DAC (Digital to Analog Audio)

  • DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core

    DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core

    Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core

    Speaker-room interaction is typically the most important performance-limiting factor of any high-end audio system. Every listening space introduces errors that can be in the magnitude of dozen decibels or even more. These errors are most pronounced at the bass and lower midrange regions, where the classic acoustic treatment loses its effectiveness.

    Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core is DSPeaker’s award-winning loudspeaker optimization system capable of perfecting the acoustic performance of any full-range stereo audio system. It is based on our new Anti-Mode 2.0 algorithm which refines the popular Anti-Mode algorithm even further.

    Features include:

    • New, improved Anti-Mode 2.0 automatic room correction algorithm
    • Can be used as a locally clocked high quality jitter-free DAC
    • Supports USB audio as well as S/PDIF input/output via optical toslink
    • Dual balanced ADCs to deliver the highest level of audio performance that meets the expectations of the most demanding audiophiles
    • Dual (one per channel) balanced DACs with jitter free operation (local crystal), oversampling to 6144 kHz, DSP buffering and filtering
    • Can be used as a high quality pre-amp with remote controlled volume
    • Analog resistor network volume controller to ensure full digital precision
    • Extensive sound customization options, including quick house curve design tool, linear-phase full spectrum tilt, several parametric EQs etc
    • Supports several sound profiles (e.g. independent ”sweet spots” and/or equalizer settings), quickly switchable with the remote controller
    • Friendly graphical user interface, very easy to set-up and operate
    • Ability to measure and display room responses on a built-in 262k-color display
    • ”Pure digital” mode using S/PDIF input & output: signal is processed in the digital domain all the way (S/PDIF output resolution is independent from input)
    • Digital signals are re-aligned for jitter-free operation
    • Versatile connectivity: insert Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core between your existing pre-amp and power amplifier or powered speakers or utilize the processor loop or record monitor loop (you need the record monitor function, just record out and record in are not enough) of your integrated amplifier – or use it as a standalone DAC / preamp!
    • Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core can be connected to almost every audio system. Please see the connection example page for more information.

    Connections
    2 x RCA inputs
    2 x XLR inputs
    2 x RCA outputs
    2 x XLR outputs
    Toslink S/PDIF digital input
    Toslink S/PDIF digital output
    USB
    Datalink
    Microphone jack
    12VDC power connector

    Technical Specifications

    Digital Specifications
    DSP Cores:
    1 x VS1000 (GUI&USB)
    2 x VS8053 IceDragon (Audio)

    Processing:
    40-bit, 2-channels

    DSP Filters:
    Anti-Mode 2.0 Multi-Rate (FIR & IIR)
    House Curve filter
    Linear-Phase Tilt
    Parametric EQs
    Adjustable Infrasonic
    Adjustable cross-over
    Analog specifications (2013 revision)
    Dynamic Range: > 108dB
    Volume Control Steps: 0.5dB
    Input Sensitivity XLR: 3.9/7.9 Vrms, RCA: 2.5/5.0 Vrms
    Output Voltage Unbalanced RCA: 7.2 V(RMS) max
    Output Voltage Balanced XLR: 14.4 V(RMS) max
    ADC: 6.144 MHz oversampling dual per channel
    DAC: 6.144 MHz oversampling dual per channel, local clocking, buffering

    Dimensions
    236 x 55 x 146 mm (9¼ x 2 x 5½ “)

  • DSPeaker Anti-Mode 8033 Automatic Subwoofer Equalizer

    DSPeaker Anti-Mode 8033 Automatic Subwoofer Equalizer

    Anti-Mode 8033 Automatic Subwoofer Equalizer

    A typical listening room resonates in low frequencies. Because of this, even the best subwoofer may not sound good enough. Much of the audio content get masked by the resonances, introducing unwanted characteristics (such as “slowness” and “boominess”) to the sound. This problem is most pronounced when subwoofer is placed close to walls or corners of the room.

    The Golden Ear awarded Anti-Mode™ technology eliminates the resonances of the speaker and the room by equalizing both amplitude and time domain responses using very accurate digital signal processing filter structures and anti-phasing technology. This way, the listener can hear frequencies down to the cut-off frequency of the subwoofer. Transient response is also drastically improved in the process, making bass sound faster and more controlled.

