Audio Research DAC9

Digital that sounds like analog Digital advances quickly and Audio Research continues to stay at the performance forefront. Our perspective and love for analog reproduction helps make our digital components sound superior musically. The DAC9 is a vacuum-tube analog section combined with the latest digital design, capable of decoding DSD music files and PCM files up to 384kHz.         Selectable digital filters & quad D-A converters Audio Research designed two separate data paths to the DAC9’s D-A converters: one for PCM files, and another to handle serial DSD files at 1x and 2x DSD clock rates. This assures proper integer decoding eliminating interpolation distortion errors that degrade sonic purity. Native sample-rate upsampling is available for all inputs, up to 384kHz for non-DSD (PCM) music files. Selectable digital filters are available for customization. An asynchronous USB input, along with four galvanically isolated SPDIF inputs, assures all of your digital sources will integrate with the DAC9. We pioneered using quad D-A converters, with each channel using dual stereo DACs running in mono to increase dynamic range and lower the noise floor. The digital side mates to a vacuum-tube analog section that uses a pair of 6H30 dual triode tubes. The DAC9 is a balanced design with a Class-A, zero feedback analog section with no capacitive coupling. Like other products that have preceded it, the DAC9 combines remarkable resolution with relaxed musicality. Audio Research’s sonic legacy—clarity, dynamics, dimensionality, and musical authority—are obvious and thoroughly engaging.           After more than 50 years, our focus remains the advancement of the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Every component is meticulously hand-crafted and personally auditioned befor it leaves our Minnesota facility. Our attention to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component is more than a purchase, it is an investment.       TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Frequency Response +/-0.15dB  20Hz – 20kHz; +/-3.0dB 6Hz – 192kHz THD+Noise Less than .002% at  2V RMS 1kHz Balanced output Signal to Noise Ratio >114dB Intermodulation & Noise .001% (SMPTE ratio) Channel Separation  107dB Intrinsic Jitter  <10pS DAC Resolution 24 bits Push Buttons Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute Output Impedance 500 Ohms balanced, 250 Ohms SE Digital Filter Selectable Fast or Slow algorithms Upsampling All Inputs upsample to 384kHz Inputs USB2.0HS  44.1 to 384kHz, DSD, 2xDSD; RCA, BNC, XLR 44.1 to 192kHz; TOS 44.1 to 96kHz Rated Outputs 3.8V RMS Max Balanced; 1.9V max SE (@ 0dB input) Power Supplies Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies. Line regulation better than .01% Noise 103dB Tube Complement (2) 6H30 dual triodes Power Requirements 100-125VAC 60Hz (200 – 250VAC 50/60Hz) 60 watts maximum Standby Less than 2 watt Dimensions Width: 19″ (48 cm) Height: 7″ (17.8 cm) Depth: 15.5″ (39.4 cm) Handles extend 1.50″ (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel. Weight: 32.0 lbs. (14.6 kg) Net; 43.2 lbs. (19.8 kg) Shipping.