LAiV Crescendo VERSE R2R DAC
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LAiV Crescendo VERSE R2R DAC combines precision analog architecture with versatile connectivity for discerning audiophiles. The R-2R converter supports extensive format compatibility—PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD up to DSD512—with flexible resampling modes for optimized playback. Integrated preamplifier and discrete headphone amplifier deliver refined signal conditioning across balanced 4.4 mm and single-ended 6.35 mm outputs, accommodating everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones. Selectable gain staging ensures seamless integration with your listening chain.
Allow us to introduce our new Crescendo Verse, thoughtfully crafted with a sleek and compact design to fulfill every audiophile's desires and dreams. Drawing on our expertise in the audio industry, we’ve seamlessly combined the best features to create the Verse that redefines design, performance, and usability.
At the heart of Crescendo VERSE lies LAiV's proprietary R-2R ladder DAC architecture, a design approach celebrated for its direct signal path, natural tonal presentation, and stable imaging. Unlike chip-based alternatives, R2R conversion avoids the noise shaping and heavy digital filtering that can introduce foreign artifacts into the listening experience, resulting in a sound that feels organic, composed, and true to the original recording.
Balanced Discrete R2R Architecture.
Introducing an advanced audio technology that uses carefully arranged individual resistors with a tolerance of 0.05%, to achieve superior sound quality through a direct, natural signal path.
Unlike chip-based designs that rely on noise shaping and heavy digital filtering, R2R ladder DAC technology takes a more direct approach. By focusing on precision and quality, this technology delivers clear and accurate sound reproduction, stable stereo imaging, and a tonal character that feels true to the original recording, providing an immersive listening experience with exceptional detail and fidelity.
Compact DAC, Preamp & Headphone Amp Connectivity.
Despite its compact footprint, Crescendo VERSE makes no compromises when it comes to digital inputs. Designed as a compact DAC preamp headphone combo, VERSE still offers a full range of digital connections to support modern and legacy sources alike.
Using a discrete resistor ladder architecture for high-precision digital-to-analog conversion, all inputs are engineered to support high-resolution playback up to PCM 768 kHz and DSD256, ensuring compatibility with today’s highest quality digital sources without sacrificing space or flexibility.
Flexible Digital Playback and Processing Control
Crescendo VERSE is designed to give you full authority over how your music is processed and presented. As an integrated DAC preamp headphone amplifier, VERSE lets you choose the approach that best fits your listening style, system synergy, and music library, whether you prefer absolute signal purity or seamless playback across mixed formats.
This includes direct control over DSD processing, with the ability to switch between native DSD 1-bit playback and multibit processing modes depending on the recording and your preferred sonic presentation. For PCM listeners, VERSE offers flexible resampling options that allow precise optimization of how different music formats are handled, ensuring the best possible result from every source in your library.
From native DSD handling to flexible resampling options, every decision is placed directly in your hands.
Native DSD 1-Bit Processing
VERSE features native DSD 1-bit processing, allowing DSD to be played as originally intended, without conversion to PCM. This preserves the fundamental nature of the DSD signal, maintaining its timing, structure, and sonic character throughout playback. For listeners who prioritize authenticity and purity in DSD recordings, this mode delivers a direct path from source to output.
Sampling Rate Converter with Resampling Options
VERSE also includes an integrated sampling rate converter (SRC), giving you precise control over both PCM and DSD playback. Different systems respond differently to various sample rates, and resampling allows you to align the output to the rate your amplifier, speakers, or headphones handle most naturally, optimizing system synergy and ensuring the most coherent, musically satisfying presentation across your entire setup.
PCM Resampling
- PCM 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x
- Supports up to 768 kHz and 705.6 kHz
DSD Resampling (Only in DSD Native mode)
- DSD64
- DSD128
- DSD256
- DSD512
Switch instantly between formats and resampling rates to explore different sonic presentations, optimize system synergy, or simply enjoy music the way you prefer.
Features
- Sleek & Compact design
- LAiV R2R ladder network architecture
- Native DSD 1-bit conversion
- NOS / SRC Mode
- Sampling rate converter
- Positive / negative phase
- Display brightness, delay dim, and delay off
- 8 x I2S Mode with LAiV product auto-configured
- I2S clock supported
- Discrete output buffered preamplifier
- Discrete headphone amplifier with gain selector
- Headphone output protection
- Remote Control included
Discrete Output Buffered Preamplifier
The Discrete Output Buffer in the VERSE is designed to provide superior impedance matching, ensuring optimal signal transfer between the DAC and the connected amplifier. By maintaining a low output impedance, it minimizes signal degradation and allows for longer cable runs without loss of fidelity. This is particularly beneficial in high-end audio setups where extended interconnect lengths are required, as it helps preserve the integrity of the audio signal over distance.
Combined with VERSE's built-in analog volume control, this discrete preamp stage allows VERSE to connect directly to power amplifiers or active speakers without the need for a separate preamplifier.
Whether you are building a minimal desktop setup or a full-scale hi-fi system, this compact DAC preamp headphone combo functions as a capable, standalone preamp, simplifying the signal chain while maintaining the signal integrity and tonal accuracy that the R2R architecture delivers. This is particularly beneficial in high-end audio setups that require extended interconnect lengths, as it helps preserve the integrity of the audio signal over distance.
