CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max
CrinEar Protocol Max

In stock and ready to ship

In Stock and Ready to Ship

Ships in 1 to 3 business days. Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. Subject to stock availability and security checks.

  • New

CrinEar Protocol Max

Portable DAC-Amplifier Dongle

  • Dual Cirrus Logic DAC chips (CS43198)
  • Up to 600mW output power
  • Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 Operational Amplifiers
  • Adjustable and Persistent Parametric EQ
  • Dual Power Modes
  • Sleek Aluminium Housing
  • Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs
Regular price $130.00
Sale price $130.00 Regular price
Unit price
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CrinEar Protocol Max

CrinEar Protocol Max

The Protocol Max marks CrinEar’s bold entry into the source gear market, bringing our philosophy of acoustic precision to digital-to-analog conversion and amplification. With up to 600 mW of clean power on tap from its balanced output, the Protocol Max effortlessly drives everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones, all without breaking a sweat.

Beyond raw strength, the Protocol Max features persistent, PC browser-based parametric EQ via the Hangout.Audio Graph Tool, letting you fine-tune your sound signature and store your custom profiles directly onto the device. No companion app, no extra steps—just plug into your PC, set your curve, and enjoy.

With its blend of muscle, precision, and user-focused flexibility, the Protocol Max balances clean, reference-grade performance with real-world practicality, making it the ultimate pocket-sized DAC-amp for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Technical specifications

DAC Chip
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
Amp Chip
Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2
Maximum Power Output (BAL)
@ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 442 mW (Boost)
@ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 mW (Boost)
Maximum Power Output (SE)
@ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 16Ω: 15.63 mW (Eco), 250 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 7.8 mW (Eco), 125 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 0.8 mW (Eco), 13.5 mW (Boost)
SNR @1kHz 0dBFS
132 dB (BAL), 127 dB (SE)
Crosstalk @1kHz -6dBFS
-118 dB (BAL), -116 dB (SE)
THD+N @1kHz 0dBFS
-116 dB (BAL), -65 dB (SE)
Output Impedance
<0.6Ω (BAL), <0.3Ω (SE)

Shipping and Returns

Dispatch
1–3 business days In-stock items, Monday to Friday except bank holidays, subject to stock and security checks.
Delivery
Tracked or signed Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. We don't profit from shipping charges.
Returns
14 days For electronics such as DACs, amps and players, in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.

Good to know

  • Return shipping is paid by the customer.
  • Open box, B-stock, refurbished and clearance items can't be returned.
  • Please add a valid phone number at checkout in case we need to verify your identity.

Warranty

New products
1-year manufacturer warranty Most products. The exact warranty is set by the manufacturer.
Pre-owned & open box
3 months B-grade, open box, refurbished, ex-demo and second-hand items.
Covered
Defects in materials, parts and workmanship
Not covered
Accidents, misuse and unauthorised repairs Including abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse and operator error.
Making a claim
Send it to us, we ship it back free You cover shipping to Elise Audio; we pay to send the repaired or replacement product back.

The Protocol Max marks CrinEar’s bold entry into the source gear market, bringing our philosophy of acoustic precision to digital-to-analog conversion and amplification. With up to 600 mW of clean power on tap from its balanced output, the Protocol Max effortlessly drives everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones, all without breaking a sweat.

Beyond raw strength, the Protocol Max features persistent, PC browser-based parametric EQ via the Hangout.Audio Graph Tool, letting you fine-tune your sound signature and store your custom profiles directly onto the device. No companion app, no extra steps—just plug into your PC, set your curve, and enjoy.

With its blend of muscle, precision, and user-focused flexibility, the Protocol Max balances clean, reference-grade performance with real-world practicality, making it the ultimate pocket-sized DAC-amp for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

DAC Chip
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
Amp Chip
Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2
Maximum Power Output (BAL)
@ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 442 mW (Boost)
@ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 mW (Boost)
Maximum Power Output (SE)
@ 8Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 16Ω: 15.63 mW (Eco), 250 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 7.8 mW (Eco), 125 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 0.8 mW (Eco), 13.5 mW (Boost)
SNR @1kHz 0dBFS
132 dB (BAL), 127 dB (SE)
Crosstalk @1kHz -6dBFS
-118 dB (BAL), -116 dB (SE)
THD+N @1kHz 0dBFS
-116 dB (BAL), -65 dB (SE)
Output Impedance
<0.6Ω (BAL), <0.3Ω (SE)
Dispatch
1–3 business days In-stock items, Monday to Friday except bank holidays, subject to stock and security checks.
Delivery
Tracked or signed Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. We don't profit from shipping charges.
Returns
14 days For electronics such as DACs, amps and players, in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.

Good to know

  • Return shipping is paid by the customer.
  • Open box, B-stock, refurbished and clearance items can't be returned.
  • Please add a valid phone number at checkout in case we need to verify your identity.
New products
1-year manufacturer warranty Most products. The exact warranty is set by the manufacturer.
Pre-owned & open box
3 months B-grade, open box, refurbished, ex-demo and second-hand items.
Covered
Defects in materials, parts and workmanship
Not covered
Accidents, misuse and unauthorised repairs Including abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse and operator error.
Making a claim
Send it to us, we ship it back free You cover shipping to Elise Audio; we pay to send the repaired or replacement product back.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
86%
(6)
0%
(0)
14%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Stephen Lay
Good service from Elise

Good service from Elise and Protocol Max works well with all my iem’s and you have always have the “eq” option. “Brilliant”.

A
Anonymous
Superb

Superb, love the eq!!

D
Derek

Superb quality, love the eq

D
David Griffin
Hard midrange; prefer Fiio BTR17.

Detailed, but has a hard midrange which, for me, detracts from the listening experience. Prefer the Fiio BTR17 which gets the frequency balance right IMO.

R
R C
Significant upgrade from Moondrop Dawn Pro 2.

The amp stage is noticeable. Even in eco mode it presents a bigger more 3d stage, better bass definition and cleaner background than the Moondrop Dawn Pro 2. Better transparency, focus and natural liquidity.

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