DAC 200 – DAC with Preamp and Headphone Amp By T+A HiFi

Note: Deduct $200 from the cost when you choose Wire, Check, or eCheck payment at checkout.

The T+A DAC 200 is a sophisticated digital-to-analog converter designed for audiophiles who demand exceptional precision and musical realism. Expanding on a respected lineage of high-end converters, this model integrates a dedicated preamplifier and high-quality headphone amplifier, creating a versatile centerpiece for modern audio systems.

Engineered to support an extensive range of digital formats—including DSD up to DSD1024—the DAC 200 transforms digital signals into rich, natural analog sound. Its advanced design also features complete galvanic isolation, helping maintain signal purity from input to output. Whether connected to a high-end stereo system or premium headphones, the DAC 200 is built to deliver clarity, depth, and detail across every listening session.

De-Jitter Masterclock

One of the key technologies used in the DAC 200 is the De-Jitter Masterclock, developed to minimize timing errors that can affect digital audio playback. Jitter—tiny inconsistencies in signal timing—can subtly degrade sound quality, particularly when audio is sourced from computers or digital transports.

The De-Jitter Masterclock analyzes incoming signals and filters out timing irregularities before conversion takes place. Through a multi-stage process that evaluates signal stability and accuracy, the system reduces jitter artifacts and helps ensure a stable, precise clock signal for the conversion stage.

High-precision oscillators with femto-clock accuracy are dedicated to specific clock families, covering frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 705.6 kHz and 48 kHz to 768 kHz. This careful clock management helps maintain exceptional timing accuracy and signal purity.

Path Separation Technology

To achieve optimal performance from different audio formats, the DAC 200 uses Path Separation Technology. Instead of processing PCM and DSD signals through a single converter path, the design employs separate conversion stages tailored to each format.

PCM signals are processed by a quadruple converter architecture, while DSD files are handled by a dedicated True 1-bit converter. By separating these signal paths, each format can be reproduced under ideal conditions, preserving detail and minimizing interference between processing methods.

Converters & Filters

The DAC 200’s True 1-bit converter processes DSD signals in their native format rather than converting them into PCM first. This approach maintains the integrity of the original data stream, allowing DSD recordings to be reproduced with exceptional clarity and authenticity.

For PCM audio, the unit employs a quadruple converter design using eight 32-bit Burr-Brown converters arranged in a double-symmetrical configuration. This advanced layout helps reduce distortion and noise while delivering excellent dynamic range and precision.

Listeners can also tailor the sound using a selection of digital filters, including specially developed Bezier filters and two NOS (non-oversampling) options. These allow subtle adjustments to timing and tonal character to match personal listening preferences.

Digital-Analogue Separation System (DASS)

To preserve signal integrity, the DAC 200 incorporates a Digital-Analogue Separation System (DASS). This design keeps digital and analog circuits isolated throughout the signal chain using ultra-fast digital isolators.

Separate power supplies for the analog and digital sections further reinforce this isolation, helping maintain clean signal transmission and minimizing interference between processing stages.

Connectivity, Preamp & Outputs

The DAC 200 offers a wide range of high-quality input options, making it compatible with numerous digital sources.

Beyond its DAC capabilities, the DAC 200 also functions as a high-performance preamplifier. Its discrete Class A preamp stage and double-mono output architecture are designed to maintain signal purity and dynamic range.

For analog output, the unit provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. Headphone listeners are supported by a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output, powered by a dedicated discrete headphone amplifier optimized for demanding headphones.

An optional HDMI board with Audio Return Channel (ARC) can also be added, allowing seamless integration with compatible video systems.

Note: There is an optional HDMI module, if you’d like to connect a Blu-ray player. The DAC 200 comes with HDMI jacks but an internal board is required to make them operational.

The Absolute Sound — Golden EAR Award Winner!
“Considering the build-quality, features, and, most importantly, the unbelievable performance that T+A has squeezed into these petite chassis, they’re actually quite the deal. You can’t touch their price with most large separates, and the full stack is even at the low end of the $20–$50k range”

https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The_Absolute_Sound_Series_200_Review.pdf

Audiophile Style
T+A has set the bar extremely high with the DAC 200. This DAC is one for the ages. It sounds fantastic, looks classic, functions seamlessly, is well supported, and is priced competitively. Based on my listening habits and experience with more DACs than I can remember, this would be my number one choice for a DAC anywhere near the DAC 200’s price. Everything about the DAC 200 is just that good. Period.

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/ta-dac-200-da-converter-review-r1135/

HiFi News
While avoiding any lame jokes about ‘German engineering’, I’m bound to say there’s a wonderful sense of synergy – and not just in build and style – between these two T+A components. The A 200 is a mature-sounding power amp with excellent driving ability, and a perfect partner for the DAC 200’s refined, insightful and light-footed approach.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/ta-dac-200a-200-dacpreamp-power-amp

Analog section

• Frequency response +?0?/???3?dB : 0,1 Hz?–?200?kHz
• Signal / noise ratio : 110/114?dB
• THD ?/ ?Intermodulation : <?0,001?%?/?<?0,001?%
• THD ?/ ?Intermodulation : <?0,001?%?/?<?0,001?%
• Channel separation : >?108?dB
• Pre-amplifier outputs :
  • variable : High level (RCA) 0…2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 0…5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms
  • fixed : High level (RCA) 2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms discreetly designed Class A-HV-output stage in Double-Mono-Circuitry
• Volume control : Gold contact relays controlled in 1 dB steps, – 90 dB to 0 dB
• Headphone output : 4.4 mm Pentaconn, discreetly designed high-performance output stage, Class A operation up to 200 mA, 6 Ohms output impedance

Analog inputs

• High level (RCA) : 250 mVeff … 4,5 Veff / 10 kOhms

Digital inputs

• 1 x AES-EBU 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
• S/P-DIF: 2 x Standard Coax, 2 x optical TOS-Link 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker)
• 1 x BNC 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
• 2 x USB DAC: Device-Mode 44,1 … 768 kSps (PCM) and up to DSD1024*, supports asynchronous data transfer. *DSD 512 and DSD 1024 with Windows PC and appropriate driver installed or Linux PC with Kernel 4.4 or higher only.
• Supports DoP up to DSD 256 (0x05/0xFA Marker).
• 2 x HDMI IN, 1 x HDMI OUT with ARC (as an option)

D/A converter section

• PCM : Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with four 32-Bit Sigma-Delta, D/A converter per channel, 705,6 / 768 kSps conversion rate
• DSD : T+A-True-1Bit DSD D/A converter, up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz), native bitstream
• Upsampling : T+A signal-processor – synchronous upsampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms. FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier, NOS (non-oversampling)
• Analog filter : Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable with 60 or 120 kHz cut-off frequency

Mains / Accessories / Dimensions

• Mains : 200?–?240?V, 50?–?60?Hz, 30 Watts
• Standby : <?0,5?Watts
• Dimensions (H?×?W×?D) : 10 ×?32?×?34?cm, 4 x 12.6 x 13.4 inch
• Accessories : Remote control FM200, power cord, USB cable
• Weight : 6,2?kg, 13.7 lbs
• Finishes : Alu silver anodized (43), Alu schwarz anodized (42)

Technical modifications reserved

User manual DAC 200