    Anti-Mode™ 8033 is very simple to use. The calibration process is completely automatic: it generates frequency sweeps to the desired calibration point (or multiple points) and measures the combined transfer function of the subwoofer-room system.

    Anti-Mode™ 8033 uses regular RCA connectors, which can be found from vast majority of home theater equipment. Input to the device is taken from the line level subwoofer output of the (pre-)amplifier. Output is connected to the line level input of the subwoofer.

    Features
    • Measures and corrects the combined frequency response of your subwoofer system and the listening room
    • User-friendly automatic calibration procedure
    • Can be used with any active subwoofer
    • Minimum phase filtering, no significant algorithm delay
    • Correction range 16-144 Hz
    • Three user-selectable additional equalization filters
    • Single or multiple measurement point calibration
    • Measurement microphone is included
    • Ultra-compact enclosure: 126 mm x 80 mm x 28 mm (5″ x 3.2″ x 1.1″)
    • Low power consumption: 1.5 W
    • RoHS directive compliant

    Technical Specifications
    Electrical characteristics:
    Power consumption: 1.2 W
    Input sensitivity: Line level (1.0 Vrms nominal, 1.75 Vrms max)
    Amplification: 3.0 dB (bypass)
    Operation voltage: 9 VAC or 12 VDC
    Low-pass (analog): Bessel 12 dB / octave, Q ~ 0.5, fc = 250 Hz

    8033 cinema
    Frequency range (-3 dB): 5 – 160 Hz
    Dynamic ratio: > 90 dB

    8033S-II
    Frequency range (-3 dB): 5 – 250 Hz
    Dynamic ratio: > 92dB

    Firmware features:
    Frequency resolution: < 0.5 Hz
    Maximum attenuation: 96 dB
    Filter Q-value range: Unlimited (32-bit integer space)
    Sub-sonic filter: 10 Hz (user-selectable)
    Computation accuracy: 32 / 40-bit integer
    Latency: 2.7 ms

    8033 cinema
    Anti-Mode-Filters: 28
    Correction range: 16 – 160 Hz
    Lift filters: 20Hz, 30Hz
    Lowpass filters: – 7 selectable modes

    8033S-II
    Anti-Mode-Filters: 36
    Correction range: 16 – 250Hz
    Lift filters: 20Hz, 25Hz, 30Hz
    Lowpass filters: 7 selectable modes

  • DSPeaker Anti-Mode X4

    DSPeaker Anti-Mode X4

    Anti-Mode X4

    The new DSPeaker Anti-Mode X4TM preamplifier/DAC combines an uncompromising selection of audio electronics with more than a decade of expertise in acoustics and signal processing. It was designed with one purpose in mind: to elevate to a new high what is possible in stereo sound reproduction in the domestic environment.

    Three high-end stereo digital-to-analog converters (DACs) are driving the primary, auxiliary, and headphone outputs. Combined with output range control and picking the best converters using an IC tester, the XLR outputs reach 126dB dynamic range and less than 0.0008% total harmonic distortion. Both primary and auxiliary outputs are active simultaneously for speakers and subs, available in both XLR and RCA. The signal of the primary output is also provided as optical and coaxial SPDIF.

    Input connections are plentiful. The two stereo RCA and one stereo XLR analog inputs provide SNR+THD of -104dB. Whatever audio source you connect, the input range control selection allows you to gain full performance. Total of six SPDIF inputs and the USB Audio 2.0 input support up to 192kHz and DSD64 / DSD128 (on USB).

    Technical Specifications

    DSP Cores
    1 x VS1205 (GUI & Firmware update USB)
    6 x VS1205 (Audio Inputs, processing)
    3 x High-Quality DAC (pre-selected), 3 x High-Quality ADC

    Firmware Highlights
    • Anti-Mode 3.0 room calibration algorithm
    • Automatic cross-over frequency optimization (US Pat. 9,955,261)
    • Extensive tone controls and user-defined parametric equalizers
    • Anti-Mode 3.0 Multi-Rate (FIR & IIR)
    • House Curve, Linear-Phase Tilt, Parametric EQs
    • Adjustable Infrasonic
    • Adjustable cross-over

