Note: This is a Pre-order at a special introductory pricing of $145. First batch of 500 units is estimated to ship late December to early January. We'll provide an estimate for the second batch as the production goes along. We'll also update what batch we are at here.
The old ways are calling
Built around a fully-discrete R2R ladder, the Druid converts digital data into analog waveforms through a precise network of resistors rather than a high-speed modulation process. Each resistor contributes a tiny part of the signal, forming a sound that feels natural, human, and grounded in something older than silicon. This DAC does not compute. It communes.
The first R2R DAC with swappable op-amps
The idea came straight from the community: give the upcoming R2R DAC swappable op-amps. What started as a suggestion turned into one of our favorite parts of the Druid. The open-chassis design made perfect sense for it: no case to crack open, no hidden screws, just clear access to the sockets. We’re glad the community pushed us on this one, because it made the Druid into an even more satisfying product.
Need help swapping op-amps?
Tuned by ear
Inside are three swappable op-amps: two for the balanced XLR outputs and one for the single-ended 3.5mm. When it came to choosing the stock op-amps, we didn't start with any particular sound or spec sheet advantage in mind—just a price point and the goal of being wowed. We tested everything we could get our hands on, and the Texas Instruments LM4562NA/NOPB stood out immediately. It handled the midrange with an easy, natural smoothness that made vocals and acoustic instruments feel alive. Especially paired with the Gremlin, it brought a smile to our faces.
XLR balanced outputs
For those running balanced chains, the Druid provides a 4V XLR output that delivers all the current and control you’d expect from a fully differential stage. The result is lower noise, higher headroom, and tighter channel separation: everything you want when driving balanced amplifiers or powered monitors.
3.5mm single-ended output
Because PCB space is sacred, the Druid uses a 3.5mm line out instead of dual RCA jacks. A 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter is included in the box, letting you run the Druid into any single-ended amplifier or powered speaker chain.
XMOS XU316 USB interface
At the heart of the Druid’s digital stage is the XMOS XU316, one of the most capable USB controller chips available today. It handles data transfer with rock-solid stability and ultra-low latency, ensuring every bit arrives exactly as intended. With sixteen cores running in parallel, it keeps high-resolution audio streams (PCM 768kHz, DSD512) moving effortlessly, without adding timing errors or background noise.
STACK THE PARTY
Add the
Stacker to your order if you plan on using the Druid R2R with the Gremlin amp. This translucent acrylic platform lets you stack the two together like a proper adventuring party. It's precision-cut to cradle the Gremlin's lower acrylic plate and keep it snugly perched without adhesive or screws. Our very own
Sean Flynn designed the stacker, and our buddies at
Salad made it a reality. We’ve priced it to be a no-profit product—the price you pay simply covers our costs. But we’d like to keep the DIY community ethos going, so we’re working with Salad to make it an open-source download on
GitHub. Print it, tweak it, remix. If you come up with something great, send it our way at
communityfeedback@apos.audio so we can show it off.
Product highlights
-
R2R ladder DAC
-
Fully swappable op-amps with included lifts and puller
-
Balanced XLR outputs plus 3.5mm line output
-
XMOS XU316 USB interface
-
External power brick–style adapter with dedicated ground wire for cleaner, quieter performance
-
Smooth, mid-focused LM4562NA op-amps installed
-
Compact aluminum and acrylic chassis, desktop-friendly design
-
Underside LEDs with on/off jumper switch
-
Need help swapping op-amps?
Specs
-
DAC architecture: Fully discrete R2R resistor ladder
-
Op-amps: Three swappable Texas Instruments LM4562NA/NOPB (two for balanced XLR, one for single-ended 3.5mm)
-
Op-amp support: Standard DIP-8 sockets, includes three lifts and puller tool
-
Outputs:
-
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
-
Signal to noise ratio: 90dB
-
Minimum distortion: 0.04% (1KHz)
-
Separation degree: 82dB (1KHz)
-
Digital inputs: USB Type-B (XMOS XU316 controller)
-
Supported formats: PCM up to 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD512 (native)
-
Power supply: 12v external brick-style adapter with dedicated ground wire
-
Lighting: Underside LEDs with on/off jumper switch on PCB
What’s included
AN APOS 𝒙 PRODUCT
Apos 𝒙 is the next generation of grassroots products. It bridges designers, manufacturers, and the community to turn ideas and feedback into unique creations. By involving the community at every stage and supporting designers, Apos 𝒙 ensures that products reflect the desires and creativity of their users.
Participate today.
APOS 𝒙 CREDITS
Community Participants
These professionals and community reviewers gave us early feedback that helped refine the final version of the product. If you’d like to participate in future launches,
fill out our form.
Andy Cook
Michael Johnson
Gordon Cooper
Apos Team
Tom Mounce
John Soriano
Kunal Kumar
Sean Flynn
Thomas Fernandez
Peter Carelli
Alex Peterkin
Steven Hortizano
FAQ
Q: Can you run both the Merlin DAC and Druid R2R DAC to the Gremlin Amp at the same time?
A: No. Due to the input/output layouts of the three units, either the Merlin or the Druid can be connected to the Gremlin Amp at one time.
Q: How do I swap op-amps?
A: Check out the video to the left or our blog post.
