May 2026

World Premiere Review!
Geshelli Labs TORC DAC Review: Does This Value-Priced Compact DAC Deliver Big-League Sound?
We explore how the bargain-priced TORC DAC delivers performance that easily exceeds expectations.
Review By Tom Lyle

   Over the years, I have encountered many audiophiles who are unwilling to go into debt or spend all their money on high-end audio components or systems. While some of these individuals are new to high-end audio, others are more experienced, yet both groups consistently assemble impressive audio systems. What these audiophiles share is their love of music and the pursuit of sound quality, which is far superior to that of mass-market audio gear found at Big Box Stores. For music lovers and audiophiles who are not wealthy, or simply prefer not to splurge on expensive gear, they, instead, piece together their setups using pre-owned equipment, budget-friendly components, or both.

If one of these types of audiophiles asked me for a recommendation for an affordable, excellent-sounding DAC... read on.

About Geshelli Labs
Geshelli Labs designs and manufactures DACs and headphone amplifiers, and is a family business founded by husband-and-wife team Geno and Sherri Biscegliana. They named their company Geshelli because they thought it would be easier to pronounce than their last name, Bisceglia. Geno is mainly in charge of design, and Sherri is mostly involved in the business end, but their roles are flexible. Together, with the help of family members and others. In their 7,000 sq. ft. factory in Rockledge, Florida, they perform all circuit board manufacturing, assembly, casework, and shipping.

TORC
The subject of this review, the Geshelli Labs TORC, is named after its daughter-in-law, Courtney, who also works for Geshelli Labs. Geshelli Labs regularly names the equipment they design and manufacture by rearranging the letters of family members' names. Courtney's nickname is Cort, and by shuffling its letters, TORC became the name of this DAC. The Geshelli TORC stands out among affordable DACs for its range of upgrade options. Its modular design makes it easy to upgrade components such as the DAC chip, op-amps, inputs and outputs, and even the color of its front-panel LEDs.

Owners can select upgrades at the time of purchase or add them later without returning the unit to Geshelli Labs. The base Geshelli Labs TORC costs $699, with the review sample I auditioned included their upgraded DAC board and op-amp, which was finished in dark charcoal and had green LEDs. Total cost is ~$1100.

The Geshelli TORC is a half-sized component, only 11" wide and a bit less than 3" high, and has relay-switched digital inputs via seven independent front-panel switches. The Geshelli TORC DAC manual highlights its "ultra-clean" internal power supply. I have often emphasized the importance of quality power supplies and their sonic impact. Notably, the TORC features independent digital and analog power rails and an upgraded microprocessor.

Spoiler alert: The Geshelli TORC delivered a very transparent sound and had several other sonic strengths, which I will detail below. Its impressive audio performance is especially notable given its modest price.

Expansion
The TORC features a user-accessible GIO expansion port, enabling input and output customization without returning the unit to the manufacturer. Its modular design also includes four mono op-amp sockets, allowing users to upgrade op-amps as needed. This DAC includes a modular, precision-engineered aluminum case made in the USA and a sliding tray for convenient access to internal components. The design supports interchangeable DAC boards, op-amps, and I/O (input/output) modules.

Colors
The Geshelli Labs TORC' is also available in a wide range of colors. The TORC's case is available in black, charcoal, deep blue, or red. Its front and back panels can match the case or can be in black. The front panel buttons can be had in silver or black, and the LED that surrounds the buttons are available in red, white, blue, or black. Even the TORC's metal feel can be ordered in silver or black.

I thought that my review model's color was black, but it is actually a dark charcoal. Custom colors are also available, as are wood panels, giving the TORC a more retro appearance. The Geshelli TORC DAC is designed to deliver both exceptional sound and visual appeal. The faceplate can match the case color or be customized with a smoked plexiglass option. Front-panel metal buttons are available in black or silver, and even the LED rings can be selected in red, blue, green, white, or various combinations.

Outfitted
The unit I reviewed included a Burr Brown PCM1794 DAC chip and standard OPA1655 op-amps. Upgrading the DAC board of the Geshelli TORC is one of the most significant enhancements available. AKM DAC boards range from $110 to $310, with options including the AK4493 and the high-end AK4499 Dual Mono module. Additional DAC boards are also available from ESS Technology, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments / Burr-Brown.

The TORC features four mono socketed op-amp ports that support both RCA and XLR outputs. It comes with Texas Instruments OPA1656 op-amps, which can be upgraded to Sparkos Labs SS2590 discrete op-amps without the need for adapters. One can also add another SPDIF coax or Toslink input, or add extra outputs including RCA or a 4.4 Pentaconn balanced output. The TORC's internals were upgraded from the base model by adding an AKM dual mono board, increasing the price by $260.