    Interfaces
    2x stereo RCA, 1x stereo XLR input
    3x optical and 3x coaxial inputs (up to stereo 192kHz with coaxial)
    USB Audio 2.0 input (192kHz PCM, DSD64 and DSD128 by DSD over PCM)
    Primary Output: stereo RCA, stereo XLR, Optical Toslink, and Coaxial S/PDIF
    Auxiliary Output: stereo RCA and stereo XLR
    Microphone input, Headphone output
    Control wheel with a button, IR Remote

    Analog specifications (typical)
    Primary XLR: Dynamic Range: 126 dB, Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0008%
    Analog Input, XLR, SNR+THD: -104dB
    Frequency Response: 20…20000Hz ±0.08dB
    Input Voltage max RCA: 2.5 / 4.4 / 6.2 Vrms, XLR: 2.6 / 5.2 / 12.4 Vrms
    Output Voltage max RCA: 3.2 / 6.4 Vrms, XLR: 6.4 / 14.0 Vrms
    Power consumption: 25W, stand-by: < 0.5W

    Mechanical
    Unit dimensions: 436mm x 70mm x 295mm
    Unit weight: 4.5kg
    Color options: Black or Silver front plate

  • Line Magnetic LM-24CD - CD PLAYER & DAC

    Line Magnetic LM-24CD – CD PLAYER & DAC

    LM-24CD – CD PLAYER –

    DAC ESS9016 – POWER STAGE 2X 6ZK8

     

    The LM-24CD has optical and coaxial digital outputs, XLR and BNC analog outputs as well as an analog stereo RCA and XLR outputs as well as an analog stereo RCA and XLR output. The mechanical CD is original SONY KSM-213C.

    The DAC is based on an ESS9016 chip and the output stages use two 6ZK8.

    The USB port on the rear of the LM-24CD allows you to listen to music from your computer. The USB port XMOS operate asynchronously with files 32bits/192kHz.


    Highlights
    Power stage
    DAC ESS9016
    Many analog and digital outputs
    High-quality components

    Specifications
    Frequency response: 20 – 20.000 Hz (+/-3dB)
    Signal/Noise ratio: 110dB
    THD: 0.0025%
    Dynamic: 110B
    Output Level RCA: 2 Vrms
    Output Level XLR: 3 Vrms
    Reading time: 5 secondes

    Connectors
    1x Analog output RCA
    1x Analog output XLR
    1x Digital output AES/EBU
    1x Digital output coaxial
    1x Digital output Optique
    1x Digital output BNC
    1x Input USB 2.0 Type-B

    Included Accessories
    2x Fuses
    1x Remote control
    1x Detachable power cord
    1x Manual


    Generality

    Dimensions (L x H x P): 330 x 105 x 325 mm
    Weight: 10 Kg

    Finish: Black

  • Line Magnetic LM-32DAC

    Line Magnetic LM-32DAC

    LM-32DAC

    Digital to Analogue Converter

    The LM-32DAC digital to analogue converter offers the flexibility to select either tube or solid state output on the fly, allowing you to enjoy the output that best matches your system or music selection.

    This DAC takes Xmos USB audio technology which utilises high speed USB 2.0 receiving and decoding 32bit/192kHz high resolution digital signals and is designed with top grade ESS 9028Pro DAC chips.

    It is an asynchronous design with awesome performance from its low distortion, ultra-low-jitter clock recovery technology and features five digital inputs: AES/EBU, BNC, USB, optical and coaxial that will lock onto any signal input at 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz, 176.4KHz, 192KHz, 352.8KHz, 384KHz, DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256, displaying the input frequency used on the front LCD panel.

    The LM-32DAC features separate high quality power supplies for the Analogue and Digital sections, a toroid power transformer for Digital and a EI power transformer for Analogue. It also has separate rectification, using high speed circuitry for the Digital section and a 6Z4 tube for the Analogue section.

    Finally, the LM-32DAC incorporates Line Magnetic Audio’s world class leading Tube analogue output stage, utilising two 12AU7’s in the buffer for a true tube output.

