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
VAT and Duties Included for UK and Eligible EU Customers.
If you are outside the UK or EU, the price does not include any taxes. Local taxes and import duties will be extra. They will be raised by the local authorities and billed directly to the customer.
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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
@ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 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)
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.



@ 16Ω: 62.5 mW (Eco), 600 mW (Boost)
@ 32Ω: 31.3 mW (Eco), 500 mW (Boost)
@ 300Ω: 3.5 mW (Eco), 54 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)
- 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.