Entering
Younger audiophiles, those first entering the benefits of an outboard high-end DAC, or those who don't want to spend a fortune on a DAC will likely be blown away by the Geshelli Labs TORC's performance. Even though I didn't hear it, I suspect that even the TORC's base model will be very impressed. While the Geshelli TORC DAC performs well, it cannot compete with my significantly more expensive reference DACs. I am confident the TORC will enhance the sound quality of any modest high-end system. However, those with more advanced or costly systems may prefer a DAC that offers greater compatibility.

As noted earlier, "The Geshelli TORC may be affordably priced, but its features and sound quality would indicate otherwise." 

Second
My main system is installed in an acoustically treated, dedicated listening room, where I typically review higher-priced equipment that is comparable to my reference gear. For this reason, I reviewed the Geshelli TORC DAC in my second system, which is in a common area of our home, in our dining / living room. This is the system I usually use to review more affordable equipment.

For a brief period, my second system featured the Raidho X2.5 speakers I reviewed last summer, as they had not yet been returned to the manufacturer. I then used the EgglestonWorks Isabel Signature, a two-way floor-standing model. For most of the review, however, I relied on Vermouth Audio's Studio Monitors. Despite the name, these are not self-powered studio monitors but passive speakers with a D'Appolito configuration: two 6.5-inch woofers, positioned above and below a 2.8 by 0.75-inch ribbon tweeter. The Vermouth speakers were placed on stands that elevated them approximately 16 inches off the floor.

The system's digital front-end featured the FiiO S15 Music Streamer, connected via digital output to the TORC's USB or optical TosLink input. I also used the discontinued OPPO BDP-83 SE universal disc player, connecting its digital output to the TORC's S/PDIF input.

Times Are Far Out
My reference DAC in this second system is usually the Italian-designed and manufactured Audio Analogue aaDAC, which originally cost about four times as much as the Geshelli TORC. Yet when playing high-resolution digital music from either Tidal or Qobuz on my iPad and received via the FiiO S15, the Geshelli TORC held its own and didn't come close to embarrassing itself compared to my reference.

I don't think I'm going too far out on a limb by declaring this ultra-customizable DAC a giant killer. This highly configurable DAC provides excellent value and delivers performance that surpasses many more expensive alternatives.  Its high price-to-performance ratio was outstanding. When decoding complex musical arrangements, it delivered detailed, engaging sound. Its soundstage was expansive and accurately scaled, with precise imaging of instruments and groups from various positions, including a well-defined center image. 

The Geshelli TORC's sound was not forward, but its soundstage was somehow able to envelop my listening seat with sound. Of course, this trait varied depending on the recording. At times, I felt immersed in the music or closely observing it, appreciating its detail without any harshness.

Hearing Is Believing
Since I first heard it, I have always been energized by James Brown's duet with Bobby Byrd on "Since You've Been Gone" from the Motherlode compilation. The appeal of this 1971 recording lies not only in Brown's signature vocals but also in the outstanding performance of his backing band. On this song, the drums were performed by Clyde Stubblefield, widely regarded as the most sampled drummer in history and credited with contributing to the foundation of hip-hop. Of course, his grooves were highly danceable, but even those who do not prefer this genre should be able to appreciate his impressive and complex polyrhythms, which feature several distinctive elements.

One such element is his use of "ghost notes" on the snare. These subtle notes played between louder, accented beats, add texture, funk, and rhythmic complexity to the groove. This technique is complemented by his remarkably intricate and dynamic hi-hat work. On this track, Mr. Stubblefield's drumming is tightly integrated with the unmistakable sound of bassist "Bootsy" Collins and his instantly recognizable, heavy, syncopated, and resonant bass lines.

I previously noted the impressive soundstage of the Geshelli TORC, but I did not expect this track to perform as well, given that this James Brown recording was released in monaural on this compilation. While the sound filled the front of the room and there was little left-to-right soundstage, this did not detract from the experience. The recording created a multi-layered effect, with voices closest to the front and other voices and instruments positioned in distinct layers of this "soundstage". I could easily identify the location of the instrument and voice. 

The Geshelli TORC demonstrated impressive transparency, revealing minimal studio enhancements in this recording from Starday-Kind Studios in Nashville. Although I am not familiar with the technical details of the session, the track closely resembled a 'live in the studio' performance. Any overdubs are not immediately noticeable.

Although this second system uses smaller speakers than those in my dedicated listening room, I find it difficult to fully enjoy orchestral music on it. Even the main system faces challenges reproducing the scale of a full orchestra, but it comes closer to capturing the experience of a full orchestra in a concert hall. Despite this, there are times when I want to listen to Jacqueline du Pré perform Elgar's Cello Concerto with Sir John Barbirolli and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Jacqueline du Pré's interpretation of Elgar's Cello Concerto never fails to captivate me. I loaded the 24-bit/192kHz recording on the Qobuz app on my iPad and sat down between two speakers. I was impressed by how well the Geshelli TORC decoded the high-resolution FLAC signal. The TORC's performance closely matched the reference DAC in my system. More importantly, it allowed me to experience Du Pré's cello, from a human-like cry to a rosin-y growl, supported by the orchestra in the piece that made her renowned.