    Features
    – Separate power supplies for analogue and digital sections
    – Selection of tube or solid state output on the fly
    – Multiple inputs with wide range of input frequencies accepted
    – High quality components

    Tubes used in this DAC
    Tube Buffer: 2 x 12AU7
    Rectification: 1 x 6Z4

    Tubes supplied Common replacements
    12AU7 ECC82, ECC802S

    Specifications
    Sampling Rates: 32bit 44.1KHz 48KHz 88.2KHz 96KHz 176.4KHz 192KHz 352.8KHz 384KHz DSD64 DSD128 DSD256
    Tube Output Impedance: 2KΩ
    Solid State Output Impedance: 600Ω
    Tube Output Level: 3V (+/-0.5dB)
    Solid State Output Level: 2.5V (+/-0.5dB)
    Tube THD: 0.5%
    Solid State THD: 0.02%
    Digital Input Impedance: 75Ω
    Frequency response: 15Hz~50KHz (+/-1dB)
    Dynamic Range: 120dB (A Weighted)
    Tube S/N Ratio: 92dB
    Solid State S/N Ratio: 98dB

    Connectors
    5 x digital inputs: AES/EBU, BNC, USB, Optical and Coaxial
    1x Output RCA (pair)
    1x Output XLR (pair)

    Dimensions: W 430mm x H 325mm x D 105mm
    Weight: 6.7 Kg
    Finish: Black

  • Playback Design Dream DAC

    Playback Design Dream DAC

    Dream DAC

    MPD-8 Playback Designs Digital Analog Converter

    DAC WITH INTEGRATED VOLUME CONTROL

    • Up to 384kHz PCM and up to 11.2MHz DSD
    • USB I/O, AES, Coax, TosLink, PLink I/O
    • Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs
    • digitally driven, analog volume control
    • double Differential discrete DAC
    • double Differential ultra high end analog stages per channel
    • three regulated analog power supplies with three transformers
    • Software upgradeable by end user
    • Recording software for file creation on computer
    • Easy and intuitive remote control via iPad or Android

     

    MPD-8 DREAM DAC
    This product has been designed for ultra high end performance. Its architecture is specifically
    designed to eliminate and isolate anything that might hurt its analog performance. For instance,
    left and right output channels are built on separate circuit boards with completely separated
    power supplies. All digital input signals are filtered, cleaned and processed with Playback
    Designs’ proprietary algorithms to keep any negative influences away from the hyper sensitive
    DAC. Special care has been given to the design of the clock generator to make sure it is not
    exposed to any potentially harmful influences from external sources.

    The MPD-8 is the companion DAC product for the MPT-8 transport which is designed to further
    isolate the MPD-8 DAC from the influences of digital sources by connecting to the DAC via a
    proprietary fiber optical link with galvanic separation (PLINK). As we all know too well, digital
    sources bring various degrees of “pollution” in form of correlated clock jitter, asynchronous
    clocks (disk drives, CPU, displays etc) and many other negative effects. When these sources
    are connected directly to the DAC, there is always the chance for some of this “pollution”
    reaching the analog circuitry of the DAC. However, with the MPT-8 receiving and processing
    all digital sources and then sending a cleaned up digital stream to the MPD-8 via a completely
    galvanically isolated link, our proprietary fiber optical cable (PLINK), the MPD-8 is left alone
    performing what it is designed for: converting digital signals to super high end analog.

     

     

    However, the MPD-8 is also equipped with a series of common digital inputs so that it can
    serve as a stand-alone DAC with any other digital source as well. These inputs are automatically
    switched off internally if not selected to prevent any negative effect of asynchronous data
    streams from reaching the DAC.
    Digital inputs: USB (PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz)
    AES (PCM up to 192kHz, DSD via DoP)
    Coax (PCM up to 192kHz, DSD via DoP)
    TosLink (PCM up to 96kHz)
    PLINK optical (PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz)
    PLINK optical (reserved for direct connection of MPT-8 transport)
    Analog outputs: Balanced on XLR connectors
    Unbalanced on RCA connectors
    Both analog outputs can be set to fixed values of -6db, -3db, 0db,
    +3db, +6db and variable for full analog volume control.
    DAC architecture: Discrete with Playback Designs’ own proprietary digital algorithms and
    dual differential analog output stage. Each analog output stage (for
    each channel) is completely separated on its own printed circuit board
    with its own independent linear power supply for maximum performance.
    Volume control: An ultra high end analog volume control can be activated for each
    channel.
    Software-update: Playback Designs already created an excellent reputation with its
    program to offer free software upgrades with new features or new
    algorithms that the end user can upload into the DAC without the need
    to return it to the dealer or manufacturer. This will keep the product
    always up-to-date with the latest trends and, therefore, will help in
    keeping the value high for this product.
    Remote control: A hand-held IR control set is provided in a sleek case with lit buttons.
    The MPD-8 is also equipped with a network interface for remote
    control via networked apps (future expansion).

