CrinEar Protocol Max

Portable USB-Powered DAC-Amplifier

$89.99 USD
SoundDual CS43198Cirrus Logic DAC chips
Sound600mW BalancedMaximum output power
SoundBrowser-Based PEQParametric EQ that persists
SoundEco & Boost ModesTwo power modes

Overview

The details behind CrinEar Protocol Max.

Precision Meets Power in the Palm of Your Hand

The CrinEar Protocol Max marks the brand’s bold debut in the source gear world, carrying forward CrinEar’s philosophy of acoustic precision into digital-to-analog conversion and amplification. Designed for audiophiles, engineers, and music lovers alike, this portable USB-powered DAC-amp delivers pure, reference-grade sound in a compact and rugged body.

Designed for Effortless Driving Power

With up to 600mW of clean output from its balanced connection, the Protocol Max confidently drives everything—from ultra-sensitive in-ear monitors to high-impedance full-size headphones. Its dual operational amplifiers ensure stable current delivery with minimal distortion, offering both raw power and refined control in one pocket-sized powerhouse.

Custom Sound, Simplified

No apps, no software installs, no hassle. The Protocol Max introduces a browser-based parametric EQ via the Hangout.Audio Graph Tool, allowing users to adjust and save their preferred tuning directly onto the device. Your EQ settings stay stored internally, so your personalized sound travels wherever you go.

Intelligent Dual Power Modes

Choose your performance style: Eco Mode for power efficiency and longer sessions, or Boost Mode when you need full output for demanding headphones. The seamless switching ensures optimal performance in any setup—portable or desktop.

Crafted for Everyday Portability

Milled from premium aluminum, the Protocol Max’s sleek and sturdy housing not only looks elegant but also offers reliable protection. Lightweight yet durable, it’s built to travel effortlessly with your gear while maintaining a professional, modern aesthetic.

Technical details

DAC Chips
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
Amplifier Chips
Dual SG Micro SGM8262-2
Output Power
Up to 600mW @ 32Ω (Balanced)
Output Options
4.4mm Balanced / 3.5mm Single-Ended
Output Impedance
<1Ω
EQ Control
Browser-based via Hangout.Audio Graph Tool
Power Modes
Eco / Boost
Power Source
USB-Powered
Housing
CNC-Machined Aluminum
Compatibility
Windows, macOS, Android (OTG)
Dimensions
Compact Portable Form Factor

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Product care
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Customer reviews

What listeners say about sound, fit and everyday use.

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Customers praised this DAC/amp as a significant upgrade, with shoppers saying it's "another level" and "all you need." One customer upgraded from a Fiio KA11, describing it as "a better all rounder" that delivers excellent audio with PowerAmp and auto EQ. Reviewers highlighted its power and superb sound quality.

  • 5 stars: 6 (86%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (14%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
S
Spencer B. (Palmyra, US)

CrinEar Protocol Max

P
Point B. (Sydney, AU)
Crinear protocol max

Been a fiio ka11 user for a year. Was looking for a better dac that can be a better all rounder and this did the job perfectly. Using the poweramp with the recommended settings and with an auto EQ. Love the audio experience from my softears volume s.

Z
Ztekan
This is GOOOD!

I thought my Jcally JM6 Pro was enough, this is another level.
Just bu this one, this is all you need, i use EQ from PowerAmp so it sounds superb.

Get it ! =)

P
Pedro A. (Lisbon, PT)

CrinEar Protocol Max

S
Shashank K. (Jersey City, US)

CrinEar Protocol Max

B
Bob L. (Naaldwijk, NL)
Powerful little amp&dac

I bought the Crinear Protocol Max during November sales. My order was fulfilled quickly. Have nothing to complain about!

N
Nick

Ultra super fast delivery!

Before you listen.

Fit, connections and your order.

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Your order

Which countries do you ship to?

We are generally able to ship to most countries via Express Shipping, and many countries via Standard Shipping. You may clarify this with our team to check whether Standard Shipping is available to your country.

We cannot ship to addresses that are "PO boxes or APO/FPO".

*Note: Generally, we can only do Selected Shipping to India and Russia. We can only do Express Shipping to Africa, Argentina, Hawaii, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro and Sri Lanka, to name a few. 
This may be subjected to changes due to unpredictable issues such as Covid, war, and etc.

How much does shipping cost?

We have two shipping methods - Standard Shipping and Express Shipping.

Standard Shipping is free for most countries, while Express Shipping is 15-35USD depending on your country. If your order is over 270USD, Express Shipping is free*. 

*This applies for most countries. However, large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs (e.g. HarmonicDyne G200, MUSICIAN MDP-2, and etc.) are excluded.

Shipping fees exclude import taxes or processing fees that may be applicable for your country. Linsoul is not responsible for such fees. Should you refuse to pay the tax/customs fees, shipping fees will still be deducted from the amount paid for thetwo-way freightcharges. The cost of the freight charges may be more than the amount reflected on your order due to tax and other miscellaneous fees.

