Bricasti
M3 DAC or DAC Amplifier
$6,500.00 USDFeatures
Optional Network Interface
DSD playback
Digital Oversampling Filters for PCM Conversion
Optional M3 Remote
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Bricasti Design's M3 features 2 fully differential conversion channels, each with its own D/A converter and analog level control circuitry. Bricasti Design's twin DAC design optimizes the dynamic range for each channel by utilizing the stereo ADI 1955 D/A converters in a mono configuration for PCM conversion. Clocking is implemented with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis), which takes clock-induced jitter to immeasurable levels. DSD is converted with a proprietary one-bit analog converter.
The intention behind the M3 is to provide a state-of-the-art design, utilizing the best designs and materials available today. The converter and following analog stages are critical components in the digital and analog audio chain. The sound of the M3 is intended to be transparent, revealing, and fully dynamic. This is made possible, in part, by lowering jitter to extremely low levels, providing a pure digital signal chain without sample rate converters, superior digital filter design, and pure DSD conversion, coupled to a fast, transparent analog signal path with analog level control, discrete analog output section, and plenty of clean linear power for optimum analog performance.
Many hours of listening were dedicated to tuning the M3 to an exacting sound, with all types of music, and extensive testing was conducted in the studio and home environments. Bricasti Design hopes users find the M3 pleasing and enjoyable to hear and use in the home or as a precision tool for high-level reference monitoring for professionals.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bricasti M3 and M3H with the Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. Get the best cables for your best audio gear.
M3 DAC + Headphone Amplifier = M3H
The M3 was designed from the beginning to accommodate optional headphone buffers and driver amps, so the chassis and dimensions remain the same on the M3H, except for the front panel. The front panel features two connection points for XLR and 1/4" inputs. The DAC components remain unchanged, but additional driver cards are inside the unit.
The M3 is a true balanced or differential DAC, with all its analog circuitry fully balanced, including the headphone driver amps. The M3H includes four amps for headphone drive when using balanced outputs, making it unique in the market with a fully balanced path. Since the M3's design is analog, there is no change in the unit's UI or level control. Bricasti Design adds the ability to select different outputs—headphone or main—directly on the device.
The M3H - Delivering a true-balanced headphone experience for audiophiles seeking the ultimate headphone listening experience, the Bricasti Design M3 offers the M3H option, which includes a balanced headphone driver. As a truly balanced converter, the M3's balanced design extends throughout its analog stages, making it one of the few truly balanced headphone sources available.
Consistent with the main outputs, the headphone drivers are separately buffered, allowing all outputs to be used simultaneously without any compromises. Benefiting from the high voltage rails of the analog supply, the M3 can drive most headphones to satisfactory listening levels with extremely low distortion. The Bricasti Design M3 delivers a true-balanced source for all applications, and the M3H variant stands out in the headphone market as one of the rare truly balanced sources capable of driving balanced headphones correctly. This uncompromising design ensures the best possible conversion for both PCM and DSD sources while supporting all input sources, including network streaming.
Design History of the Bricasti M3
The basis for the M3 starts with the same proven design created for the M1 D/A converter: a dual-mono signal path and a fully balanced topology based on dual ADI 1955 converters, all linear power supplies, and a separate digital signal processing engine taken from the M1. Based on this proven design, the next product developed was the M12, essentially the M1 with the addition of a discrete ladder analog level control which allowed Bricasti Design to develop native DSD conversion. This was followed by the M21, a stand-alone DAC version of the M12, which included the NDSD conversion from the M12 along with an analog attenuation stage to manage the DSD.
Continuing the evolution of the M21 design work became the basis for the M3. A bit about the true DSD conversion: In the M12 design, Bricasti Design had an idea to create a true DSD converter, in simple terms, a very high-speed switch, up to 10GHz, followed by a low-order analog filter. The problem presented in processing and converting DSD is that if true DSD is to be maintained, then no digital signal processing can be done. Most converters convert DSD to multi-bit or PCM format, allowing for management of the playback for level matching and muting of transition noises in the digital domain, but the conversion is then PCM, not true DSD. In the M12, Bricasti Design solved this by performing all these background tasks in the analog domain with a programmable level control. All the signal processing is elegantly done in the analog domain, with transitions from PCM to DSD being silent and level-matched. In the M12, this was a costly way to convert DSD, so when making the M3, Bricasti Design had to find a more cost-effective way to manage the analog signals and deliver NDSD. This technique was brought forward into the M21 and then the M3 for true DSD conversion.