Concurrent Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs
In compact designs, output options are often limited by space. VERSE goes a step further to provide remote both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs!
Thanks to its discrete output stage, VERSE supports both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs at the same time, without compromise. This allows seamless integration with both fully balanced hi-fi systems and traditional single-ended setups, giving listeners the flexibility to connect without compromise.
Effortless Volume Control
VERSE features an intuitive and finely tuned volume control that makes everyday listening effortless. With a remote control included, volume adjustments are smooth and precise, allowing accurate control for both sensitive headphones and full system playback without sudden level changes.
With built-in analogue volume control, VERSE can be connected directly to active loudspeakers or used as a preamplifier feeding external power amplifiers, eliminating the need for additional components. This means the analogue volume control serves as the direct interface between VERSE and your speakers or power amplifiers, giving you full level management from a single, centralized control without introducing additional circuitry into the signal path.
Whether you are building a minimal setup or a full-scale system, VERSE adapts seamlessly to your needs.
Discrete Headphone Amplifier. Power with Precision. Silence with Control.
VERSE features a discrete headphone amplifier designed to deliver authority without noise and detail without fatigue. With selectable gain between LOW, MED, and HIGH, it adapts effortlessly to a wide range of headphones, from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size designs. Clean power, low noise, and generous headroom ensure music remains dynamic and controlled, even at higher listening levels.
Beyond headphone listening, VERSE brings the same precision to speaker-based systems, with its built-in analogue volume control, making it a natural fit for those who want a single, streamlined source of control across their entire setup.
In high-gain mode, this all-in-one DAC preamp and headphone amp delivers up to 1100 mW per channel via the balanced output at 11 Vrms, and up to 230 mW via the single-ended output at 5.5 Vrms. This ensures ample headroom, stable drive, and clean dynamics even with power-hungry headphones.
Headphone Outputs
- Balanced 4.4 mm
- Single-ended 6.35 mm
For everyday reliability and long-term use, the headphone stage is protected by built-in safety circuits, including temperature, overload, and DC protection.
Engineered not just for performance, but for peace of mind.
Specifications
- Finish Black & Gold Anodised Aluminium with Temperered Glass / Silver & Gold Anodised Aluminium with Temperered Glass
- Size and Weight Height 50mm (75mm with spikes) x Width 168mm x Depth 188mm (including connectors) / Weight 0.9 kg
- Display 20x7 dot-matrix LED display
- Chip Intel® Altera® Cyclone® FPGA
- Digital Inputs 1 x USB, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x I2S
- Preamp Outputs 1 x XLR, approx. 4 Vrms, 82 Ω 1 x RCA, approx. 2 Vrms, 41 Ω
- Headphone Outputs 1 x Balanced 4.4 mm jack, approx. 11 VrVrms5.1 Ω 1 x Single Ended 6.35 mm jack, approx. 5.5 Vrms, 2.6 Ω
- Gain Selectable headphone output gain LOW / MED / HIGH
- Output Power ≤ 1100mW (Balanced 4.4 mm) / ≤ 290mW (Single Ended 6.35 mm)
- Supported Formats USB - PCM: 44.1kHz - 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 - DSD256 Optical - PCM: 44.1kHz - 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP only Coaxial - PCM: 44.1kHz - 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP only I2S - PCM: 44.1kHz - 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 - DSD256
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Digital Playback Control Supports native DSD 1-bit processing and an integrated sampling rate converter, giving users full control over PCM and DSD playback behavior. Resampling Options
- PCM: 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x (up to 768 kHz / 705.6 kHz)
- DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 (Only available in DSD native mode)
- Frequency Response 20Hz – 80kHz, within ± 3 dB
- THD+N 0.0045% (Preamp) / 0.008% (Headphone amplifier)
- Crosstalk ≤ -100dB (Preamp Balanced) / ≤ -100dB (Preamp Single Ended) / ≤ -100dB (Headphone Balanced) / ≤ -60dB (Headphone Single Ended)
- Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) ≥ 120dB (Preamp Balanced) / ≥ 110dB (Preamp Single Ended) / ≥ 110dB (Headphone Balanced) / ≥ 100dB (Headphone Single Ended)
- Noise ≤ 25μVrms (Preamp Balanced) / ≤ 72mVrms (Preamp Single Ended) / ≤ 30μVrms (Headphone Balanced) / ≤ 65μVrms (Headphone Single Ended)
- Controls Remote control, Front panel
- Power 15VDC/2A, DC 5.5/2.5 mm female
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In the Box
- Welcome card with Quick Start guide
- Crescendo VERSE
- Remote control
- Power adapter with interchangeable plugs
Support
Awards & Reviews
- Soundnews
- Old Guy Hifi
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About
LAiV Audio is a leading innovator in the audio industry, specializing in premium sound equipment that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional design. Based on a foundation of engineering expertise and a passion for audio excellence, LAiV Audio offers a range of products such as amplifiers, DACs, and preamplifiers that have garnered global acclaim for their outstanding performance and meticulous craftsmanship. With a commitment to providing audiophiles and music enthusiasts with a truly immersive and high-fidelity listening experience, LAiV Audio continues to push the boundaries of sound innovation.