D&A's second desktop unit, the Alpha, shows up after the Alpha Pro and does something pretty interesting for a cheaper model — it strips away a connector, shrinks the whole thing down, yet somehow delivers even more punch. That 4-pin XLR balanced output? Gone. Analog input too. But here's the kicker: D&A says the Alpha actually hits harder than the Pro. At 500 USD, it's built for your desk. Plug in a computer or tablet, and suddenly you've got a proper sound card that keeps headphone listening straightforward.
What's Different From the Alpha Pro
Put them next to each other and the gap is obvious right away. The Alpha's got a shallower, more compact chassis. Both keep the 6.35mm and 4.4mm outputs up front, but the Pro has that 4-pin XLR on the left side — the Alpha doesn't. The Pro also takes analog input; Alpha skips it entirely, so it's strictly a DAC/amp, not a standalone amplifier. You lose some connector flexibility, sure, but D&A claims you get back the drive in spades.
Inside, there's a dual ESS9039Q2M DAC and a four-channel fully balanced discrete amp stage doing the heavy lifting. We're talking 9W into 32Ω from the balanced output and 2.5W single-ended. Output impedance sits below 0.1Ω. That's what's packed into this little box.
Warmer, Fuller — Same DNA
Where the Alpha Pro is all about tight control and precision — sharp lines, clinical detail — the Alpha relaxes. The sound opens up and warms. Vocals sit a bit closer, feel more present, which works better for pop and vocal stuff. The Pro's cooler, more detached vibe gets swapped for something friendlier. The highs are open, almost glossy, rather than sharp.
Toggle TONE-X mode by holding the OUTPUT button, and things get even warmer with extra harmonic texture, without sacrificing the treble. Then there's the pairing range — both super-easy-to-drive IEMs and power-hungry flagships play nice with it. The balanced output gives sensitive IEMs tons of headroom while staying whisper-quiet, and it's got the juice for harder loads.
Actually Fits on Your Desk
The smaller size is the real-world win. It takes up about as much room as a mousepad and can run headphones straight off your laptop or tablet — no stack of gear needed. On the back: USB-C, optical, coaxial digital in, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, RCA and dual XLR outs for powered monitors. Wireless playback built right in, no dongles. The Pro didn't do that.
Bottom Line
The Alpha ditches the 4-pin XLR and analog input to get smaller, warmer, cheaper, and — by D&A's account — stronger. If you're a desktop listener around 500 USD who wants one device to handle IEMs and full-size cans, that tradeoff doesn't feel like you're settling. Minus the "Pro" badge, it still feels like one.
10 comments
Yes, the output power is quite high.
Quick question, can this drive the Paradise 2?
Can an 800 be sold?
Can it drive an 800?
For pop this one is better; the Aquila III has higher treble density.
How does this compare with the Aquila III? Which is better for power and sound quality?
It won’t drive everything to the max, but it drives things pretty well.
This one looks so good.
Plenty of full-size headphones now come with 4.4mm connections too.
A balanced XLR jack is a hard requirement for me — half the headphones at home still use XLR balanced cables.