Conversion in the M3 DAC
The Bricasti Design M3 boasts two distinct digital audio conversion paths, catering to both PCM and DSD formats. For PCM conversion, it employs a sigma-delta type converter, similar to the one found in the acclaimed M1 model. However, the M3 takes DSD conversion to new heights with a truly unique approach. Bricasti Design's innovative solution for DSD conversion is a true one-bit modulator, a design that is exclusive to the industry. This DSD conversion path features a genuine one-bit analog converter, followed by an analog post-noise filter. The result is a pure DSD playback experience that sets the M3 apart from any other converter on the market, delivering an unparalleled level of fidelity.
Both the PCM and DSD converters in the M3 create a true differential analog waveform from the digital data stream. Following in the footsteps of the M1, the M3 also incorporates a discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage, ensuring the creation of a truly balanced signal output. By offering separate conversion paths optimized for PCM and DSD formats, and incorporating proprietary designs and meticulous engineering, the Bricasti Design M3 aims to provide audiophiles with an uncompromising digital-to-analog conversion solution, capable of revealing the full depth and nuance of their digital audio sources.
Analog Section of the M3
The Bricasti Design M3 upholds its commitment to true balanced conversion throughout its entire signal path. Like its predecessor, the M1, the M3's analog path and attenuator are fully differential, ensuring signal integrity and preserving the balanced nature of the audio signal. One noteworthy feature is the separately buffered unbalanced outputs, allowing users to simultaneously drive different amplifiers or preamplifiers from a single source. A common application of this functionality is to dedicate one output for driving a subwoofer while the other output powers the main speaker amplifier.
Powering the M3 is a robust linear analog power supply with voltage rails of +15V and -15V, providing ample current to directly drive power amplifiers without any limitations. The M3 incorporates the same analog attenuator as the renowned M21, chosen for its compact footprint and low power consumption. This attenuator serves a dual purpose in the M3: managing the noise-shaping for the DSD conversion path and enabling the M3 to function as a preamplifier source, capable of directly driving power amplifiers or headphones.
Audiophile Performance and Value
The M3 presents remarkable performance in an incredibly accessible price range. Key features include two fully differential conversion channels, separate conversion for PCM and native DSD, and a balanced analog level control circuit, catering to various applications. Additionally, it integrates the latest Bricasti Design high-performance MDx processor.
Other Features
- USB connection
- Optional Network Interface
- DSD playback
- Digital Oversampling Filters for PCM Conversion
- Optional M3 Remote
Robust Architecture
The M3 features two independent linear power supplies—one for analog and one for digital processing—ensuring minimal noise and excellent isolation. Its newly designed chassis, crafted from sturdy CNC milled aluminum sections, provides superior thermal properties, effective vibrational damping, and RF shielding.
Precision in Sound Recreation
The M3 employs precision DDS clocking to reduce jitter to extremely low levels, ensuring a pristine digital signal path without sample rate converters. Combined with superior digital filter design and Native DSD conversion, it offers a cutting-edge digital audio path. The high-speed, low-distortion analog path includes a bypassable preamp-class analog level control, enabling direct drive of power amps without bit loss for optimal analog performance.
Network Player Option for the M3/M3H
The Bricasti Network Player serves as a network interface and media renderer, linking to your server through a local area network. With broad DLNA support and other popular network protocols, the M3 with Network Player delivers pristine lossless audio from your network to your Digital-to-Analog Converter. Your music server gains freedom of placement, able to reside anywhere on your network. The M3 with Network Player connects to your LAN via Ethernet, offering SPDIF and AES outputs supporting sample rates up to 192k PCM, DSD 64, DSD 128, and DSD 256 over USB. Compatible with DLNA and UPnP apps, the Network Player option on the M3 is Roon Ready, ensuring reliability, flexibility, and ease of use.
Digital Input Section
Analog Output Section
Depending on the options, the M3/M3H provides 4 or 5 digital inputs selectable from the front panel. This section has its own linear power supply and is isolated from the analog section. Features and Analog Devices Sharc DSP that used to run:
- Front panel
- General DSP operations of M3
- Control and synchronize the DDS clocking
- Provide a selection of Bricasti’s oversampled anti-aliasing filters
- Both channels are powered by a separate linear power supply.
- Single multi-layer PCB for the analog conversion and analog output stages.
- Manages DSD audio path; maintains a true pure DSD converter.
- The M3 is a fully differential analog design with fast high-slew rate fast-settling analog operational amps used in all audio paths, for both balanced and unbalanced, each separately buffered and isolated.
Trigger
Handcrafted in the USA
The rear panel has a stereo connection (TRS) for the trigger out of M3, which is used to place an external device like the Bricasti M15 power amp into standby. Trigger functions can be set in the status menu for trigger-in, trigger-out, or trigger-remote for exclusive operation and control from the M20 preamp.
All of Bricasti Design's products are crafted in the old world tradition, in a classic brick mill building in Massachusetts USA by a team of individuals dedicated to excellence.
About Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design is a premier manufacturer in the professional audio industry, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and high-performance products. With a legacy rooted in the design of the legendary Lexicon reverb units, Bricasti Design has continued to innovate, setting new standards in both analog and digital audio solutions. At the heart of Bricasti's product lineup is the acclaimed Bricasti M7 digital reverb, a staple in recording studios worldwide. Known for its unparalleled sound quality and versatile presets, the Bricasti Design M7 (model 7) delivers lush, natural reverb that enhances any audio production. The M7's front panel features intuitive controls and a sleek design, ensuring ease of use for professionals.
In addition to unique reverb units and plugins, Bricasti Design offers a range of top-tier audio products, including amplifiers (amps), preamps, DACs, and DSP modules. Their analog and digital amplifiers are engineered to provide precise and powerful sound reproduction, making them ideal for both studio and live applications. The company's preamps and compressors are designed with the same attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the audio signal chain is optimized for high-resolution performance.
Bricasti's M-series digital to analog converters, such as the Bricasti M1, are celebrated for their exceptional clocking and pristine audio quality, making them a favorite among audiophiles and recording engineers alike. These DACs offer high-end algorithms and comprehensive connectivity options, including AES, XLR, SPDIF, and MIDI, ensuring seamless integration with any digital audio workstation (DAW) setup. Handcrafted to perfection in the USA, Bricasti's products are built with robust outboard modules and reliable power supplies, guaranteeing durability and long-term performance. The company also offers remote control capabilities for many of its devices, allowing for convenient operation in complex studio environments.
For live sound and touring, Bricasti's range of pedals, mics, and other pro audio gear provide the reliability and quality that professionals demand. Each product is backed by a solid warranty, reflecting Bricasti's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. Bricasti Design continues to push the boundaries of professional audio, offering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of today's recording studios, sound engineers, and musicians. Whether you're looking for the perfect stereo reverb processor, a high-fidelity DAC, mainframe, or robust analog amplification, Bricasti Design delivers exceptional performance and unmatched quality.
What's in the Box?
- Bricasti M3/M3H
- Power cable
- User manual
- Warranty information
FAQ
What audio formats does the Bricasti M3/M3H support?
The Bricasti M3/M3H supports a wide range of audio formats, including PCM and DSD.
Can the Bricasti M3/M3H be used as a preamplifier?
Yes, the Bricasti M3/M3H can be used as a preamplifier in addition to its DAC and headphone amplifier functions.
Does the Bricasti M3/M3H support balanced and unbalanced connections?
Yes, the Bricasti M3/M3H supports both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections for input and output.
What are the differences between the Bricasti M3 and the M3H models?
The main difference between the Bricasti M3 and M3H is that the M3H includes a built-in headphone amplifier, whereas the M3 does not.
Is the Bricasti M3/M3H compatible with Roon?
Yes, the Bricasti M3/M3H is Roon Ready, offering compatibility with the Roon music management and playback software.
