Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Apos x Geshelli Merlin DAC costs $225, and this is my review.
Buy Merlin on Apos: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-geshelli-merlin-akm-desktop-dac?sca_ref=617093.bUp6b3tmN9
Buy Merlin on Amazon: amzn.to/4mrlC7h
iFi iPower X: amzn.to/3T6ffsm
Gremlin Amp: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-community-gremlin-diy-tube-amp?variant=45826097217772&sca_ref=617093.bUp6b3tmN9
Use the affiliate links above to support the channel and my work.
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): patreon.com/iiwireviews
Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com
Follow me on Instagram for... no good reason really: instagram.com/srba_iiwi
00:00 About Merlin DAC
02:53 Sound
07:51 vs Fosi Audio ZD3
10:40 vs Geshelli J2S
13:31 vs Topping D70 Pro Octo
14:33 vs SMSL SU-9 Ultra
15:14 Power supply upgrade
16:08 Merlin and Gremlin
17:00 Conclusion
Test setup
Streamer:
Volumio Rivo+ - shop.volumio.com/product/rivo-plus/?ref=ogvvqcow
Volumio Lineo 5 - shop.volumio.com/product/lineo5/?ref=ogvvqcow
DACs:
LAIV Harmony DAC - https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
Gustard X26 III DAC - shenzhenaudio.com/products/gustard-x26-iii-dual-es9039spro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac?ref=b236567rqe&utm_source=affiliate
Preamps:
Acoustic Invader Fulcrum - youtu.be/stsbclVgghQ
Ladder Bach - bit.ly/3FaqSYm
Amps:
2 x Acoustic Invader (IcePower 1200) - acousticinvader.com
2 x Topping B200 - amzn.to/3WqCNt4
Speakers:
Mon Acoustics Platiomn VC One: monacoustic.us/product/platimon-vc-one/?v=8cee5050eeb7
CSS Criton 1TD-X – css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Kit-Pair-p221163830
KEF LS50 - amzn.to/3W9Os0y
Head-Fi test setup:
Laiv Harmony HP2A: https://www.laiv.audio/product-page/harmony-hp2a
Aune S17 Pro: amzn.to/3u2O6gu
Geshelli Labs Erish 3 Pro: geshelli.com/product/erish-3-pro/?ref=18
Meze 109 Pro: mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/109-pro?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=4&affid=123
Aune AR7000: amzn.to/3ZcuXG1
Verum 2: verum-audio.com/store
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo
Apos x Geshelli Merlin DAC costs $225, and this is my review.
Buy Merlin on Apos: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-geshelli-merlin-akm-desktop-dac?sca_ref=617093.bUp6b3tmN9
Buy Merlin on Amazon: amzn.to/4mrlC7h
iFi iPower X: amzn.to/3T6ffsm
Gremlin Amp: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-community-gremlin-diy-tube-amp?variant=45826097217772&sca_ref=617093.bUp6b3tmN9
Use the affiliate links above to support the channel and my work.
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): patreon.com/iiwireviews
Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com
Follow me on Instagram for... no good reason really: instagram.com/srba_iiwi
00:00 About Merlin DAC
02:53 Sound
07:51 vs Fosi Audio ZD3
10:40 vs Geshelli J2S
13:31 vs Topping D70 Pro Octo
14:33 vs SMSL SU-9 Ultra
15:14 Power supply upgrade
16:08 Merlin and Gremlin
17:00 Conclusion
Test setup
Streamer:
Volumio Rivo+ - shop.volumio.com/product/rivo-plus/?ref=ogvvqcow
Volumio Lineo 5 - shop.volumio.com/product/lineo5/?ref=ogvvqcow
DACs:
LAIV Harmony DAC - https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
Gustard X26 III DAC - shenzhenaudio.com/products/gustard-x26-iii-dual-es9039spro-digital-to-analog-convertor-dac?ref=b236567rqe&utm_source=affiliate
Preamps:
Acoustic Invader Fulcrum - youtu.be/stsbclVgghQ
Ladder Bach - bit.ly/3FaqSYm
Amps:
2 x Acoustic Invader (IcePower 1200) - acousticinvader.com
2 x Topping B200 - amzn.to/3WqCNt4
Speakers:
Mon Acoustics Platiomn VC One: monacoustic.us/product/platimon-vc-one/?v=8cee5050eeb7
CSS Criton 1TD-X – css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Kit-Pair-p221163830
KEF LS50 - amzn.to/3W9Os0y
Head-Fi test setup:
Laiv Harmony HP2A: https://www.laiv.audio/product-page/harmony-hp2a
Aune S17 Pro: amzn.to/3u2O6gu
Geshelli Labs Erish 3 Pro: geshelli.com/product/erish-3-pro/?ref=18
Meze 109 Pro: mezeaudio.com/collections/all/products/109-pro?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=4&affid=123
Aune AR7000: amzn.to/3ZcuXG1
Verum 2: verum-audio.com/store
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo
