DAC9 DAC By Audio Research

The DAC9 combines advanced digital decoding technology with refined vacuum-tube analog circuitry to deliver a highly musical and immersive listening experience for discerning audio enthusiasts.

Engineered by Audio Research, the DAC9 supports high-resolution PCM files up to 384kHz as well as DSD playback, offering exceptional clarity, detail, and sonic realism across a wide range of digital music formats.

Its sophisticated architecture incorporates dedicated signal paths for PCM and DSD processing, helping preserve signal integrity and reduce distortion for more accurate sound reproduction. Selectable digital filters and native upsampling capabilities allow listeners to tailor playback performance to their preferences and source material.

Connectivity is equally versatile, featuring an asynchronous USB input and four galvanically isolated SPDIF inputs for seamless integration with multiple digital audio sources. Internally, quad D-A converters operating in mono mode help expand dynamic range while lowering the noise floor for enhanced transparency.

The DAC9’s balanced, Class-A vacuum-tube analog stage utilizes dual 6H30 tubes and a zero-feedback design to achieve a natural, dimensional sound signature with remarkable smoothness and musicality.

Known for combining technical precision with engaging musical performance, the DAC9 delivers the clarity, dynamics, and tonal richness that serious listeners expect from premium high-fidelity audio equipment.

Tone Publications
“The amazing quality of the DAC9 is the ability to render layered depth. Images are placed with three a dimensional presence that is surrounded by air allowing for great separation and a front to back precision that keeps individual instrumental timbre distinct and untangled. The accuracy of front to back distances or layering goes back, all the way back with stunning clarity.”

https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-audio-research-dac-9

Audiophilestyle
“The quintessential sound of Minneapolis is an apropos description of Audio Research, the company that trademarked High Definition in 1977. Its DAC 9 digital to analog converter is the best DAC ARC has released to date, short of its reference series. The DAC 7 and DAC 8 have both been eclipsed by design, technology, and sound quality. In my extensive listening sessions with the DAC 9, I heard unaltered, raw, and natural sound on some of my favorite recordings. This DAC will of course reproduce audiophile standards and performances captured by Reference Recordings, but the most enjoyable experiences I had while listening through the DAC 9 were with standard definition, “regular” music. I frequently listened through the DAC 9 while sitting at my computer working all day and while sitting in my listening chair in front of two loudspeakers. Either way, listening fatigue didn’t even enter my mind. The only thing I wanted from my system during the Audio Research DAC 9’s residency, was more music. “

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/audio-research-dac-9-review-r644

• 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