What is the warranty coverage for the Bricasti M3/M3H?
The warranty coverage for Bricasti products typically includes a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Specific details may vary, so it's advisable to refer to the warranty information provided with the product.
Does the Bricasti M3 support balanced and unbalanced connections?
Yes, the Bricasti M3 supports both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections for input and output.
Is the Bricasti M3 compatible with Roon?
Yes, the Bricasti M3 is Roon Ready, offering compatibility with the Roon music management and playback software.
Bricasti M3h DAC and Amp Review
Read Time: Approx. 10 min.
Bricasti DAC Expanding on a Great Design
The Bricasti Design M3H DAC & Amp features two fully differential conversion channels, separate conversion for PCM and native DSD, and a balanced analog level control circuit, making the M3H suitable for all applications. Internally the M3H utilizes two independent linear power supplies for the analog and digital processing to ensure low noise and superior isolation. The M3H adds a headphone amplifier option with balanced inputs for expanded utility in your audio system.
The M3 Design Brief
The basis for the M3 started with the same proven dac design Bricasti made for the M1 D/A converter; a dual-mono signal path, a fully true balanced topology based on dual ADI 1955 converters, all linear power supplies, and a separate digital signal processing engine taken from the M1. Based on this proven design the next product Bricasti made was the M12, which was essentially the M1 with the addition of a discreet ladder analog level control which allowed Bricasti to develop their native DSD conversion. The M21 then followed, a stand-alone DAC version of the M12 which included the native DSD conversion from the M12 with an analog attenuation stage to manage the DSD. Continuing the evolution of the M21 design work became the basis for the M3.
A Bit About True DSD Conversion
In the M12 design, Bricasti had an idea to create a true DSD converter, in simple terms this is a very high-speed switch, up to 10GHz, followed by a low order analog filter. The problem presented in processing and converting DSD is that if one is to maintain true DSD, then no digital signal processing can be done. There is no FPGA, this is a much simpler device, just a switch. DSD is a one-bit signal, so you simply have to create the analog waveform or signal by simply switching something on and off very fast. This was the idea behind it, a simple way to convert vs PCM that requires 16 or 24 bits to move. For example, a “ladder DAC” is a series of resistors that moves up and down a ladder to create the converter for PCM, so there are a lot of switches, but they move slowly. The process in the Bricasti DACs is much faster.
Thereby most all converters convert DSD to multi-bit or PCM format, and once converted that allows for management of the playback for level matching. The muting of transition noise is all simple and cost-effectively done in the digital domain, but the conversion is now PCM, not a true DSD one. Bricasti solved this in the M12 by performing all these background tasks in the analog domain with programmable level control. All signal processing is elegantly done in the analog domain, transitions from PCM to DSD are silent and level matched. In the M12 this is a costly way to convert DSD, so when making the M3 Bricasti had to find a more cost-effective way to manage the analog signals and deliver NDSD. This technique was brought forward into the M21 and then the M3 for true DSD conversion.
You can’t create a DSD converter in any kind of DSP like an FPGA; this is the fallacy of DSD. If you want to preserve it, you cannot manipulate it in any way. FPGA is useless as a true DSD converter - you have to convert it to PCM as 1 x 1 = 1. You are unable to do anything with the data stream unless it''s converted. And once converted, a noise filter must be utilized. It can then be done in the digital domain, not analog, but it is no longer DSD. Companies using an FPGA use it to recreate what the ADI1955 does, a sigma-delta modulator.
Conversion in the M3
The M3 features 2 digital audio conversion paths, 1 for PCM which utilizes a sigma-delta type as found in the M1, and one for DSD, a true one-bit modulator of our own design and unique to the industry. This DSD conversion is a true 1-bit analog converter followed by an analog post noise filter. As stated above there is no chip or part for the DSD per-say; it’s a very high-speed analog switch that will run up to 10Ghz with an analog filter, all the mutes, level changes, fade-outs, etc. done by the analog level control. You can say it is an analog discreet design. The result is a pure DSD playback unlike any other converter in the market. Both converters create a true differential analog waveform from the digital data stream, and as in the M1, the M3 also employs a discrete current to voltage conversion stage to create the true balanced signal. Clocking is implemented with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis) which takes clock induced jitter to immeasurable levels.
