EvoAria Evo Era

EvoAria Evo Era – High-End CD Player with R-2R DAC and Tube Amplifier

The EvoAria Evo Era combines classic CD playback with modern high-end audio technology. Two different DAC architectures, a switchable tube/transistor stage, and a powerful Class A/AB headphone amplifier make it a versatile audio solution for discerning music enthusiasts. With USB DAC functionality, Bluetooth 5.4, and extensive connectivity options, the Evo Era is much more than a conventional CD player.

Classic CD Playback Meets Modern Audio Technology

Even in the age of streaming and high-resolution downloads, CDs continue to hold a special place among music enthusiasts. With the Evo Era, EvoAria introduces a CD player that combines physical media with the capabilities of modern digital and analogue audio technology.

Its specially developed CD transport and optimised servo control provide the foundation for reliable playback. Those who want to digitise their CD collection can rip music directly to a connected USB storage device. Tracks are saved in lossless WAV format, and the CD can even be played while ripping is in progress.

What really sets the Evo Era apart, however, is its combination of different conversion and amplification technologies. Rather than relying on a single fixed audio architecture, it offers numerous ways to tailor playback to individual preferences and the headphones being used.

Two DAC Architectures in One Device

The Evo Era features two fundamentally different digital-to-analogue conversion architectures that users can switch between.

Delta-Sigma DAC with Dual ESS ES9069Q Chips

For Delta-Sigma conversion, EvoAria uses two ESS ES9069Q DAC chips. Each operates in mono mode, handling a dedicated audio channel. This differential architecture is designed to deliver excellent channel separation, low distortion, and precise signal processing.

Discrete R-2R DAC with OS and NOS Modes

Alternatively, the Evo Era offers a fully discrete string R-2R DAC. More than 170 carefully selected precision resistors form its resistor network, with separate power supplies for the left and right channels.

The R-2R DAC supports two operating modes:

• OS (Oversampling): The digital signal is processed at a higher sampling rate before conversion.
• NOS (Non-Oversampling): Conversion takes place without additional oversampling.

A powerful FPGA featuring 100,000 logic elements (100K LUT) handles digital signal processing and precise calibration of the R-2R circuitry.

This gives the Evo Era three distinct DAC operating modes, which can be selected independently of the analogue sound modes.

Tube or Transistor Sound – The Choice Is Yours

The Evo Era also offers considerable flexibility in its analogue signal processing. Two KORG Nutube 6P1 tubes enable two different hybrid sound signatures alongside a pure transistor mode. The circuit design builds on the concept previously introduced in the EvoAria Evo One.

TR – Transistor

In TR mode, the tube stage is bypassed. The signal follows an entirely transistor-based path designed for direct, precise, and transparent reproduction.

VELVET – Warm and Musical

VELVET combines the tubes with transistor amplification and is tuned for a warmer sound character with fuller midrange reproduction. Vocals and acoustic instruments, in particular, may benefit from this presentation.

LUMINA – Open and Transparent

LUMINA also uses the hybrid tube architecture but places greater emphasis on clarity, transparency, and a particularly articulate presentation.

All three sound modes can be combined with either the Delta-Sigma DAC or the R-2R DAC in OS or NOS mode. This results in nine fundamental combinations of digital conversion and analogue sound tuning.

Powerful Class A and Class AB Headphone Amplifier

The integrated headphone amplifier can be adapted to a wide range of headphones. In addition to Class A and Class AB operation, three gain settings (Low, Mid, and High) and the P, P+, and TURBO power modes are available.

Through its balanced 4.4 mm headphone output, the Evo Era delivers up to 1,050 mW into 32 ohms in TURBO mode. When powered by a compatible USB-PD power supply with DC INPUT enabled, output power increases to as much as 1,500 mW into 32 ohms.

For volume control, EvoAria combines a traditional ALPS potentiometer with an NJW1195A electronic volume control IC and ADC-based management. This design is intended to provide precise level adjustment while minimising channel imbalance, particularly at low listening volumes. This is especially beneficial when using sensitive in-ear monitors.

A conventional 3.5 mm headphone output and a balanced 4.4 mm output are provided.