Some parcels claimed to be “returned to the seller” may be destroyed by the post office or customs officers when buyers refuse to accept their parcels or fail to pay for their taxes.No refundwill be processed for such cases.Standard Shipping via YunExpress is a tax-inclusive option for some countries. However, Linsoul will not be responsible for additional administrative or handling fees charged by your local courier company or customs. Please kindly check this with your local customs.For certain remote areas, there may be additional charges via Express Shipping. We will contact you if there is a need to make additional payments. Please contact us before placing an order, should you have any queries regarding shipping.  

How long does it take to receive the order after it is placed?

For in-stock products, your order will be shipped within 3 working days. You may check with our staff regarding the in-stock status of any products. 

Customized items will take a longer time. Please contact our staff for more information.

On normal non-sale days, once your parcel has been shipped out:

  • For Standard Shipping, it takes about 2-4 weeks for items to be delivered after shipping out. For some countries, it might take up to 2-3 months, depending on your country, its customs and other factors.* The duration for transit is something beyond our control. Linsoul will not be making refunds for such cases. Please consider an upgrade to Express Shipping or keep the waiting time in mind.
  • For Express Shipping, it takes about 3-7 days for items to be delivered after shipping out.

*Note: Timings might be affected due to festive seasons or other unforeseen circumstances

What happens if the parcel has been shipped but not delivered?

First, kindly contact your local courier using the local tracking number. 
If your parcel were to be in transit for at least 3 months, it may have been lost in transit. 
For orders below $50USD, you may either opt for a one-time reshipment of parcel OR a full refund of the amount paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card. 

For orders above $50USD, we will only process a 50% refund of your order paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card. Should there be any concern about Standard Shipping, you are encouraged to opt for DHL Express Shipping instead.

Customers are to bear the consequences and fees incurred, if the parcel was undelivered due to any of the following situation:

  • Wrong address or phone number provided by recipient
  • Recipient was uncontactable when courier company contacted
  • Refusal to sign for the package by recipient
  • Lost or damaged parcel because recipient opted for “no-signature delivery”
  • Refusal to pay for the local tax/processing fee by recipient
  • Refusal to provide supporting documents for custom clearance by recipient
Who will pay for the import tax/custom fees

Customers have to bear any form of custom/import/processing fees that are applicable for your parcel.

Should you be unwilling to pay for the fees and reject the delivery of the parcel, you will still have to pay for the shipping cost. Linsoul will only refund the amount of your order after deducting the two-way shipping fees incurred.

What shipping companies do you use?

We collaborate with these courier companies:

  • Standard Shipping: 4PX, UBI, NinjaVan, and Yun Express
  • Express Shipping: DHL Express, FedEx and SF Express
How do I get help for my order?

Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order. 
As our Support Team might not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely.
Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (Support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.

In general, upon receiving your parcel, please confirm the contents of the package and ensure that the package is in good condition before signing for it. All customers are strongly advised to take an unboxing video of their parcel and packaging when opening their parcels and products.

For faulty/missing items, please send an email to support@Linsoul.com for after-sale services. The following details are required. 

  1. Send an email to support@Linsoul.com with an appropriate Subject Title 
  2. Provide your order number and state the issue clearly 
  3. Attach photos and videos to show that your product is faulty/missing. Shipping details on the parcel packaging have to be clearly visible. 



If the photos/videos provided are insufficient to prove the stated issue, we will enquire more. Once the issue has been confirmed, we will arrange for a replacement, partial refund or a full refund (where applicable). For incorrect products, Linsoul reserves all rights in deciding whether you need to return the incorrect item or not. Please kindly contact us via email first. Our team aims to review your email within 3 working days.

For other queries, the fastest way to contact us is via our website or Discord

Linsoul Audio will not be responsible for parcels that have been damaged during the transit process.

Do I get tracking details for my order?

After placing an order, you will receive the order confirmation email. After your order has been shipped out, you will also receive a tracking email. You can track your order via the tracking number online. Should you not have received the emails or face any difficulties tracking your order, please kindly contact us for support.

For more than 1 orders placed under the same account and shipping address, Linsoul will automatically combine the orders and ship them out via one tracking number. Should you have special requests to have the orders shipped separately, please kindly contact us via Discord or our website's chat. We will do our best to help.

How do I cancel my order?

Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order. Orders that have been shipped cannot be cancelled and modified.

As our Support Team may not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely as support cannot be guaranteed for such requests.

Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.

Can I return an opened item?

Request a return within 30 days of delivery while the product is factory-sealed. Contact support for instructions before returning anything.

Full details

Where should I send the product for the return process?

To initiate the return shipment, kindly send an email to support@Linsoul.com within 30 days upon receiving the sealed product(s). The RMA form and details will be provided to you via email.

When must the product be returned after receiving the RMA form and details?

After receiving the return instructions from us via email, kindly arrange the return shipment of the parcel within 5 working days, and update us with the tracking link via email again. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of the return process.

When will I receive my refund after returning the product?

In most cases, after receiving and inspecting the returned product, your refund will be processed within 5 business days. Refunds may incur a currency exchange loss or transaction fee, depending on your source of payment (e.g. Bank or PayPal). Linsoul will not be responsible for such fees.

What warranty applies?

Most products come with a 1-year warranty; cables and accessories have shorter or separate terms.

Full details

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CrinEar Protocol Max
$89.99 USD