Weiss DAC1 MKII

The Weiss DAC1 is a stereo 24 bit / 96khz D/A converter designed with the aim of keeping an absolutely uncompromised audio signal path. Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input as well as the analogue output stage. Both have in common the purest possible approach in audio design, aspiring for nothing less than excellence. This is coupled with an ergonomic design that gives the user immediate access to all necessary functions, while keeping an uncluttered and thus easy-to-use front panel. This combination makes a truly professional D/A converter catering for the highest expectations.

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 is similar to the DAC1 except for the sampling frequency range it can accept. The DAC1 works at 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 and 96kHz, while the DAC1-MK2 can handle 176.4 and 192kHz in addition. 176.4 or 192kHz signals must be connected to inputs 1 and 2 of the DAC1-MK2 in the two wire AES/EBU format. (The left channel goes to input 1, the right channel to input 2). If a valid two wire 176.4 or 192kHz signal is connected to the DAC1-MK2 and input number 1 is selected, then the unit will automatically detect such a signal and will light both input 1 and input 2 selection switches. DAC1 units can be upgraded to DAC1-MK2 by swapping two chips inside the unit.

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 and 96kHz. AES/EBU signals on a single connector are used. Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output, allowing monitoring at multiple stages in a digital studio setup.

Synchronization
Several signal reclocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation, making the DAC1 virtually immune to jitter over a very wide bandwidth.

Converters
The correlation technique (using two converters per channel) which was already successfully employed in the ADC1 gives the DAC1 an edge over other D/A converters with equal wordlength and sampling rate specifications, resulting in improved SNR and THD.

Outputs
The discrete Class A outputs have a virtually zero Ohm output impedance, but still can drive large loads without stability problems. Output levels can be set between -infinity and +27dBu. 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
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.