DAC D1 SMSL
DAC 2x ES9038PRO CPLD ALTERA XMOS 32Bit / 768kHz DSD
DUO ES9038PRRO
At the core of the DAC D1, there is a duo of ES9038PRO chips. A component famous for its outstanding ability to deal with high accuracy advanced audio formats and extreme frequencies rates (DSD512, 768kHz PCM).
Moreover, one ES9038PRO unit alone is powerful enough to handle up to 8 channels simultaneously. In the case of the DAC 1, each chip is exclusively assigned to one channel of the stereo signal. Thus alllowing a sound stage with an astonishing clarity and depth.
Naturally, this configuration does not restrict access to the numerous tools and parameters to be found in the 9038PRO. The DAC 1 therefore benefits from Hyperstream-II technology that refines the conversion accuracy with a selective treatment of dithering artifacts, which increases the clarity of details while rejecting most of the distortion. Similarly, this configuration increases the accuracy of digital filters, which will refine the signal to suit the characteristics of the rest of the system to highlight the qualities of all audio equipment.
Each of the DAC chip is accompanied by a ES9311 voltage regulator. This LDO regulator is specifically designed to give the best results with these particular conversion chips. This configuration will significantly stabilize the analog signal to the output stage.
XMOS USB
To access the audiophile formats and very high sampling rates while maintaining optimal audio quality, DAC D1 uses a second-generation XMOS interface. It also provides the device with an audio OTG support that will work with any mobile devices (smartphone, tablet) equipped with such technology.
The USB interface XMOS DAC D1 is implemented in a digital circuit extremely effective: the clock is constituted by three quartz oscillators with very low phase noise and a logic circuit ALTERA CPLD EPM240T100C5N.
This careful building set back the clock jitter to a remarkably low rate of 5ps. A specification that allows the XMOS USB interface to give the best of its capabilities through its asynchronous connection.
A very neat power stage
SMSL obviously relied greatly on the power stage to fulfill the potential of the DAC D1. The choice of a switching power supply may seem surprising at first. Nevertheless, the care given to the design and integration of the power stage is such that it can compete easily with all linear power devices in this price range.
Unlike almost all High fidelity devices operating with a switching power supply, D 1 embeds directly its supply into the case.No need for the unsightly traditional housing connected to the sector before joining the unit. Simply plug the power cable and the D1 is good to go. It is even easier to use and severely limits the mess associated with cables management need.
The conversion stage and output are isolated from the power stage by an internal recess of the housing, which gives the DAC 1 SMSL its peculiar and original form. This simple insulation can block magnetic interference caused by the power supply. Conversely, interference of the conversion circuit are effectively diverted from the power stage, which greatly limits the parasites related to power supply noise.
Effective connectivity
The output stage offers traditional RCA gold plated 24K and an output XLR (NEUTRIK connectors)
The input panel offers flexibility, with XMOS USB input, an optical port, a coaxial port and XLR (EBU). We can therefore connect the DAC 1 to a wide range of devices, from simple SBC network player, to complex high-fidelity DAP.
Electronic components carefully selected
The DAC D1 SMSL used high precision regulators and Panasonic EHCU capacitors These components are famous in high-quality audio field and enssure proper operation of the device while producing extremely low interference.
The power transformer operates a torique NORATEL ultra-low noise. The latter uses potting techiques to minimize vibrations and thermal variations.
Specifications | |
---|---|
Type | DAC |
inputs | USB / Optical / Coaxial / EBU |
Exits | RCA / XLR |
Dynamic range | 131 dB |
THD + N | 0.0002% |
SNR | 122 dB |
USB Support | Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10. MAC OS 10.6, Linux |
bitrate USB | 16/24/32 / 1bit |
DSD media (USB) | 2.8224 / 5.6448 / 11.2896 / 22.5792 MHz |
PCM medium (USB) | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz |
USB drive | Asynchronous |
Support Optical Coaxial | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz |
Output level XL | 4.6 Vrms |
Output level RCA | 2.2 Vrms |
Consumption | 10W Sleep: 1.8W |
Weight | 5kg |
Dimensions | 265 x 215 x 50 mm |
Accessories | Remote control, USB cable, power cable, QC Certificate, User Manual. |
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