Emotiva DR Stack Brings Big Hi-Fi Performance to Smaller Spaces

Emotiva Audio has unveiled its new DR Stack, a compact range of matching hi-fi separates designed to deliver serious two-channel performance from a decidedly room-friendly footprint.

Emotiva says the Differential Reference line brings a fully balanced, low-noise signal path from input to output across slender 2/3-width components measuring 267mm wide. Each unit gets a steel chassis, a black anodised aluminium faceplate, and a fully dimmable blue OLED display, making the system as visually tidy as it is technically ambitious.

The stack comprises the DRP-1 preamplifier, DRA-1 power amplifier, DRD-1 DAC and DRS-1 streamer/DAC, giving listeners the option to build a compact separates system with the connectivity and performance typically associated with larger, more expensive components.

At the heart of the range is the DRP-1 Differential Reference Preamplifier, which features a short, fully balanced signal path, sealed relay switching and a studio-grade resistor-ladder precision volume control. Emotiva has also included internal bass management at 80Hz for straightforward subwoofer integration, alongside two RCA inputs, a stereo unbalanced phono input for MM or MC cartridges, and a balanced XLR input. Outputs include RCA, XLR and a summed XLR subwoofer output.

Partnering it is the DRA-1 Differential Reference Amplifier, a Hypex NCOREx-based design with a fully balanced signal path. It is rated at 100W per channel into 8 ohms or 130W into 4 ohms, and can be bridged to deliver 400W into 4 ohms. Emotiva quotes a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 115dB and THD+N below 0.008%, with RCA and XLR inputs, along with audiophile-grade five-way speaker binding posts, on the rear panel.

Digital duties can be handled by the DRD-1 Differential Reference DAC, which uses an ESS ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference converter with selectable digital filters and low-noise OPA1656 and OPA1678 analogue-stage electronics. Its Comtrue CT7601 USB-C interface supports sample rates up to 768kHz, DoP up to DoP256 and native DSD up to DSD512 with suitable drivers. The unit also offers HDMI-ARC for TV audio, fixed-level RCA and XLR outputs, and a fully balanced differential analogue signal path.

Alternatively, the DRS-1 Differential Reference Streamer/DAC combines Emotiva’s balanced architecture with a lifetime licence for the Volumio Premium control platform. It supports Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, internet radio via Volumio, local playback from a hard drive, thumb drive, or NAS, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming from phones, computers, and tablets. Up to six rooms or devices can be synced via Volumio, while connectivity includes balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs, Toslink and coaxial digital outputs, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, twin USB-A ports and HDMI output for on-screen configuration or track information.

All DR Stack components include 12V trigger inputs and outputs, while the DRD-1 and DRP-1 ship with the same all-metal, full-function remote control.

The Emotiva DR Stack will be available from August, with UK pricing set at £740 for the DRP-1, £850 for the DRA-1, £740 for the DRD-1 and £850 for the DRS-1.

For more information visit Emotiva