Two Audio GIANTS Collab - The RESULT Is Some WICKED Gear!

In this video I’m putting the Merlin + Gremlin stack through its paces to answer one question: Can a compact desktop DAC + tube-hybrid amp combo deliver serious hi-fi performance without blowing the budget? The Merlin and Gremlin are small boxes—but they punch way above their size, and I believe this is a stack that any serious audiophile (or creator with a discerning ear) should know about. Product Link: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-geshelli-merlin-akm-desktop-dac Product Link: https://apos.audio/products/apos-x-community-gremlin-diy-tube-amp apos.audio.com geshellilabs.com mezeaudio.com https://mezeaudio.com/products/105-aer?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=46&affid=234 What’s in the stack • The Merlin DAC handles your digital front end. It uses the AKM AK4493 D/A chip, supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM via USB, and native DSD512.  • It features the Amanero 768 USB interface (USB-C, driver-free, galvanic isolation) to keep system noise and jitter in check.  • Analog stage uses TI OPA1652 op-amps; coaxial SPDIF input section uses TI DIX9211.  • Key specs: SNR ~120 dB, THD+N ~0.00038%. USB input supports PCM up to 768kHz, SPDIF up to 192kHz/24-bit.  • The Gremlin Amp is a tube-hybrid headphone amplifier: a Class A design with fully-balanced architecture, built to drive demanding headphones (8-600 Ω).  • Output power: 1250 mW at 32Ω.  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 50 kHz (+/-0.5 dB). SNR ~110 dB. Separation 104 dB at 1kHz.  • Tube rolling is supported: works with 12AU7 or 6922 tubes.  apos.audio.com geshellilabs.com Thanks for watching my video!