The Old Ways Are Calling

Name: Apos x Community Druid R2R DAC
Brand: Apos
SKU: APS-1145-1
Price: 160.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)

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?

Op-Amp Restrictions

If you're planning to roll op-amps, please note the current draw restrictions. Given the Druid's compact design, no single op-amp may draw more than 10mA. Exceeding this risks overheating, unwanted noise, or potential damage to the unit. Always be sure to check the DC characteristics of the op-amp you intend to use before installing it in the Druid. Any single op-amp that requires more than 10mA of current will not perform properly.

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, DSD256) 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 and 3.5mm line output
RCA compatible: 3.5mm line out to RCA adapter included
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)
Note: Given the Druid's compact design, no single op-amp may draw more than 10mA. Exceeding this risks overheating, unwanted noise, or potential damage to the unit.
Op-amp support: Standard DIP-8 sockets, includes three lifts and puller tool
Outputs:
- Balanced XLR (4V RMS)
- Single-ended 3.5mm line out (adapter to dual RCA included)
Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz (+/- 0.5dB)
Signal to noise ratio: 90dB
Minimum distortion: 0.04% (1KHz)
Separation degree: 82dB (1KHz)
Digital inputs: USB Type-C (XMOS XU316 controller)
Supported formats: PCM up to 768kHz / 32-bit, DSD256 (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

1x Druid R2R DAC
3x LM4562NA/NOPB op-amps (installed)
3x op-amp lifts
1x op-amp puller tool (black)
1x power adapter
1x manual
1x 3.5mm to RCA adapter

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

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.

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 22 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Apos x Community Druid R2R DAC offers a fully discrete R2R ladder architecture for natural, human-like sound. It features fully swappable op-amps, balanced XLR outputs, and a 3.5mm line out with an included RCA adapter. The XMOS XU316 USB interface ensures stable and low-latency data transfer. Customers appreciate its compact design, open-chassis access, and the ability to swap op-amps for personalized tuning.

Summary topics

Sound Quality (45%): A substantial number of customers brought up that the sound of the product is amazing and fantastic.
Swappable Op-Amps (20%): Many customers pointed out that the swappable rollable op amps and balanced connections make it incredible.

Review topics: ["sound","setup","work","dac","amp","combo","difference","music","set","connections"].

Review highlights

"Very bohemian great sound." — Rick
"Sounds fantastic, warm and smooth , just what an R2R dac should sound like." — Joe G.
"It’s just a great little dac with very nice and mellow voice." — Sergei S.

Reviews

And now for something completely different!

"I love this DAC for the way it sounds. It is very dynamic - music just comes alive. The detail retrieval is excellent without being over-the-top. Instrument timbres are accurately reproduced. Background is black, not as deep as some, but never intrusive, even in very quiet passages. It’s musical in the best sense of the word. I like the open ‘science fair’ look. The downside of having no metal case is limited EMI/RFI protection. So far that has not been an issue - I keep my phone far away."

— Thomas R. (5/5)

More than it looks

"It’s just a great little dac with very nice and mellow voice."

— Sergei S. (5/5)

Huge upgrade from portable DACs. Clean and detaile

"I bought the Apos x Druid to replace my portable Shanling UA3, which I used before with my old ATH-M50xBT headphones. The difference is massive. I now have the Druid stacked together with the Apos x Gremlin amp, and they work perfectly as a team. I use this setup daily for listening to Spotify, watching movies, and gaming. My music spectrum is very broad—I listen to classical, electronics, rock, heavy metal, jazz, lounge, synthwave, ambient, and pop. This DAC handles all of it without any issues. In acoustic tracks or jazz, you can clearly hear every single instrument separately. When listening to fast metal, rock, or electronic music, the sound never gets muddy or harsh; it just stays clear and sharp. What surprised me the most is how full and weighty the sound is now. With my old setup, I always had to mess around with EQ settings to make it sound right. Now, I don't even think about EQ because everything I wanted is just there out of the box. Going back to my old gear is simply impossible, so it is going to a new owner. If you want a clean, effortless DAC, this is it."

— AaA (5/5)

Incredibly analog sounding and dynamic

"There's a texture and dynamic range to this DAC that tricks my brain into thinking I'm listening to vinyl. It's warmer, less analytical, and more intimate in soundstage compared to the Merlin. The Merlin is amazing too, but it's a more clinical, more neutral, less dynamic sound. As a matter of preference, I enjoy the Druid more for its more organic and engaging presentation. I am using the Druid with the stock op amps paired with the Gremlin amp and this combo has really added another dimension to my HD 6xx. I'm in the room with the band now."

— Adam (5/5)

Sounds fantastic, warm and smooth

"Sounds fantastic, warm and smooth , just what an R2R dac should sound like."

— Joe G. (5/5)

Great!

"Paired with Gremlin. Swapped to Sparkos SS3602 op-amps on balanced side. Sounds amazing!"

— Paul B. (5/5)

Awesome

"Awesome item and customer service. Thank you."

— Serhan D. (5/5)

Bargain Magic

"Have been listening to the Druid running balanced into the desk-top Ampapa D1 for a few weeks now. Sounds great, good clarity and sound-field. Imaging and depth are nice. . . I like the primitive "steampunk" look. This unit should be an op-amp "rollers" laboratory! Well done Apos."

— dave58 (5/5)

Epic. Truly

"I’ve heard reviewers use word to describe DACs that never made any sense to me. “This is the most musical DAC”, or “this DAC sounds analog”. These descriptors always sounded like nonsense to me. Until now. The Druid sounds analog. I honestly don’t understand it. It is incredibly musical, organic even. My digital sources are no longer a concession for the ease of playback. I’ve been sitting and listening to this DAC in awe, and when I consider the value proposition, my head explodes. I had some Sparkos SS3602s laying around so I dropped them in it and went to the spiritual realm. Epic."

— Will S. (5/5)

Nice little DAC. . .

"There's not a lot to say, it's a DAC and it works. . . It's R2R, it has balanced XLR and SE outputs, and that pretty much it. . . IF I had a gripe, it'd be that fact that the orange LED's are, well, orange, whereas I'd prefer blue LED's. . Livin' next to my APOS x Gremlin HPA. . ."

— Brian S. (5/5)

Q&A

Is your power supply compatible with 240v / 50hz input?: Hello. The Druid will automatically ship with the appropriate power supply for your country.

Apos x Community Druid R2R DAC