DAC 2
Pure music. Swiss precision. Handcrafted passion.
The evolution of the legendary DAC 1 Mk II
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Musicality first:
The DAC 2 is designed for listeners who want more than impressive measurements. Its goal is playback with musical flow, authenticity, and emotional depth — natural, engaging, and free from digital harshness.
Dual-mono conversion at the core:
Two BurrBrown PCM1794A converter chips operate in a true dual-mono configuration, with one chip dedicated to each channel. This results in a wider, more stable soundstage and 5 dB improved dynamics.
Discrete, fully balanced signal path:
After conversion, a discrete, fully balanced Class A output stage without feedback processes the sensitive analog signal. Premium components and the use of a fully discrete design in this stage preserve sonic nuance at very low noise levels.
Uncompromising power supply:
Twelve independent power supplies are distributed across all critical sections — from left and right channels to the digital inputs. Oversized transformers and strict separation create stable conditions for clarity, dynamics, and a quiet background.
Refined platform architecture:
A completely redesigned multilayer PCB layout, increased use of high-precision SMD components, improved converter-chip supply, optimized thermal management, and vibration-protecting feet help extract maximum performance from the design.
Seamless system integration:
With USB, coaxial RCA, Toslink, and AES/EBU inputs — all galvanically isolated — the DAC 2 integrates easily into high-end systems. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide the right connection to preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers.
Purist approach:
The DAC 2 focuses exclusively on its core task: first-class digital-to-analog conversion. Non-essential features such as volume control or a headphone amplifier are deliberately omitted to keep the signal path uncompromised.
Made in Switzerland:
Development, electronics, assembly, and final inspection are carried out exclusively in Switzerland — ensuring precision, craftsmanship, and a restrained, functional design language.
DAC 2
Digital-to-Analog Conversion:
In the DAC 2, conversion is handled by two BurrBrown PCM1794A converter chips in a true dual-mono configuration, with one chip per channel. This design improves dynamics by 5 dB and contributes to a wide, stable soundstage.
Analog Stage / Signal Path:
After conversion, the sensitive analog signal is processed by a discrete, fully balanced Class A output stage without feedback. This stage is built from premium components in a fully discrete design and avoids integrated circuits in the output stage. The goal is to preserve fine sonic nuance at extremely low noise levels.
Power Supply:
Each critical functional section receives its own clean and stable supply. In total, the DAC 2 uses twelve independent power supplies, distributed precisely across the circuit (including left channel, right channel, and digital inputs). The oversized design with large transformers reduces crosstalk and supports a quiet, “black” background.
PCB Architecture:
A completely redesigned multilayer PCB architecture reduces impedance and minimizes signal losses. It also improves shielding against external interference and enables very low-loss power delivery to the individual components.
Precision Components / SMD Implementation:
The increased use of high-precision SMD components allows shorter and more consistent signal paths. This reduces losses and supports high sonic fidelity.
Improved Converter-Chip Supply:
The power supply for the analog circuits in the two BurrBrown 1794A converter chips has been significantly improved, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and output impedance close to zero.
Thermal Management:
A new mounting system for the output transistors using special disc springs ensures a constant thermal contact with the heat sinks. This precise thermal matching reduces harmonic distortion and contributes to a cleaner, more transparent sound.
Vibration Protection:
New feet combine carefully matched absorber materials to protect the sensitive electronics from harmful external influences.
Connectivity:
The DAC 2 provides digital inputs via USB, coaxial RCA, optical Toslink, and AES/EBU. All inputs are galvanically isolated to keep external noise away from the audio signal. For analog connection, the DAC 2 offers balanced XLR outputs and single-ended RCA outputs.
Purist Design Ethos:
The DAC 2 is dedicated to its core task: high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Additional features such as volume control or a headphone amplifier are intentionally omitted to preserve the integrity of the primary signal path.
Made in Switzerland:
Development, electronics, assembly, and final inspection are carried out exclusively in Switzerland. This stands for precision, reliability, and high build quality with understated elegance.
SPECIFICATIONS
Output: max. 3.5 V RMS (balanced), max. 1.75 V RMS (unbalanced)
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.3 dB
THD+N: < 0.006 %.
SNR: > 120 dB
DAC: Two BurrBrown 1794A, discrete I/V stage
Power Supply: 230 V or 115V (one of them) AC / 50 to 60 Hz, 30 W.
OPERATION
Ambient temperature 10°C to 30°C, 50°F to 86°F
Humidity max. 80 %, non-condensing
During operation, the device heats up by approx. 20 K compared to the ambient temperature.
INPUT FORMAT
44.1 kHz@16 bit
44.1 kHz@24 bit
48 kHz@16 bit
48 kHz@24 bit
88.2 kHz@24 bit
96 kHz@24 bit
176.4 kHz@24 bit (USB)
192 kHz@24 bit
DIMENSIONS
Width: 45 cm, 17.7 In
Height: 10 cm, 3.9 In
Depth: 29 cm, 11.4 In
Weight: 5.5 kg, 12 lbs