Oversampling is done via an ADI Sharc processor chip, and in this case, the ADI1955 will run 384k PCM digital conversions. The ADI 1955 is limited to a 192k PCM conversion. Bricasti also does their own I-V or current to voltage conversion. Think of the ADI1955 like a car engine. It does the bulk of the work but by adding a supercharger (the ADI Sharc) and then force air injection (I-V conversion) so now the engine runs more powerful and more efficient. Today’s Digital to Analog chips can do all the work but when utilized in the fashion Bricasti does this is where you get a Digital to Analog that excels in sound quality. It is separated from the rest of the pack.
The M3 Analog Section
As stated above, the Bricasti M3 DAC is a truly balanced converter and the complete analog path and its attenuator are also true differential. As in the M1, the M3’s unbalanced outputs are separately buffered allowing for use of both outputs at the same time to drive different amplifiers or preamps. A common use is to use one for driving a subwoofer and the other for a main speaker amp drive. The M3 has a robust linear analog power supply with voltage rails of +15V and -15V, therefore the M3 can be used to drive the power amps directly with no issue of available current.
The M3 utilizes the same analog attenuator as the M21; this was chosen in the M21 and M3 for its small footprint and low power consumption. The attenuator has a dual function in the M3, one for managing the NDSD conversion path and the other is the ability to use the M3 as a preamp source, to direct drive the power amps or headphones.
The M3h: Delivering a True Balanced Source
The M3 has the option for a balanced headphone driver, called the M3H. As stated above, as a converter the M3 is truly balanced and this follows through to all the analog stages of the M3. This makes the M3 one of the only true balanced headphone sources. There are 4 amplifiers in the M3H. There is no pseudo balanced opamp splitting to convert to-and-from balanced. As with the main outputs, the headphone drivers are also separately buffered so that all outputs can be used at the same time with no consequences. Given the high voltage rails in the analog supply, the M3 can drive most common headphones to acceptable listening levels with extremely low distortion. There is no change to overall operation with the H version. When the volume control is set to 0 the analog attenuator is bypassed, and now it acts as a straight Dac like the M3. To use it as a DAC just connect the XLR or RCA to the preamp or direct drive to the power amps and use it as desired. From the M3H UI control standpoint, it has the same functionality as the M3 DAC. It’s a very versatile product as you no longer need some sort of Passthrough functionality on your Preamp to bypass the gain control of the Bricasti.
One important thing to note: there is no muting functionality of the Headphone jacks. This is not something easily done with a balanced connection and Bricasti did not want added circuitry in the signal path. Usually, this option only occurs on single-ended 1/4" connections where you have a different ground topology. Thus, if you have the M3H set at 0db and you connect your headphones, watch out! Hearing damage. It is also important to turn off any speaker amps if the unit is being used as a direct Preamp/DAC to a speaker amplifier.
Design
The M3 is robustly constructed of CNC machined and milled aluminum sections, no typical bent metal chassis, and top cover found on most products. All sections of the construction, the front and rear panels, the sides and even the bottom and top plates start out as solid blocks of aluminum which are precision machined to shape, with exact tolerances for a perfect fit. These parts are then anodized, and the text and markings are laser etched for a clean and enduring look. Not only is the chassis machined in-house but just about every aluminum part from the buttons to the feet are created from scratch in Massachusetts. A true Made in America story.
Connections
You are well covered no matter the source. The M3 comes with Single Wire XLR AES/EBU and RCA SPDIF rated at the following resolutions: 44.1 kHz, to, 192khz, DSD 64fs as DoP. The Optical Toslink input is only rated up to 96k but this seems to be utilized less and less these days. The Network and USB Class 2 connections are rated at 44.1 kHz to 384kHz, DSD 64fs,128Fs as DoP. The USB connection is asynchronous design and for superior noise performance, the interface is electrically isolated from the host computer, eliminating any grounding or power induced noise issues that could be transmitted to the M3 from the computer. There are both RCA and XLR analog outputs for connecting to ether a Preamp or directly to a power amplifier. The M3H comes with both a 1/4" and 4 pin female XLR for Headphone operation. There is a power trigger control so the unit can be used to power on an external power amp for speakers or can be programmed to have a Preamp turn on the Bricasti if used just as a straight DAC.