  • Playback Design Dream Transport

    Playback Design Dream Transport

    Dream Transport

    MPT-8 Playback Designs Transport

    INTEGRATED TRANSPORT, MUSIC SERVER, MUSIC STREAMER

    • Connects directly to MPD-8 (or any other Playback Designs DAC) via PLink
    • Connects to any other DAC via AES
    • Special designed high end SACD/CD transport
    • optional built-in Syrah server with 2TB SSD storage
    • optional built-in StreamX Streamer
    • Easy and intuitive remote control via iPad or Android

     

     

    The MPT-8 serves as the digital source for its companion product, the MPD-8 Dream DAC. It
    is designed to provide a multitude of internal digital sources as well as plenty of connectivity for
    many external sources. It incorporates extensive buffering, re-clocking, filtering and cleaning
    of all digital sources before encoding the digital audio data in its native format onto a fiber
    optical carrier (PLINK) for the MPD-8 DAC. This architecture provides the ultimate separation
    between digital sources and the sensitive analog circuitry inside the DAC. In fact, PLINK not
    only provides a galvanic separation, but also allows for extremely long cable lengths (up to
    300m).

     

    The MPT-8 comes standard with a very high-quality CD/SACD drive system that has been
    developed by D&M specifically for audiophile applications and is not just a modified mass-produced video drive as is very common with most other drive systems. All vital parts of this
    drive are built-in metal for increased stability, tracking accuracy and vibration control.
    In addition, the MPT-8 can be customized with the following internal options. They don’t
    necessarily have to be installed at the factory, but can also be added as after-sales options by
    the dealer.
    • Syrah music server: this adds the same exact functionality as Playback Designs’ very
    successful Syrah music server that is very easy to control via a custom app on a tablet. It
    also supports fully automatic ripping of CD’s and connection of external storage such as
    USB disk drives and network storage (NAS). Standard configuration is with an internal 2TB
    solid-state-disc (SSD).
    • Roon Core Server: this option allows direct integration of the entire Dream system into any
    Roon audio network and makes it “roon-ready” with full support for any PCM or DSD rate.
    But it is also a full Roon server that can be controlled via Roon’s control app (iOS and
    Android). With its own network connection you can add an unlimited amount of files to your
    Roon music library.
    • Stream-X streamer provides direct connection to streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz,
    Deezer and vTuner that can be controlled via an app on a tablet. Furthermore, it also
    allows to play files from connected USB storage or network storage (NAS) and provides
    “roon-ready” integration into Roon audio networks with PCM support up to 192kHz and
    single rate DSD. It functions as DLNA and UPnP renderer as well.

    The MPT-8 is powered by the same high quality linear power supply as used in the MPD-8
    DAC.
    Digital inputs: USB (PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz)
    AES (PCM up to 192kHz, DSD via DoP)
    Coax (PCM up to 192kHz, DSD via DoP)
    TosLink (PCM up to 96kHz)
    PLINK optical (PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz)
    Digital outputs: PLINK optical (reserved for direct connection to MPD-8 Dream DAC)
    AES (PCM up to 192kHz, DSD via DoP)
    Internal options: Syrah music server
    Roon Core music server
    Stream-X streamer
    Software update: Playback Designs already created an excellent reputation with its
    program to offer free software upgrades with new features or new
    algorithms that the end user can upload into the transport without the
    need to return it to the dealer or manufacturer. This will keep the
    product always up-to-date with the latest trends and, therefore, will
    help in keeping the value high for this product.
    Remote control: A hand-held IR control set is provided in a sleek case with lit buttons.
    The MPT-8 is also equipped with a network interface for remote control
    via networked apps (future expansion).