I do not intend to suggest that the Geshelli is the definitive DAC. However, the TORC performed nearly as well as my reference unit, positioning Du Pre at the front of the orchestra with clearly defined sections behind her. The soundstage was accurately proportioned, allowing individual instruments within each section to be heard distinctly. The TORC's soundstage extended from wall to wall, as well as behind and slightly in front of the speakers.

Geshelli Labs' TORC DAC's ultra-transparent sound brought Elgar's Cello Concerto to life, adding virtually no coloration. According to Geshelli, its configurable options can significantly influence performance. Different op-amps allow the DAC's sound to range from "precise, analytical performance to a warmer, more spacious "vintage" sound, depending on the op-amps chosen."

Conclusion
At times, in my reviews, I sometimes use exaggeration for emphasis, as with the Geshelli Labs TORC DAC. I couldn't help myself, because while it is far from a state-of-the-art $30,000 DAC, judged on its own merits, the TORC DAC offers exceptional value. The Geshelli TORC DAC exceeded my expectations. Although this DAC won't replace the almost twenty-times more expensive digital-to-analog converter within my main reference sound system, the Geshelli Labs TORC DAC is a stone-cold bargain!

When I agreed to review the Geshelli Labs TORC DAC, I expected it to suit beginner audiophiles upgrading from mass-market components or, for example, those seeking a unit for a secondary system in one's office. However, the new Geshelli Labs TORC DAC is the real thing, as it delivers performance that easily exceeds those expectations. Additionally, its wide range of options makes this unit highly customizable.

I highly recommend the Geshelli Labs TORC DAC to audiophiles who desires exceptional sound quality, yet without a high price, as well as to any music lover seeking an affordable Hi-Res Audio DAC.

Specifications
Type: Hi-Res Audio modular DAC unit

Power Supplies
1. Internal 20W AC/DC (Uses IEC Cable Input)
2. Isolated Digital Rails (7VDC, 5VDC, 3.3VDC) with Filtering
3. Isolated Analog 11VDC Rails (Positive and Negative) with Filtering
4. Isolated Power Supply for Optional Input/Output Expansion Card

Modular DAC Support
1. Input slot for Modular DAC Card
2. Each DAC Card has Custom Power Regulation on Board for Optimum Noise Reduction

Inputs (S/PDIF)
1. 2x Coaxial (192kHz/24-bit) PCM
2. 2x TosLink (192kHz/24-bit) PCM

Optional Amanero USB
1. USB 2.0 High Speed Interface
2. Plug and Play LINUX,MACOS,WIN11
3. 32-Bit PCM (44.1kHz to 768kHz)
4. DSD64 – DSD512 (*Requires a DSD Compatible DAC Module)
5. Optional Windows Driver Available (Needed for High Speed DSD Interface)

Outputs
1. RCA (Unbalanced) Left/Right Analog
2. XLR (Balanced) Left/Right Analog

Optional Geshelli Input/Output Interface (GIO)
1. Digital AES/EBU Input
2. Additional S/PDIF (Coax/TosLink)
3. Additional RCA Output
4. 4.4mm Balanced Output

AD1862 R2R NOS DUAL MONO GDAC Module. Compatible with the TORC.
Manufacturer Analog Devices
Max Sample Rate [PCM] 192kHz
Max Bit Rate [PCM] 32-bit
DSD Support? No
DAC Type R2R
Number of DAC Chips 2

AK4191+AK4499 DUAL MONO GDAC Module. Compatible with the TORC.
Manufacturer AKM
Max Sample Rate [PCM] 768kHz
Max Bit Rate [PCM] 32-bit
DSD Support? Yes
Max Rate [DSD] 512
DAC Type Delta Sigma
Number of DAC Chips 2
Notes AK4191 Included.

Price: Base price of the Geshelli TORC DAC: $699
IO Port
Add +$50.00-Choice of 4.4, RCA, S/PDIF/TosLink, I²S or AES
No IO

DAC Boards
These three are the base choice if you do not choose to upgrade. You would pick one: AKM4493, BB1794, ESQ2M

Upgrades:
AKM4493, BB1794, ESQ2M is $109 as an additional board
AKM4499EXEQ single-$159.99 installed/$209.99 as an extra board.
AKM4499EXEQ dual mono-$259.99 installed/$309.99 as an extra board
AD1862R2R-$249.99 installed/$299.99 extra board
Sabre ES9026PRO-$128.99 installed/$178.99 extra board
Sabre ES9039SPRO-$159.99 installed/$209.99 extra board

Op-Amp
The TORC takes four singles. 
Base choice if you choose not to upgrade from one of the below: opa1655 or opa1641
Sparko 3601-$160
Sparko 2590-$240
Sonic Imagery-$200
Stacatto-$176
Burson Vivid-$240

Company Information
Geshelli Labs, LLC
5575 Schenek Ave.
Rockledge, FL 32955
Phone: (321) 312-0155

E-mail: info@geshelli.com 
Website: Geshelli.com