Luxman DA-07 D/A converter

 

The Luxman DA-07 Digital/Analog Converter Unit

Features:

Fluency DAC conversion of digital  inputs with sampling frequencies of 44,1 kHz (CD), 48 kHz (DAT) and 32 kHz (Digital Satellite Broadcasting Tuner)

Complete isolation of left/right channel and digital/analog signal paths at all stages, including independent L/R power transformers

Ultra-high quality materials and components used throughout, including PC-OCC wiring and 70 µ-thick OFC glass epoxy PC boards

Independent voltage regulators at 11 stages

Massive anti-resonant rigid construction with 18 mm front panel

Full copper plated chassis and 10-block internal layout for maximum shielding

Switching of 3 coaxial, and 3 optical digital inputs (2 standard and 1 ultra high speed for use with DP-07)

Digital recording optical and coaxial outputs

3 analog outputs (variable coaxial, fixed coaxial, and fixed balanced)

Adjustable master output level

Front panel display dimmer/switch

Champagne gold finish

A conventional DAC design applying Shannon's Theorem and a digital oversampling filter results in ringing distortions. These can be seen in the small ripples on either side of the musical signal. Ringing results in constant low-level noise and a perceived decline in dynamic range. These spurious signal also cause phase distortions during listening, detracting from the subtle musical harmonics that make music come to life. The Fluency DAC virtually eliminates ringing. A similarly dramatic improvement in reproduction is seen inn the square wave test.

Restoring the full musical spectrum

The advantages of the Fluency DAC are not limited to the elimination of phase shift and ringing. By accurately selecting musical signals at the input stage, the Fluency DAC produces an analog signal with more musical depth. Almost all music sources naturally contain a small but significant harmonic component at the upper limits of audibility. This component is critical to the soundstage localization and musical "ambience" that are essential for realistic reproduction. However, digital recording for compact discs is a pulse-code modulation process using a sampling frequency of 44,1 kHz, which effectively eliminates all musical signal from about 22 kHz on up. Moreover, conventional DAC's employ a filter that begins a steep cut-off at lower frequencies.

Luxman found an ingenious way to restore this missing musical ambience using the Fluency DAC. Because harmonics arise from basic physical laws and mathematical principles, the distribution of harmonics that occur in nature can be recreated. By carefully programming the digital input stage of the Fluency DAC, Luxman has succeeded in reproducing the rich ambience lost in the CD recording and playback.

Specifications:

Method of D/A Conversion:  Fluency DAC, 16-bit, no LP filter

Sampling Frequencies:  32 kHz, 44,1 kHz, 48 kHz (automatic switching)

Frequency Response (CD Input):  4 Hz - 20 kHz (±0,1 dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,008%

Impulse Distortion (Impulse peak/sample peak):  approx. 0,4% (ref. 26% for DAC based on Shannon's Theorem)

s.n Ratio:  more than 115 dB

Digital Inputs Voltage:

Coaxial 1, 2, 3 :  0,5 Vp-p/75 Ω

Optical 1 :  125 Mb/s

Optical 2, 3 :  6 Mb/s

Digital Output Voltage

Coaxial:  2 V/74 Ω (fixed), -2 V/ 100 Ω (variable)

Balanced:  4 V/ 94 Ω (fixed)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  438 x 220 x 474 mm
Weight (net):  27 kg