USB DAC and Bluetooth 5.4

In addition to CD playback, the Evo Era can be used as an external USB DAC. An XMOS XU316 interface supports PCM signals up to 768 kHz and DSD512. Users can switch between USB Audio Class 1.0 and 2.0.

Wireless playback is handled by a Qualcomm QCC5181 Bluetooth chip. Bluetooth 5.4 and Snapdragon Sound provide the technological foundation for modern audio codecs, including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC.

This allows the Evo Era to function not only as a CD player but also as a high-quality DAC and headphone amplifier for computers and compatible Bluetooth sources.

Extensive Connectivity Options

With its analogue and digital outputs, the Evo Era can easily be integrated into an existing HiFi system.

Alongside its two headphone outputs, it provides an unbalanced 3.5 mm line output rated at 2.1 V and a balanced 4.4 mm line output rated at 4.2 V. Analogue outputs are automatically detected and prioritised, making it convenient to switch between different connection types.

Optical and coaxial S/PDIF outputs also allow the Evo Era to operate as a dedicated CD transport connected to an external DAC. Digital output supports PCM up to 192 kHz and DSD64.

This makes the device suitable both as a standalone headphone listening station and as a source component within a larger HiFi system.

Premium Aluminium Housing and Intuitive Controls

The Evo Era’s housing is made from 6063-series aluminium alloy. Its micro-blasted and anodised finish provides a premium feel and an understated appearance. A stainless steel plate on the rear displays the device’s individual serial number.

Measuring 182 × 182 × 29 mm and weighing approximately 1,025 grams, the Evo Era is best described as a compact, transportable HiFi player rather than a traditional pocket-sized portable device. It is equally at home on a desk, in the living room, or while travelling.

Operation is handled through four physical buttons and the volume control. A dedicated Power/Hold switch allows the controls to be locked to prevent accidental input. The 2.2-inch TFT display provides information about playback and selected settings.

MCU firmware updates can also be performed through the device menu.

Integrated Battery and Intelligent Power Management

The integrated 10,000 mAh battery allows the Evo Era to operate independently of a wall outlet. Depending on the selected settings, battery life during CD playback is approximately 9 to 14 hours.

With USB Power Delivery at 9 V / 2 A, the battery can be fully charged in approximately 3.5 hours. In DC INPUT mode, the Evo Era can be powered directly by a compatible external power supply while simultaneously charging its internal battery. With suitable external power, the increased output power of DC TURBO mode is also available.

To reduce energy consumption, the device automatically deactivates unused analogue circuit sections. In standby mode with the display switched off, the Evo Era is rated for more than 30 hours of operation.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Device Type	CD player, USB DAC, Bluetooth receiver, headphone amplifier
DAC	2 × ESS ES9069Q, discrete R-2R DAC
DAC Modes	Delta-Sigma, R-2R OS, R-2R NOS
FPGA	100K LUT
Tubes	2 × KORG Nutube 6P1
Sound Modes	TR, VELVET, LUMINA
Amplifier	Class A / Class AB
Gain Settings	Low, Mid, High
Power Modes	P, P+, TURBO, DC TURBO
3.5 mm Output Power	310–550 mW into 32 Ω
4.4 mm Output Power	700–1,500 mW into 32 Ω
Volume Control	ALPS potentiometer, NJW1195A, ADC
USB Audio	PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512
USB Interface	XMOS XU316
Bluetooth	5.4, Qualcomm QCC5181
Bluetooth Codecs	aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, LDAC, AAC, SBC
Headphone Outputs	3.5 mm, balanced 4.4 mm
Line Outputs	3.5 mm (2.1 V), balanced 4.4 mm (4.2 V)
Digital Outputs	Optical, coaxial
Digital Output Formats	PCM up to 192 kHz, DSD64
CD Ripping	WAV to USB storage
Display	2.2-inch TFT
Battery	10,000 mAh, 3.87 V
Battery Life	Approx. 9–14 hours during CD playback
Standby Battery Life	More than 30 hours
Fast Charging	USB-PD 9 V / 2 A
Charging Time	Approx. 3.5 hours
Housing Material	6063 aluminium alloy
Colours	Silver White, Gold
Dimensions	182