SPL Diamond DAC & Preamplifier
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Diamond is the perfect DAC and preamplifier for everyone who plays music exclusively from digital sources. Diamond offers connectivity for six digital sources and an external word clock. The superior VOLTAiR technology and the premium DAC combined with an analog volume control allowing for highest resolution at any volume makes the Diamond an one-of-a-kind DA converter that delivers finest soundstages with an unrivalled analog feel.
Up to 6 (!) digital stereo sources can be connected to Diamond.
Diamond offers each a stereo USB and AES input as well as each two optical and coaxial stereo inputs. Via USB, both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted. PCM audio is received in S/PDIF format, both coaxial (RCA), optical (Toslink F06) and balanced (AES/EBU).
The source selection is done via the selection control on the front. The selected input is also shown in the dot matrix LED display: USB, COA1, COA2, OPT1, OPT2 or AES.
After approximately two seconds, the display shows the type of clock source and the detected sampling rate.
Diamond can not only synchronize to the clock integrated in the digitally fed source signal. As a specialist for digital players Diamond offers a word clock input. The source of the clock signal can be selected via the CLOCK switch.
Source = Diamond synchronizes to the digital clock in the source signal.
Word = Diamond synchronizes to the digital clock present at WORD IN.
Diamond provides two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. One pair of outputs with XLR, the other with RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the volume control on the front panel.
The volume control for both outputs can be individually switched out of the signal path via DIP switch on the back of the device. For example, a headphone amplifier with its own volume control can be connected to one of the outputs.
Well informed
The DAC automatically picks up the sampling rate and resolution of the digital playback source. No matter if a streamer, computer, CD player or an external word clock is connected.
The detected sampling rate and the selected clock source are shown in the dot matrix LED display. For example, U768 is an acronym for a clock signal in the USB stream with a sampling rate of 768 kHz.
DAC768v2 – the SPL reference DAC in the newest revision!
The SLP120 (Super Low-Pass)
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. The filter specially optimized for the new SPL DAC768v2 is called SLP120 (Super Low-Pass).
The DAC768v2 inside the Director Mk2 is equipped with the SLP120 – an analog “Super Low-Pass” filter with VOLTAiR technology.
The volume is adjusted with a solid, milled aluminum, rotary knob. The Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer gives a pleasant “spoon in the honey” rotary feel.
With all devices of the Professional Fidelity series we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.
The VOLTAiR Technology
The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In our Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology.
The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.
Specifications
Analog & Outputs: XLR (balanced), RCA
Digital Inputs, DAC768
Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer
Mains Power Supply
Dimensions & Weight
Support
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