Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter is a stereo 24bit/192khz D/A converter designed with the aim of keeping an absolutely uncompromised audio signal path. With an ergonomic design and an uncluttered, easy-to-use front panel, the DAC1-MK2 is a truly professional D/A converter catering for the highest expectations.

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter is a stereo D/A converter used for highest quality D/A conversion. Based on Weiss' proven class A design using high performance op-amps and discrete output stages, the Weiss DAC1-MK2 delivers incredible transparency – the main objective in its design.

Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input with its extremely low jitter sensitivity, as well as the analog output stages. Options for the Weiss DAC1-MK2 include interfaces for Firewire and USB, DSD playback and infrared or wired remote control.

Inputs

There are three digital inputs on XLR connectors, and one on TOSLINK (optical). The accepted sampling frequencies are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz. AES/EBU signals in single wire or dual wire formats can be used. Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output, allowing for monitoring at multiple stages in a digital studio setup.

De-jittering

Several signal re-clocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation, making the Weiss DAC1-MK2 virtually immune to jitter over a very wide bandwidth, down to subsonic frequencies.

Converter

The correlation technique (using two converters per channel) which was already successfully employed in the ADC1, results in improved SNR and THD figures.

Outputs

In the DAC1-MK2 the discrete Class A outputs have a virtually zero O output impedance, but still can drive large loads without stability problems. The Weiss DAC1-MK3 uses discrete operational amplifiers of their own design. Called OP1-BP, this operational amplifier probably is the best audio op-amp currently available. Output levels can be set between -infinity and +27 dBu. 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 Control

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. For the DAC1-MK3 there is a IR remote control option for the output level available.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel shows four switches for the input selection and various LEDs for sampling frequency, input word-length and signal presence display. The Weiss DAC1-MK2 in addition has two 25 turn trim potentiometers for fine trimming the output level.

Back Panel Elements

On the back panel there are three digital inputs on XLR and one optical digital input on TOSLINK. Then there are three digital outputs on XLR, buffered from XLR inputs and two analog outputs on XLR. One of the digital XLR outputs can be switched to output the currently selected input.

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 in addition has a output level range switch (high/low) while the DAC1-MK3 uses a rotary encoder instead, which allows to set the output level of both outputs simultaneously in a range of 32 dB with a resolution of 1 dB. The 25 pin DSUB remote connector allows to connect a wired remote control unit for level control and input source selection.

Optional Interfaces

Options for both the Weiss DAC1-MK2 and the DAC1-MK3 include a Firewire (Thunderbolt) interface and a USB interface. The latter is also capable to convert DSD to PCM signals which allows to use the DAC1 for playback of DSD signals from a computer. Other options are an ST type glass fiber input and an infrared remote control for the control of the audio volume (Weiss DAC1-MK3 only). The Weiss DAC1/DAC1-MK2 can be upgraded to a DAC1-MK3 by replacing the analog section.

Applications:

The Weiss DAC1-MK2 finds its place in mastering studios for monitoring as well as for integrating an analog chain in a digital environment. With the plethora interfacing options (AES/EBU on XLR, TOSLINK and ST type glass fiber, USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt) the Weiss DAC1-MK2 is ready for all kinds of setups, even for use in a domestic environment. The output level can be set in a wide range, accommodating for all kinds of subsequent amplifiers. With the wired remote control the Weiss DAC1-MK2 can be easily controlled and monitored via a handy little box.

Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter Features

• Three digital inputs on XLR connectors, and one on TOSLINK (optical)
• Sampling frequencies are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
• AES/EBU signals in single wire or dual wire formats can be used
• Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output
• Several signal re-clocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation
• Correlation technique (using two converters per channel) results in improved SNR and THD figures
• Discrete Class A outputs have a virtually zero O output impedance
• Input source selection can also be remote controlled
• Front panel has 4 switches for input selection and LEDs for sampling frequency, input word-length and signal presence display
• Two 25 turn trim potentiometers for fine trimming the output level
• Back panel has three digital inputs on XLR and one optical digital input on TOSLINK
• Three digital outputs on XLR, buffered from XLR inputs and two analog outputs on XLR
• An output level range switch (high/low)
• Include a Firewire (Thunderbolt) interface and a USB interface
• Can be upgraded to Weiss DAC1-MK3 by replacing the analog section

Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter Specifications

• AES/EBU Input:
  • Sampling Frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
  • Maximum Sampling Frequency Deviation: ±80 ppm
  • Maximum Input Word-Length: 24 Bits
  • Channel Status Data: Input accepts professional or consumer format
  • Connector: Three XLR female (110 O), one TOSLINK (optical)
• AES/EBU Output:
  • Three XLR male connectors with buffered versions of the corresponding XLR input
  • One of the outputs can be switched such that it reflects the currently selected input to the DAC
• Analog Output:
  • Two XLR male connectors, pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold
  • Symmetrical
  • No servo circuit
  • Not earth free
  • Short circuit proof
  • DC coupled
  • Class A
  • Output impedance: 0.2 O
  • Output level continuously variable between -8 dBu and +27 dBu including a 12 dB high/low switch
• Wired Remote Control Connector:
  • 15 pin DSUB connector pinout:
    • 01 Ground
    • 02 Ground
    • 03 Key #2 (switch to ground, selects input #2)
    • 04 Key #4 (switch to ground, selects input #4)
    • 05 LED #1 (anode of LED for key #1, cathode at ground)
    • 06 LED #3 (anode of LED for key #3, cathode at ground)
    • 07 Ground
    • 08 +5 V supply for external fader (connect fader between +5 V and ground)
    • 09 Not connected
    • 10 Key #1 (switch to ground, selects input #1)
    • 11 Key #3 (switch to ground, selects input #3)
    • 12 LED #2 (anode of LED for key #2, cathode at ground)
    • 13 LED #4 (anode of LED for key #4, cathode at ground)
    • 14 Fader channel 1 taper
    • 15 Fader channel 2 taper
• Options:
  • Firewire/Thunderbolt interface
  • USB interface with DSD to PCM conversion capability
  • ST glass fiber input
  • Wired remote control for volume control and inout source selection
• Measurements:
  • Frequency Response:
    • Fs = 44.1 kHz, DC…20 kHz: ±0.05 dB
    • Fs = 48 kHz, DC…20 kHz: ±0.05 dB
    • Fs = 88.2 kHz, DC…40 kHz: ±0.5 dB
    • Fs = 96 kHz, DC…40 kHz: ±0.5 dB
  • Dynamic Range:
    • 115 dB unweighted
    • 118 dB A-weighted
  • THD+N at 1kHz:
    • At -3 dBFS Input: -104 dB
    • At 0 dBFS Input: -105 dB
  • SNR at -40 dBFS input:
    • 114 dB unweighted, relative to full scale output
    • 117 dB A-weighted, relative to full scale output
  • Linearity:
    • From 0 dBFS to -100 dBFS Input Level: less than ±1 dB deviation from ideal
    • From -100 dBFS to -130 dBFS Input Level: less than ±1.5 dB deviation from ideal
  • Crosstalk: Less than -130 dB, DC…20 kHz
• Power:
  • Mains Voltage: 115 V or 230 V with voltage selector
  • Fuse Rating: 500 mA slow blow
  • Power Consumption: 80 VA max.
• Size:
  • Depth: 30 cm
  • Width: 43,3 cm (19")
  • Height: 4,4 cm (1HU)

Weiss DAC1-MK2 DA Converter Includes

• Weiss DAC1-MK2 Unit
• Printed Operating Manual