Weiss DAC1-MKII - D/A Converter 24bit/192kHz

Weiss DAC1-MKII - D/A Converter 24bit/192kHz

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 is a stereo D/A converter which delivers incredible transparency. It is based Weiss' proven class A design using high performance op-amps and discrete output stages.

The DAC1-MK2 is a stereo 24 Bit/192 kHz D/A converter designed with the aim of keeping an uncompromising audio signal path. Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input with its extremely low jitter sensitivity, as well as the analog output stages. Options for the DAC1 include interfaces for Firewire and USB.

Weiss DAC1-MKII Features

Inputs
There are three digital inputs on XLR connectors, and one on TOSLINK (optical). The accepted sampling frequencies are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz. AES/EBU signals in single wire or dual wire formats can be used. Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output, allowing for monitoring at multiple stages in a digital studio setup.

De-jittering
Several signal re-clocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation, making the DAC1 virtually immune to jitter over a very wide bandwidth, down to subsonic frequencies.

Converter
The correlation technique (using two converters per channel) which was already successfully employed in the ADC1, results in improved SNR and THD figures.

Outputs
In the DAC1-MK2 the discrete Class A outputs have a virtually zero Ω output impedance, but still can drive large loads without stability problems. Called OP1-BP, this operational amplifier probably is the best audio op-amp currently available. Output levels can be set between −infinity and +27 dBu. The outputs are symmetrical, but do not have any sound degrading servo mechanisms built in. For asymmetrical operation only one leg of the XLR connector (plus ground) is used.

Remote control
By hooking up an analog potentiometer or fader to the remote connector, the output level can be remote controlled. This level control happens in the digital domain. The input source selection can also be remote controlled.

Front panel controls
The front panel shows four switches for the input selection and various LEDs for sampling frequency, input word-length and signal presence display. The DAC1-MK2 in addition has two 25 turn trim potentiometers for fine trimming the output level.

Back panel elements
On the back panel there are three digital inputs on XLR and one optical digital input on TOSLINK. Then there are three digital outputs on XLR, buffered from XLR inputs and two analog outputs on XLR. One of the digital XLR outputs can be switched to output the currently selected input.

The DAC1-MK2 in addition has a output level range switch (high/low). The 25 pin DSUB remote connector allows to connect a wired remote control unit for level control and input source selection.

Optional interfaces
Options for the DAC1-MK2 include a Firewire (Thunderbolt) interface and a USB interface. Other options are an ST type glass fiber input and an infrared remote control for the control of the audio volume (DAC1-MK3 only). The DAC1-MK2 can be upgraded to a DAC1-MK3 by replacing the analog section.

Specifications

Power

• Mains voltage: 115 V or 230 V with voltage selector
• Fuse rating: 500 mA slow blow
• Power consumption: 80 VA max.

Size

• Depth: 30 cm 
• Width: 43,3 cm (19") 
• Height: 4,4 cm (1HU)

AES/EBU Input

• Sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• Maximum sampling frequency deviation: ±80 ppm 
• Maximum input word-length: 24 Bits
• Channel Status Data: Input accepts professional or consumer format
• Connector: Three XLR female (110 Ω), one TOSLINK (optical)

AES/EBU Output

• Three XLR male connectors with buffered versions of the corresponding XLR input. One of the outputs can be switched such that it reflects the currently selected input to the DAC.

Analog Output DAC1-MK2

• Two XLR male connectors, pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold
• Symmetrical
• No servo circuit
• Not earth free
• Short circuit proof
• DC coupled
• Class A
• Output impedance: 0.2 Ω
• Output level: continuously variable between −∞ dBu and +27 dBu including a 12 dB high/low switch

Wired Remote Control Connector

• 15 pin DSUB connector pinout:
• 01 Ground 
• 02 Ground 
• 03 Key #2 (switch to ground, selects input #2) 
• 04 Key #4 (switch to ground, selects input #4) 
• 05 LED #1 (anode of LED for key #1, cathode at ground) 
• 06 LED #3 (anode of LED for key #3, cathode at ground) 
• 07 Ground 
• 08 +5 V supply for external fader (connect fader between +5 V and ground) 
• 09 Not connected
• 10 Key #1 (switch to ground, selects input #1) 
• 11 Key #3 (switch to ground, selects input #3) 
• 12 LED #2 (anode of LED for key #2, cathode at ground) 
• 13 LED #4 (anode of LED for key #4, cathode at ground) 
• 14 Fader channel 1 taper 
• 15 Fader channel 2 taper

Options

• Firewire/Thunderbolt interface
• USB interface with DSD to PCM conversion capability
• ST glass fiber input
• IR remote control for volume control (DAC1-MK3 only)
• Wired remote control for volume control and inout source selection

Measurements DAC1-MK2
Measurements taken at the following conditions (unless otherwise noticed): +27 dBu output level, 0 dBFS input level, 44.1 kHz sampling frequency (fs), 22 kHz measurement bandwidth.

Frequency Response:

• Fs = 44.1 kHz, DC…20 kHz: ±0.05 dB
• Fs = 48 kHz, DC…20 kHz: ±0.05 dB
• Fs = 88.2 kHz, DC…40 kHz: ±0.5 dB
• Fs = 96 kHz, DC…40 kHz: ±0.5 dB

Dynamic Range:

• 115 dB unweighted
• 118 dB A-weighted

THD+N at 1kHz:

• At −3 dBFS input: −104 dB
• At 0 dBFS input: −105 dB

SNR at −40 dBFS input:

• 114 dB unweighted, relative to full scale output
• 117 dB A-weighted, relative to full scale output

Linearity:

• From 0 dBFS to −100 dBFS input level: less than ±1 dB deviation from ideal
• From −100 dBFS to −130 dBFS input level: less than ±1.5 dB deviation from ideal

Crosstalk:

• Less than −130 dB, DC…20 kHz