core Features
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Dual Cirrus Logic DAC chips (CS43198): Provides transparent, high-resolution digital conversion.
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Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 Operational Amplifiers: Provides up to 600mW of clean, robust amplification with minimal distortion.
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Adjustable and Persistent Parametric EQ: Upload and store custom EQ profiles directly from your PC browser.
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Dual Power Modes: Optimize for either efficiency (Eco) or maximum output (Boost).
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Sleek Aluminium Housing: Durable yet stylish construction for everyday portability
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Broad Output Support: Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs with low output impedance for maximum compatibility.
What You Get
- CrinEar Protocol Max
- USB C-to-C cable
- USB C-to-A adapter
Specs
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DAC Chip: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
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Amp Chip: Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2
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Maximum Power Output (BAL):
- @ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 442 mW (Boost)
- @ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost)
- @ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
- @ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 mW (Boost)
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Maximum Power Output (SE):
- @ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
- @ 16Ω: 15.63 mW (Eco), 250 mW (Boost)
- @ 32Ω: 7.8 mW (Eco), 125 mW (Boost)
- @ 300Ω: 0.8 mW (Eco), 13.5 mW (Boost)
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SNR @1kHz 0dBFS: 132 dB (BAL), 127 dB (SE)
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THD+N @1kHz 0dBFS: -118 dB (BAL), -116 dB (SE)
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Crosstalk @1kHz -6dBFS: -116 dB (BAL), -65 dB (SE)
- Output Impedance: <0.6Ω (BAL), <0.3Ω (SE)
Works great no issues. Honestly thought it was gonna be bigger but it's pleasantly small
This little beast drives all of my headphones and IEMs with ease! I was fortunate to pick this up on my stopover in Singapore and now I am questioning the need for my DAP. With this plugged into my iPhone, I have a portable powerhouse. The dac far exceeds the capabilities of that built into my macbook and phone. At this price point, it is a no-brainer.
I originally wanted something to drive my Sennheiser HD599SE. The built in DAC in my PC was really weak. I bought it second hand and audio was something I didn't consider at the moment. But since I got the Sennheiser HD599SE with the 50Ω impedance, my PC couldn't drive it well. I do a lot of gaming and work as well as a fair bit of music listening and anime watching. But the volume with the headphones was quite low. This was causing me to not hear people in my games and properly enjoy the headphones.
I then watched Crinacle's video on how powerful it is and I thought I would like to try out it on my headphones. I did try some other portable stuff like the Moondrop FreeDSP mini and it did make the volume loud enough but since it got fried in some of my experiments with portable audio. Thus I got this to see for myself how powerful it is.
And it delivered. I'm using only thr 3.5mm jack with boost as I am not using it on my phone. And already the volume is loud enough that I can hear everything in my games. So much that I had to EQ it so that I don't get audio exhaustion. And now that I did, I was absolutely crushing competitive games as I was able to hear everything and it was not exhausting for me.
Love the product. Hoping to get a 4.4mm balanced cable for the headphones next and try it as well.
I might get another at some point for using with my phone because this can go really quiet with the eco mode and I like the idea of having an open back headphone and taking a walk in the park without letting anyone listen to what I am listening while being able to listen to my surroundings.
Keep up the good work.
Bought it mainly to support the fatman but its actually pretty good. Made use of the PEQ and it sounds good. It indeed has enough power to drive different headphones / IEMs. Its not a revolutionary game changer but its still good. Its light enough to carry for running as well.
I'm pretty fricken disappointed in this because it works fine for most of the time then when you app switch try and volume limit it absolutely deafens you. Unfortunately it's not the first time I've had issues like this with amps.