Sound
What is the sound signature and how does it stack up to the competition? The M3H easily drives the most demanding headphones on the market. We have put it to the test with the Hifiman Susvara & HE6, Sennheiser HD800 and just about every planer dynamic headphone from Audeze and Meze. It has little problem with control of demanding drivers. The Susvara is one of the hardest and the M3H provides adequate power for the bulk of the market. Bar the guys that like to make their eardrums bleed. The Voltage rails do a very good job of controlling the high impedance swing of the Sennheiser HD800. I typically recommend tube amplifiers for this headphone because of the need for higher voltage.
The amplifier is very quiet with sensitive IEMs we have here at Moon Audio. I find the Bricasti to be on the warm side yet very detailed and controlled. Not as analytical as the Chord Hugo TT2. While I find with each iteration of the Chord Electronics DACs, they do get warmer and warmer, but they are still on the resolute analytical side. I can''t say I like the Bricasti or the Chord Hugo TT2 more than the other. Each offers a different experience. The Chord Hugo TT2 has a little more power when utilizing the Dual XLR output on the back of the unit. Heck, you can drive a small pair of efficient speakers from it. But from a headphone standpoint, I put them on equal footings. And in both cases, the DAC is the best part of the electronics. The Bricasti does belly up the Chord Hugo TT2 with the utilization of the network connection. This makes it a Roon Endpoint which these days are a very big plus to the consumer.
The addition of the M-scaler to the Chord Hugo TT2 does take things up a notch or 2 or 3. But the M-scaler can also be utilized with the Bricasti but only to an input of 384kHz resolution. But can I say my brain can process a huge difference between a 384kHz vs 768kHz signal? Not really. I think what the core engine of the Chord Hugo M-scaler brings to the table makes more of a difference than between these 2 super high-resolution points. I could easily spend the rest of my life with either of these DACs. They both come from long, rich historically audio-based companies. So, if you want a more natural and warmer sound with great resolution choose the Bricasti. If you want Hyper detail and resolution that is never fatiguing choose the Chord. You win in both cases.
Features
Power Supply
There are 2 power supplies. The first powers the analog section and covers both left and right analog channels. The second powers the digital section. Both are linear power supplies. Linear regulated power supplies regulate the output voltage by dropping excess voltage in a series dissipative component. They use a complex regulatory circuit to achieve very low load and line regulation. Linear regulated power supplies have very little ripple and very little output noise. Helping provide the quietest of backgrounds for headphone listening.
The analog power supply has further power supply sub-regulation on the analog board; it is split on board since it’s a dual-channel or dual-mono converter just like the Bricasti Design M1. Therefore, each channel has its own sub-regulation. The power starts from the main analog supply and is regulated from 18V under load to +15 and - 15V. This is again regulated on the analog board to + and - 14.5V with separate regulators for each channel, this is done for further reduction in power supply ripple. The M3 has local large 500pF caps for the post regulated analog voltages on the analog board. The linear supply has pre-filtering with 2500uF caps and 3300uF for the post-regulation. This is all taken from the M1 design’s multiple stages of power regulation to ensure the lowest noise and ripple.
The idea here is to separate the digital and analog section. They have isolated grounding from each other. The main benefit to do this is to further separation of the analog left and right supplies.
Verdict
In summary, the M3 delivers a true balanced source for all applications. The M3H is unique in the headphone amp market as one of the only true balanced sources to drive balanced headphones correctly. It also provides the best conversion for both PCM and DSD sources and support of all input sources including network streaming. The M3 and M3H with the network card make it Roon Ready and an EndPoint DAC. Bricasti Design can do firmware updates to improve both the sonic signature and upgrade the digital filters it has included in the GUI. See more about these filters in the M3 manual. These Oversampling filters are used to give you either a more analytical sound or a more musical sound. The Display will provide information on such items as Status to conversion mode etc. There are several levels of display intensity you can tailor for visual presentation. There is a balance control which is a rarity these days in a headphone amp. I find this a very important feature. We have so many customers with hearing imbalance. This can help to get them centered with the singer when utilizing headphones or even speakers.
