DA&T Q-17 Integrated Amplifier: Hi-Res DAC, Preamp, and Headphone Amp in One

• Speaker Output Power: 80W/8ohms, 130W/4ohms
• Headphone Output Power:
  • XLR: 350mW
  • 4.4mm: 280mW
  • 6.3mm: 88mW
  • 3.5mm: 74mW
• D.D.S Digital Direct Circuit Design (32-bit digital volume processing)
• USB Type B and Type C Digital Inputs (Supports OTG mobile playback, 384kHz/32Bit or DSD 256 playback)
• Optical, Coaxial Digital Inputs (Supports 192kHz/32Bit or DoP 64 playback)
• Optional Bluetooth Receiver BT-3 (Supports 192kHz/32Bit playback)
• RCA Analog Input
• Optional Remote Control
• Auto-Detects No Signal and Enters Low-Power Mode
• Loudness Function enhances low-volume listening
• Volume Memory Function for easy integration with surround sound systems
• Digital Gain Adjustment Range up to +18dB
• High-Efficiency 350VA Toroidal Transformer
• Analog Preamp Output available for active subwoofer connection
• Digital D.D.S Preamp Coaxial Output, compatible with upcoming Qa1 for Bi-Amp setup

Perfect Compact Amplifier for Personal Desktop Audio Systems

The Q-17’s compact and lightweight design (74mm x 215mm x 290mm, weighing just 5.4 kg) makes it an ideal choice for a personal desktop system. Its sleek form factor allows it to be conveniently placed underneath or beside a monitor, fitting comfortably on a desk without overwhelming the space. This allows users to set up a high-quality audio system in any workspace, bedroom, or studio, making it perfect for pairing with a set of passive bookshelf speakers on the desktop that delivers powerful, room-filling sound.

Additionally, the Q-17’s versatility extends to headphone usage, with four dedicated output types: XLR 4 pin balanced, 6.3mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 3.5mm single-ended. Each output is designed to cater to various headphone types, from high-impedance over-ear headphones requiring higher power to portable, low-impedance in-ear monitors (IEMs).

The Q-17’s versatility makes it a true all-rounder, catering perfectly to users regardless of their listening preferences. Whether users prefer exclusively using speakers or headphones, the Q-17 performs exceptionally well in either setup. However, for those who wish to switch seamlessly between speakers and headphones—such as using speakers for gaming during the day and headphones for late-night listening—the Q-17’s comprehensive design shines even more. Its multiple output options and flexible power levels make it the ideal solution for users who want a single device to handle both high-quality speaker output and detailed headphone listening, adapting effortlessly to various audio needs.

More Than Capable Power for Full-Range Home Audio Systems

While the Q-17 is perfectly suited for desktop systems, its robust speaker-driving capability is ideal for a traditional two-channel setup in a living room or dedicated audio space. Delivering 80W at 8 ohms and 130W at 4 ohms, the Q-17 confidently stands alongside several entry-level integrated amplifiers, holding its own ground. 

For example, the NAD D3045 provides 60W per channel for continuous output power into 4 and 8 Ohms, the Marantz PM6007 has 45W at 8 ohms and 60W at 4 ohms per channel, and Cambridge CXA61 outputs 60W RMS into 8 Ohms, 90W RMS into 4 Ohms

With a high damping factor of over 110, the Q-17 controls speaker movement precisely, ensuring clear bass and superior sound accuracy. Additionally, the Q-17’s peak current output reaches 16A at 10ms, allowing it to handle sudden audio peaks without distortion. The speaker-driving capability makes the Q-17 a standout choice not only for desktop setups but also as a very capable centerpiece for a full-featured home audio system.

D.D.S Technology for Pristine Sound Quality

The Q-17 integrates DA&T's advanced Direct Digital System (DDS) technology, a breakthrough that processes audio signals entirely in the digital domain. This innovation, combined with high-precision digital volume processing, eliminates the need for traditional analog volume adjustments, which often degrade sound quality through distortion and interference. By calculating volume digitally up to a dynamic range of 140dB, the Q-17 preserves every detail and maintains exceptional audio fidelity. This direct digital approach, coupled with multi-layer grounding and isolation techniques, ensures the purest listening experience, setting a new standard for sound quality in its class. 

