A clean delta-sigma DAC platform with physical output trim.
A DAC platform built around delta-sigma conversion, supply separation, balanced analog output, and front-panel balanced level trim from OFF to +24 dBu.
This DAC is built as a clear, practical D/A stage for systems that already have the transport and digital conditioning handled. The front-panel left and right balanced output controls let the DAC move from muted output to professional line-level headroom, so it can be matched to an attenuator, preamp, integrated amplifier, or power amplifier input.
delta-sigma conversion is used as the core D/A stage.
Left and right front-panel controls adjust balanced output from OFF to +24 dBu at 0 dBFS.
150 ohm balanced XLR and terminal-block outputs support low-noise analog handoff.
Digital and analog supply domains are separated so conversion is not sharing avoidable rail noise.
The DAC is configured for streamer, DDC, and reclocked digital front ends.
| Spec | Value | System relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion | Delta-sigma DAC | Delta-sigma conversion is used as the core analog playback architecture. |
| Core | Delta-sigma platform | Identifies the DAC platform family without overstating a final chip option. |
| Resolution | 16 to 24 bits | Supports common PCM word lengths used by AES, S/PDIF, and modern digital sources. |
| Sample rate | 32 kHz to 192 kHz | Covers standard, high-resolution, and professional PCM rates. |
| Spec | Value | System relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced output level | Adjustable OFF to +24 dBu at 0 dBFS | The physical left and right controls set how much balanced source voltage is available to the downstream chain. |
| Nominal balanced output | +4 dBu | Professional line-level reference for normal balanced system matching. |
| Balanced outputs | 150 ohm XLR and 150 ohm terminal block | Low output impedance helps drive an attenuator, preamp, or amplifier input cleanly. |
| Downstream match | Preamp, attenuator, integrated amplifier, or power amplifier input stage | Output behavior is matched to the intended analog system. |
| Build status | Custom configuration | Output, enclosure, and power decisions are matched to the final system. |
| Spec | Value | System relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic range | > 110 dB, 24-bit unweighted | Preserves low-level musical detail when the source and level match are correct. |
| Residual noise | < -100 dB with -120 dBFS input; < -110 dB with digital audio off | Keeps quiet passages from being dominated by the DAC output stage. |
| THD+N | < 0.002% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz below +22 dBu | The clean-performance reference sits below the maximum +24 dBu setting. |
| Harmonic attenuation | 2nd -105 dB, 3rd -108 dB, 5th/7th -110 dB typical | Unwanted harmonic products are very far below the wanted signal. |
| Crosstalk | < -100 dB from 5 Hz to 3 kHz; < -90 dB from 3 kHz to 20 kHz | Supports stable stereo image separation. |
| Phase L/R | +/- 0.15 deg from 5 Hz to 20 kHz | Keeps left and right channels closely aligned across the audible band. |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz to 24 kHz (+/- 0.2 dB into high impedance load) | Wide, flat response for normal high-impedance downstream inputs. |
| Role | A straightforward D/A stage for cleaned-up digital sources. |
|---|---|
| System match | Systems that already use a dedicated streamer, USB Reclocker, or AES DDC/reclocker. |
| Balanced output level | Front-panel left and right controls adjust from OFF to +24 dBu at 0 dBFS. |
| Nominal output | +4 dBu balanced, with +24 dBu available as maximum output headroom. |
| What to listen for | Natural tonal balance, clean separation, and low fatigue rather than spotlight-style hi-fi effects. |
| Chain fit | Conversion endpoint for attenuator, preamp, integrated-amplifier, or power-amplifier systems. |
Linear supply design gives the conversion and output stages low-ripple rails and stable current reserve at the D/A handoff.
