CrinEar

CrinEar Protocol Max

$89.99
$89.99 $89.99
The CrinEar Protocol Max is a rectangular black portable DAC/headphone amplifier with a transparent section showing internal circuits, control buttons on top, and the CrinEar brand label.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max is a rectangular black portable DAC/headphone amplifier with a transparent section showing internal circuits, control buttons on top, and the CrinEar brand label.
  • Close-up of the CrinEar Protocol Max audio interface panel by CrinEar, showing two input ports—a silver jack on the left and a gold-rimmed jack on the right, with a screw above—perfect for use with a portable DAC or headphone amplifier.
  • A black rectangular CrinEar Protocol Max portable DAC and headphone amplifier by CrinEar, labeled DUAL CS43198 | DUAL SGM2662 on the front, photographed against a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar, a black rectangular headphone amplifier with back, pause/play, and forward buttons, is shown from the side against a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar is a short black braided USB-C to USB-C cable with a separate USB-A to USB-C adapter, both featuring black connectors—ideal for connecting your portable DAC or headphone amp on a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar is a rectangular black headphone amplifier with a round center button. "ECO" and "BOOST" are printed on either side. The front view is shown against a white background.
  • Close-up of the USB-C port on the CrinEar Protocol Max, a black rectangular headphone amplifier by CrinEar, shown against a plain white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max is a rectangular black portable DAC/headphone amplifier with a transparent section showing internal circuits, control buttons on top, and the CrinEar brand label.
  • Close-up of the CrinEar Protocol Max audio interface panel by CrinEar, showing two input ports—a silver jack on the left and a gold-rimmed jack on the right, with a screw above—perfect for use with a portable DAC or headphone amplifier.
  • A black rectangular CrinEar Protocol Max portable DAC and headphone amplifier by CrinEar, labeled DUAL CS43198 | DUAL SGM2662 on the front, photographed against a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar, a black rectangular headphone amplifier with back, pause/play, and forward buttons, is shown from the side against a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar is a short black braided USB-C to USB-C cable with a separate USB-A to USB-C adapter, both featuring black connectors—ideal for connecting your portable DAC or headphone amp on a white background.
  • The CrinEar Protocol Max by CrinEar is a rectangular black headphone amplifier with a round center button. "ECO" and "BOOST" are printed on either side. The front view is shown against a white background.
  • Close-up of the USB-C port on the CrinEar Protocol Max, a black rectangular headphone amplifier by CrinEar, shown against a plain white background.
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CrinEar

CrinEar Protocol Max

CrinEar Protocol Max

Preorder now
Pre-order now and your order will ship as soon as it is in stock.
$89.99
$89.99 $89.99

Amplifier type
Translation missing: en.products.product.amplifier_type_info

Solid-state

Connectivity
Connectivity refers to the method in which the headphones connect to the audio source. Headphones can be either wired or wireless.

Wired

Portability
DACs and amplifiers can either be carried around or meant for static desktop use

Portable

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Description

CrinEar Protocol Max — Pocket Power, Unleashed

Meet the CrinEar Protocol Max, a portable DAC and headphone amplifier that brings desktop-class performance to your pocket. With up to 600 mW of clean power, dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, and full 10-band parametric EQ built directly into the device, the Protocol Max redefines what a dongle DAC can do — all for just $89.99 USD.

Performance That Defies Size

Engineered for enthusiasts who demand both muscle and precision, the Protocol Max can drive anything from ultra-sensitive IEMs to full-size planar magnetics without breaking a sweat. Its dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 op-amps deliver up to 600 mW from the balanced output, while the dual DAC architecture ensures a transparent, noise-free signal path.

Your Sound, Your Way

Forget companion apps — the Protocol Max uses a browser-based PEQ tool at graph.hangout.audio to store custom 10-band EQ profiles directly onto the device. Once saved, your EQ remains persistent across all devices — phones, tablets, laptops, and more. Fine-tune your signature, push to device, and go.

Smart Power Modes

Switch between Eco Mode for efficient portable listening or Boost Mode for maximum output. The Protocol Max automatically adapts its amplification and current draw, giving you the ideal balance of power and battery life.

Versatile Connections

With both 4.4 mm balanced and 3.5 mm single-ended outputs and an output impedance under 0.6 Ω, the Protocol Max pairs cleanly with virtually any headphone or IEM. Whether you’re using a flagship planar or a daily-carry IEM, you’ll get ruler-flat response and precise channel control.

Built to Travel

Machined from aluminum and finished with a quad-weave cable, the Protocol Max feels as solid as it sounds. Its thumb-drive form factor slips easily into your pocket — compact enough for everyday carry, powerful enough to replace your desktop amp.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
DAC Chips Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
Amplifier Chips Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2 op-amps
Maximum Output (BAL) 600 mW @ 16 Ω (Boost Mode)
Maximum Output (SE) 500 mW @ 8 Ω (Boost Mode)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz 0 dBFS 132 dB (BAL) / 127 dB (SE)
THD + N @ 1 kHz 0 dBFS -118 dB (BAL) / -116 dB (SE)
Crosstalk @ 1 kHz -6 dBFS -116 dB (BAL) / -65 dB (SE)
Output Impedance < 0.6 Ω (BAL) / < 0.3 Ω (SE)
Power Modes Eco / Boost (selectable)
Outputs 4.4 mm Balanced & 3.5 mm Single-Ended
PEQ Functionality 10-band PEQ via browser tool (graph.hangout.audio)
Construction Aluminum housing, quad-weave USB-C cable
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, Nintendo Switch (UAC 1.0 mode)
Price $89.99 USD

What’s in the Box

  • CrinEar Protocol Max DAC/Amp
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • USB-C to USB-A adapter cable
  • User manual

Compare to Similar Portable DAC/Amps

Model DAC Chipset Max Output Power (BAL) PEQ Support Price (USD)
CrinEar Protocol Max Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 600 mW @ 16 Ω Yes (10-band browser-based) $89.99
Moondrop MoonRiver 2 Ti Dual CS43198 550 mW @ 32 Ω No $189
iBasso DC04 Pro Dual CS43131 280 mW @ 32 Ω Yes (App-based) $119
Fiio KA3 Dual ESS ES9038Q2M 550 mW @ 32 Ω No $129

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the PEQ on the Protocol Max?

Simply visit graph.hangout.audio and select your desired graph tool on a Chromium-based browser (Google Chrome, Edge, Opera, etc), connect your device, and push your custom EQ profile directly to the Protocol Max. No apps needed.

Using the 5128 graph tool is recommend for in-ear headphones.

Can the Protocol Max drive full-size headphones?

Absolutely. With up to 600 mW of balanced output power in Boost Mode, the Protocol Max can handle even planar magnetics and high-impedance dynamics with ease.

Does the Protocol Max work with gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch or PS5?

Yes. Hold the volume up button while plugging in to activate UAC 1.0 mode for Switch and PS5 compatibility.

How do I turn off the Protocol Max's indicator light?

Press and hold both volume buttons for one second to toggle the indicator light on or off.

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