Note: The Merlin will be available for pre-order on Tuesday, June 10th 12:00 AM ET. The first 250 will ship in early August, and the next 250 orders will ship roughly four weeks later. The Stackers will ship in early August. We're down to the last few units of the Gremlin but will be restocked the last week of June. We'll ship each of these components separately as soon as they're available. 

Not all wizards wear robes

Wielding an AK4493 DAC chip, a discrete analog output stage, and an Amanero USB module that banishes jitter to the nether realms, the Merlin DAC is here to weave magic from your ones and zeroes.

Conjured for the Gremlin. Ready for anything. 

When we launched the Gremlin tube amp, a few sharp-eared listeners told us it paired beautifully with Geshelli DACs. We tried one for ourselves and wholeheartedly agreed. So we reached out to our friends at Geshelli Labs and began work on what would become the Merlin: the ideal digital wizard companion for the Gremlin’s analog mischief. But this DAC isn’t a one-spell wizard. With balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outs, it’s ready to weave magic into just about any system.

Amanero 768 USB Module

The USB input is handled by an Amanero 768 module—one of the most stable, reliable USB interfaces on the market. It supports PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit and native DSD512, with galvanic isolation to reduce system noise. With driver-free operation, it connects via USB Type-C and draws no power from your source, giving you better compatibility and zero ground loop issues. 

Sonic magic with the AK4493

Musical, full-bodied, and crystal clear, the AK4493 D/A chip supports 32-bit files and sampling rates up to 768kHz through USB. Its dynamic range (120dB) and THD+N (0.00038%) performance offer noise-free resolution.

Fully-discrete analog stage

The output stage is driven by a TI OPA1652 op amp. This low-noise, low-distortion chip has a clean, neutral tonality that preserves the depth and resolution of the AK4493. 

SPDIF decoding done right

The TI DIX9211 chip handles coaxial SPDIF input with support for 24-bit/192kHz PCM. It's a robust, low-jitter decoder that integrates well with consoles, CD players, streamers—anything that runs coaxial out—to keep timing errors low and digital edges clean.

Stack the party 

Add the Stacker to your order if you plan on using the Merlin DAC 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

• AK4493 DAC chip with 32-bit, 768kHz PCM support
  
• Native DSD512 playback via USB
  
• TI OPA1652 op amp
  
• TI DIX9211 SPDIF decoder for clean coaxial input
  
• Amanero 768 USB interface with driverless Type-C connection
  
• Coaxial SPDIF input supports up to 192kHz/24-bit
  
• RCA and XLR outputs
  

Specs

• DAC chip: AKM AK4493
  
• Op amp: TI OPA1652 
  
• SPDIF decoder: TI DIX9211
  
• USB interface: Amanero 768 with USB Type-C
  
• SNR: 120dB
  
• THD+N: 0.00038%
  
• PCM support:
  
  • USB: up to 768kHz/32-bit
    
  • SPDIF: up to 192kHz/24-bit
    
• DSD support: Native DSD512 (USB)
  
• Inputs: USB Type-C, Coaxial SPDIF
• Outputs: RCA, XLR
  
• Power: 12V DC
  
• Weight: 6.4 oz

• Dimensions: 5" W x 3.25" D x 2.25" H

What’s included

• Apos x Geshelli Merlin DAC
  
• Manual
  
• Power cable
  

Tom's Take

Tom at Apos here. When I first heard The Merlin I couldn't believe my ears. I'm not being cute. I was listening to the 2017 remaster of "Exit Music (For a Film)" by Radiohead, and when Thom Yorke's voice came in, it sounded so realistic, textured, and detailed that goosebumps rose up my arms. I texted Geno of Geshelli Labs "HOW?!" I spent the next two hours A/B testing The Merlin against DACs that are 2, 3, 4, and 5 times the price. None came close. Geno has yet to explain to me how he created such a magical device. My best guess is that he's a wizard. (Okay now I am being kinda cute.) 

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

Designer

Geno Geshelli

Community Participants
These affiliates, influencers, and audiophiles 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

Matthew Jabloner

Apos Team

Tom Mounce

John Soriano 

Kunal Kumar

Sean Flynn

Peter Carelli

Alex Peterkin

Steven Hortizano