Extensive Digital Volume Control Range

The Q-17’s digital volume control is exceptionally versatile, starting at a low 60dB and providing an extensive range up to +18dB. Each input remembers its last volume setting individually, making it convenient for users who switch between sources. With 118 adjustable steps, each increment as fine as 0.5dB, the Q-17 provides audiophiles with precise control, allowing even the subtlest details to emerge clearly across all listening environments.

The Q-17’s +18dB boost function is a unique feature that goes beyond the standard maximum of 0dB. Unlike traditional amplifiers, the Q-17 can boost audio levels even beyond the standard maximum of 0dB. This boost capability up to +18dB compensates for quieter signals, often found in recordings from early days, ensuring optimal audio output even when playing softer or older recordings with lower input levels. 

High-Resolution Digital Audio Support

The Q-17 supports an impressive range of digital inputs, ensuring high-quality playback across multiple formats. USB input reaches up to 384kHz/32bit and supports DSD256 and DoP128, ideal for high-resolution audio files. Additionally, it offers COAX and OPTI inputs at 192kHz/32bit with DoP64 compatibility. The Bluetooth socket (BT) also supports high-resolution audio at 192kHz/32bit, allowing for wireless convenience without compromising sound quality. This range of digital input options ensures that the Q-17 meets the demands of discerning Hi-Res listeners.

Multifunctional Audio Solution and Versatile Connectivity

• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): The Q-17 functions as a high-performance DAC, capable of processing high-resolution digital audio from digital inputs, including USB Type-C, USB Type-B(both USB ports compatible with OTG), optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth socket (supports aptX HD with the BT-3 Bluetooth module, the BT socket design offers future-proofing, allowing upgrades to the latest Bluetooth protocols without replacing the amplifier). This ensures pristine, detailed playback of digital music sources.

• Analog and Digital Preamplifier: The Q-17 can act as a preamplifier. The analog RCA and pre-out and digital coaxial pre-out, both volumes, are controlled by the digital D.D.S volume processing. The analog pre-out allows for easy connection to a power amp or subwoofers. The digital pre-out is a rare function on the market and can be very handy when connecting to studio monitors or power amps with digital coaxial input. The analog RCA input allows for easy connection to traditional audio sources, like vinyl turntables.

• Power Amplifier: Setting the Q-17’s output to 0dB, it acts as a dedicated power amplifier with direct digital input. This allows it to connect to an external preamp, delivering robust power output to drive speakers effectively, similar to a conventional power amplifier.

• Headphone Amplifier: The Q-17 also functions as a powerful headphone amplifier, with multiple output options (XLR, 6.3mm, 4.4mm, and 3.5mm) to support various headphone types, catering to personal listening preferences with precision.

With a range of digital and analog inputs and outputs, including left and right speaker terminals, this all-in-one design positions the Q-17 as the perfect, versatile hub for audio enthusiasts, combining DAC, preamp, power amp, and headphone amp functionalities into one compact, adaptable device. The Q-17 is virtually limitless in its capabilities.

Loudness Compensation for Low-Volume Listening

Equipped with a unique loudness function, Q-17 adjusts bass and treble to compensate for the human ear’s sensitivity drop at lower volumes. This feature enhances audio clarity even when played softly, preserving the listening experience without disturbing others.​

Exceptional Circuit Design for High-Fidelity Sound

The Q-17's precision-engineered circuitry features quality components like a toroidal transformer, independent power supplies, low-resistance capacitors, and custom inductors, all optimized for stable, interference-free audio. Shielded circuits and grounding strategies block electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, preserving pure sound. This design creates a deep, quiet background that clearly highlights every detail, achieving an S/N ratio of over 99dB for speakers and 105dB for headphones. The Q-17 delivers clear audio with minimal background noise, ideal for high-fidelity listening.

Low-Power Standby Mode

Designed for energy efficiency, the Q-17 automatically enters a low-power mode when inactive, contributing to both environmental friendliness and reduced power consumption.