Hello everyone!

I’d like to know if anyone has already read about or tested the new MiniDSP product called PocketADC.

It’s a compact analog-to-digital converter which, according to MiniDSP, offers very good sound quality at a very low cost — around 60 US dollars.

From what I could find, it is based on the ESS ES9821Q ADC, which on paper offers excellent performance, with very low noise and distortion figures (around 118 dB SNR and −114 dB THD+N).

The RCA inputs support up to 2 V RMS input level, and the digital output can be either optical (TOSLINK) or coaxial SPDIF. The unit works as a standalone ADC, without requiring a computer.

The digital output is 24-bit, with selectable sample rates ranging from 48 kHz up to 192 kHz.

From a simple analysis, using three of these converters I could integrate up to six Meridian speakers with virtually any home theater processor, for a total cost of roughly 200 dollars.

I’m fully aware that a dedicated Meridian processor would still be the better and more elegant solution, but this looks like a very interesting and affordable alternative for those who want access to modern codecs and external processors.

I’m starting this thread to hear other users’ opinions and also to get first-hand impressions from anyone who may have already purchased or tested the PocketADC.

Best regards.