Alchemist TS-D1 DAC

The new Alchemist TS-D1, 24-bit 96 kHz compatible DAC will support all sampling rates up to and including the very latest DVD standard of 96 kHz. Therefore making it the obvious affordable upgrade for the latest generation of CD/DCC/DAT/DVD and Mini Disc machines. Bringing true audiophile status to otherwise mediocre performers. It offers the choice of either Coaxial or Optical input connection, along with a digital record output to allow digital recording onto Mini Disc, CDR or DAT types machines.

The TS-D1 is based around the latest surface mount microchips from Crystal and Burr Brown making it the most up to date DAC available today. These coupled with many proprietary filtering enhancements also make it perform beyond its diminutive size.

The TS-D1 is just the beginning of an exciting new range of products that will include a MM/MC phono stage, remote controlled preamplifier and power amplifiers amongst others, all utilizing the extrusion that gives them their unique identity.

 

Specifications

DAC-Type 24-bit, 8x Oversampling, Multi Level Delta Sigma

Sampling Rates:  Supports all sampling rates in range 16 kHz - 96 kHz

Data Types:  16, 18, 20 and 24 Bit SPDIF

Level (0 dB) :  2 V RMS

Total Harmonic Distortion (+n) :  -96 dB

Linearity:  ±0,3 dB to 100 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio :  104 dB

Dynamic Range:  104 dB

Master Clock :  256 Fs

Digital Filter:  8x Oversampling, 80 dB stopband attenuation

De-emphasis (44,1 kHz):  Digital domain <0,2 dB error

Dimensions (W x H x D):  154 x 45 x 170 mm

Weight:  3 kg (packed)

 

Wadia S7i

The Wadia S7i CD player  DAC / Digital Preamplifie r is the latest generation of our highly acclaimed series of high performance integrated digital audio playback products. Fifteen years ago, Wadia was the first to develop proprietary digital components that blended the functionality of a CD player, digital preamplifier and processor in one product. Today, the S7i platform not only provides reference quality CD playback, but also serves as a flexible and complete digital hub managing and optimizing the performce of today ’s principle digital sources . The S7i combines exceptional disc playback technology, our best integrated decoding computer technology, and digital source management. It is at our - de - force solution for any music lover wanting the very best musical performance, with out the complexity of multiple digital components.

Series 7 is Wadia’s highest designation for integrated digital products. Not surprisingly, the all-new CD transport exemplifies series 7 level playback performance. This exceptional transport was designed in collaboration with the Austrian company Stream Unlimited. Wadia co-engineered many details of this design, including an application-specific servo system optimized for the newest generation of Wadia playback machines. The results exceeded even our own expectations.

Technical Specifications

Transport:  Modified CD and Data Drive

Power Supply:  Dual transformers in internal isolation chamber

Decoding Software:  3 user selectable upsampling algorithms including DigiMaster v2.5

Compatible Formats:  Red Book CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, FLAC and WMA

DAC Sample Rate:  1.4112 MHz

Digital Volume Control Range:  50 dB in one hundred 0.5 dB steps

Maximum Output Voltage:  Can be adjusted via internal switches from 0.3 V to 4.25 V to match system sensitivity

Output Impedance:  Less than 15 Ω

Digital Inputs:

1 USB - The Wadia USB input accepts the following sample rates: 44.1k, 48k and 96k

1 AES/EBU (XLR)

1 SP/DIF (BNC)

1 Plastic Optical (Toslink)

Digital Outputs:

1 Glass Fiber-Optic (ST)

1 AES/EBU (XLR)

1 SP/DIF (BNC)

1 Plastic Optical (Toslink)

Analog Outputs:

1 pair balanced (XLR)

1 pair unbalanced (RCA)

Both can be used simultaneously

Power Consumption:  25 watts

Dimensions (HxWxD):  184 x 432 x 420 mm (7.25 x 17 x 16.5 inch)

Finish Options:  Black or Silver Anodized Aluminum

I like

Meridian 563

 The Meridian 563 Digital to Analogue Converter provides three digital inputs and one optical input, and uses a high definition dual differential digital to analogue Delta Sigma converter to give up to 19 bit precision. Dual phase lock loops ansure low jitter, and balanced Class A output amplifiers give extremely low distprtion.

 The Crystal Delta Sigma 1-bit DAC is designed as a one chip solution for stereo decoding, including its own high performance digital filter, oversampling and noise shaping. By using a pair of decoders in differential mode for left and right channels, Meridian claims a unique implementation giving a precision up to 19-bit resolution. A front-panel switch toggles a software phase inversion at this stage if the user desires, with the handbook pointing out that 'in some circumstances this can give a noticeable improvement in realism'.

 NE5534 ICs, bandwidth-limited via a 38 kHz single pole filter, feed Class A discrete output stages which provide two balanced outputs via XLR connectors as well as the two standard phono outputs. Each output circuit utilises A06/A56 high current driver transistors, easily capable of driving long cables with a source impedence of 12 ohms.

Specifications

Conversion:  Dual differential Delta Sigma, 64 times oversampled at 2 bits per channel giving 19 bits resolution

Jitter:  less than 1 ps rms

Noise and Distortion:  less than -95 dB

Inputs:

D1 - D3 digital audio :  unbalanced phono SPDIF input at 75 Ω

AES/EBU connection via optional XLR connection on D1

Optical disgital audio high speed

TOSLINK input

Outputs

Unbalanced analogue output 2 V nominal

Balanced anlogue output on 2 x XLRs

Display: illuminated legends for EQ, Lock, 44,1 kHz, and Phase

Finish:  Black textured enamel and glass

Dimensions (H x W x D):  88 x 321 x 332 mm (3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").

Weight:  6.4 kg (14 lbs).

EISA 2012-2013 Audiolab M-DAC

European D/AConventer 2012 - 2013:  Audiolab M-DAC

 The new age of USB computer audio has rekindled the flame of the outboard D/A converter (DAC). Among this new breed of USB DACs few are as simple to implement or as versatile in use as Audiolab’s fabulous little M-DAC. It works directly with virtually all PCs and Macs without special USB drivers while its bold display shows a wealth of information about the incoming music data. An onboard volume control lets the M-DAC do the job of a preamp just as the choice of seven digital filters allows fine-tuning of its sound. And what a sound – powerful, insightful and delicate, it cuts to the heart of the music while remaining faithful to its soul. This is a very high performance product that’s perfect for both the computer audio novice and seasoned enthusiast alike.

Specification

Model:  M-DAC

General description:  Digital-to-analogue converter

DAC:  ESS Sabre32 9018 chip

Resolution:  32 bits

Maximum Sampling Frequency:  84.672MHz

Digital input:  2 x 24-bit/192kHz coaxial ,2 x 24-bit/96kHz Toslink optical, 1 x 24-bit/96kHz USB

Digital output:  1 x coaxial, 1x Toslink optical

Output voltage:  RCA: 2.25V RMS,XLR: 4.5V RMS

Total Harmonic Distortion:  RCA: <0 .002=".002" p="p" xlr:="xlr:">

Frequency response:  20Hz - 20kHz (± 0.2dB)

Dynamic range:  RCA: >115dB;XLR: >122dB

Crosstalk:  RCA: <-120dB;  XLR: <-130dB

Power requirements:  220--230V /100-120V (50 ~ 60Hz)

Dimensions (H x W x D):  59 x 250 x252mm

Colour:   Black, Silver