Cen.Grand 9i-90SA Pro "Lark" – Premium DAC, Headphone Amplifier, and Preamplifier in One Device
General Concept and Purpose
The Cen.Grand 9i-90SA Pro "Lark" is a high-end, compact, and versatile audio device that combines the functions of a DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier into one elegant unit. When designing this model, Cen.Grand engineers focused on achieving exceptional sound quality, advanced digital technology, and seamless system integration.
With its unique solutions and high-performance architecture, the "Lark" is an ideal choice for demanding music listeners seeking a complete, uncompromising audio solution.
Key Technical Features
At the heart of the 9i-90SA Pro is the ESS ES9038Pro DAC chip, operating in dual-channel parallel mode to achieve optimal noise levels and minimal distortion. The device supports a wide range of digital inputs, including USB-B, coaxial, optical (Toslink), and AES/EBU interfaces. For analog connections, RCA and balanced XLR ports provide high-quality system integration.
The headphone outputs support three industry-standard formats: 6.35mm stereo (SE), 4-pin XLR (balanced), and 4.4mm (balanced), ensuring compatibility with both modern and classic headphones.
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
The digital processing capabilities of this device are particularly noteworthy. Its USB input combines an XMOS XU208 second-generation chip with a dedicated FPGA, featuring galvanic isolation to filter out noise from computers. Supported formats include:
- PCM: up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
- DSD: native DSD512
For SPDIF inputs (coaxial, optical, AES/EBU), the system supports 24-bit / 192 kHz PCM and DSD64 (DoP) formats.
Analog Section and Volume Control
Cen.Grand placed special emphasis on the output stage design. The low-pass filter (LPF) is built on a Texas Instruments LME49720 op-amp with a balanced architecture. The final output stage uses fully discrete components to maintain a natural and musical sound signature.
The volume control is handled by a PGA2311 chip, with microcontroller (MCU) management, offering extremely fine adjustments from -70 dB to 0 dB for precise, noise-free operation.
Headphone Amplifier Architecture
The 9i-90SA Pro’s headphone amplifier section is based on a current-feedback architecture with a fully discrete design, ensuring superior control and transparency. Users can select from four different output modes to match their listening preferences and headphone characteristics:
- Normal – for high-sensitivity headphones and in-ear monitors
- Balanced (BTL) – full differential mode, ideal for high-impedance models (e.g., Sennheiser HD800S)
- Active Ground (Virtual GND) – simulated grounding for a smoother, more harmonic sound signature
- Parallel – optimized for medium-impedance headphones with enhanced driving power
Output Power
- 1.5 W @ 33 Ω (0.5% THD)
- 0.5 W @ 600 Ω (0.017% THD)
Acoustic Performance
The 9i-90SA Pro delivers a clean, neutral sound profile while maintaining a surprisingly natural and musical character. The midrange is silky and richly textured, while the treble offers excellent resolution and openness. The soundstage is holographic, with well-defined stereo imaging.
Bass reproduction remains controlled and dynamic, without overwhelming the overall tonal balance. Its high degree of headphone compatibility ensures effortless drive even for reference-grade models.
Multi-Function Usage
The 9i-90SA Pro seamlessly fits into various audio setups:
- As a DAC – enhances the sound quality of any digital source, such as a streamer or CD player
- As a preamplifier – connects directly to active speakers or power amplifiers via RCA and XLR inputs
- As a headphone amplifier – a full-fledged amplifier supporting low and high-impedance headphones
- As a USB DAC – enables high-quality DSD playback with galvanic isolation from computers or laptops
Technical Specifications
- DAC chip: ESS ES9038Pro (dual-mono configuration)
- Digital inputs: USB-B, coaxial, optical (Toslink), AES/EBU
- USB: XMOS XU208 + FPGA, galvanic isolation, PCM 32-bit / 384 kHz, native DSD512
- Analog inputs: RCA, XLR
- Outputs: RCA, XLR
- Headphone outputs: 6.35mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm
- Volume control: TI PGA2311, -70 – 0 dB
- Output power: 1.5 W @ 33 Ω, 0.5 W @ 600 Ω
- Dimensions: 260 × 85 × 80 mm
- Weight: 4.35 kg
Accessories
- Remote control
- USB cable
- Power cable