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What's in the Box
- Bricasti M3/M3H
- Power cable
- User manual
- Warranty information
Specifications
Digital Inputs:
XLR: AES/EBU 24 bit Single Wire
RCA: SPDIF
Optical: Toslink 44.1- 96k, USB 2
RJ45: Ethernet (Optional)
Sample Rates:
AES, SPDIF: 44.1 kHz, to, 192khz, DSD 64fs as DoP
USB: 44.1 kHz, to, 384kHz, DSD 64fs 128Fs as DoP
Ethernet: 44.1 kHz, to, 384kHz, DSD 64fs,128Fs as DoP
Jitter: 8psec @ 48k / 6psec @ 96k
Finish: Anodized Aluminum
Dimensions: 14” x 11.25“ x 2.5”
Weight: 10 lbs
Shipping Weight: 15 lbs
Mains Voltage: 100, 120, 220, 240 VAC, 50 Hz – 60 Hz factory set
Trigger in/out: TRS mini jack, Tip ground, Sleeve 5V
Power consumption: 20 Watts
Warranty parts and labor: 2 years non-transferable
Balanced Analog Outputs: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
D/A Conversion:
PCM 24 bit delta-sigma 8x oversampling, NDSD pure 1 bit conversion for DSD
Impedance: 40 ohm
Output Level:
@ 0 db front panel +14.3 dbm 4 db RMS ( bypass mode)
Frequency Response @44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz +0dB, -.2 dB
Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted
THD+N @ 1k:.0008% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs
Unbalanced Analog Outputs: RCA
D/A Conversion:
PCM 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling
NDSD pure 1 bit conversion for DSD
Impedance: 40 ohm
Output level: @ 0 db front panel = +4db 2V rms
Frequency Response @ 44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz -.2 dB
Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted
THD+N @ 1k:.0008% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Technical Specifications | |
| Digital Inputs |
XLR: AES/EBU 24 bit Single Wire RCA: SPDIF Optical: Toslink 44.1-96k, USB 2 RJ45: Ethernet (Optional) |
| Sample Rates |
AES, SPDIF: 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, DSD 64fs as DoP USB: 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, DSD 64fs, 128fs as DoP Ethernet: 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, DSD 64fs, 128fs as DoP |
| Jitter | 8 psec @ 48k / 6 psec @ 96k |
| Finish | Anodized Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 14” x 11.25“ x 2.5” |
| Weight | 10 lbs |
| Shipping Weight | 15 lbs |
| Mains Voltage | 100, 120, 220, 240 VAC, 50 Hz – 60 Hz factory set |
| Trigger In/Out | TRS mini jack, Tip ground, Sleeve 5V |
| Power Consumption | 20 Watts |
| Warranty Parts and Labor | 2 years non-transferable |
| Audio Specifications | |
| Balanced Analog Outputs | XLR balanced (pin 2 hot) |
| D/A Conversion | PCM 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling, NDSD pure 1 bit conversion for DSD |
| Impedance | 40 ohm |
| Output Level | @ 0 dB front panel +14.3 dBm 4 dB RMS (bypass mode) |
| Frequency Response @ 44.1k | 10 Hz – 20 kHz +0 dB, -0.2 dB |
| Dynamic Range | >120 dB A-Weighted |
| THD+N @ 1k | .0008% @ 0 dBFS / .0004% @ -30 dBFS |
| Unbalanced Analog Outputs | RCA |
| D/A Conversion |
PCM 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling NDSD pure 1 bit conversion for DSD |
| Impedance | 40 ohm |
| Output Level | @ 0 dB front panel = +4 dB 2V RMS |
| Frequency Response @ 44.1k | 10 Hz – 20 kHz -0.2 dB |
| Dynamic Range | >120 dB A-Weighted |
| THD+N @ 1k | .0008% @ 0 dBFS / .0004% @ -30 dBFS |