CrinEar Protocol Max Portable DAC-Amplifier
CrinEar Protocol Max Portable DAC-Amplifier
4.78 / 5.0
(23) 23 总评论数
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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)

I'm more of a desktop dac/amp kind of person, but I picked this up for portability and convenience, since it measures well and has plenty of power for most of my headphones. I just really wish the PEQ feature was less clunky and annoying. Can only set it up on desktop currently (Windows or Mac, NOT Linux), and disabling it is a chore since you need to manually delete every band you use. I have mine set with a small bass shelf and some treble tweaks and that seems to work well enough for me.
I'll give it 4 stars for now, with 5 coming after PEQ is ironed out for those of us using a portable DAC/amp, y'know, portably.
Otherwise, it sounds good and gets my headphones loud enough to listen to. What more do you want?
I use this together with my phone and work computer. I carry it together with my Crinear daybreak in the daybreak's carry case. Feels like the carry case was designed to be able to hold both.
I haven't had fully time to use the product to be able to fully give a review and to be honest i do not have that many references. I think the build quality is spot on, feels nice, very compact. The accessories supplied with it seems to be of a good quality, very nice USB-C cable, very flexible which means it fits nicely into carry case for Crinear Daybreak.
One nitpick would be maybe about the button functionality, if one presses the volume button a bit too long it seems to run into some bug or loop and you need to disconnect the unit to be able to use it again. As long as use short presses / clicks, no problem. This at least occurs with my phone, google pixel 10 pro xl.
using it with the Daybreaks. Good sound, plenty of power, compact and lightweight, fits nice in the daybreaks box. Good enough mix of bass and treble. Seems neutral with a slight bass bump is my current jam
Using this along with the dusk, i get more power than what the dsp cable provides on top of being able to customize the EQ so much easier than the moondrop app.
looking forward to the app to eq from mobile.
I made the mistake to think that this was like an interface DAC for guitar. But I’m sure I’ll probably make good use of it 😅