DAC204 DAC By Weiss Engineering

Call the DAC204 a Swiss army knife. It certainly is the most versatile digital-to-analog converter in Weiss Engineering’s product offering. Easily switch between multiple units with digital outputs and enjoy the pristine and low-jitter conversion to analog audio from the unit’s outputs. The DAC204 can also convert DSD audio to PCM.

Cover all your bases

The DAC204 is a multi-format digital-to-analog and digital-to-digital converter. Its many input and output options make it equally useful for use in a professional mixing or mastering studio as for an audiophile-grade listening room. It employs no less than four oversampling sigma-delta D/A converters per channel, operated in parallel for enhanced signal-to-noise performance. The DAC204 accepts incoming digital audio streams straight from any USB-equipped computer, tablet, or mobile phone. It can also receive S/PDIF and AES/EBU audio via its S/PDIF or Toslink connectors.

Outgoing Audio

The DAC204 converts the incoming digital streams to analog audio, which simultaneously appears on its balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced RCA connectors. It can also perform digital-to-digital conversion and output digital audio in AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats through the corresponding connectors and a BNC output connector. Should the incoming audio be in DSD format, the DAC204 can convert that to PCM.

Stay Connected

The DAC204 can be permanently connected to multiple digital units, and the user can easily switch between them with the front-mounted Input Selector switch.

Product Comparison

The DAC204 is a relatively affordable option compared to Weiss Engineering’s higher-grade units such as the DAC501 and the HELIOS. They do not have the onboard digital processing capabilities of those units, nor do they include headphone outputs or remote controls.

Advanced Power Supply

The PSU102 is an optional universal, non-switching, analog power supply. It’s designed to provide clean and quiet power to the finest hi-fi devices. It is very low noise but still capable of driving complex loads.

Electronics

The 204 design uses a discrete, non-switching, linear voltage regulator. The voltage regulator circuitry works at a very high speed to quickly follow high-frequency load fluctuations. The electrolytic capacitors are low ESR types. The toroidal mains transformer ensures low magnetic radiation and low noise operation.

Inputs and Outputs

The unit has one IEC-type power input with an input voltage selector (nominal 115V or 230V), a power on/off switch, and a primary fuse. The two output sockets are wired in parallel. The sockets are made by the Swiss company Fischer and are of very high quality. The output voltage can be set to 5V, 6V, 9V, or 12V. The output current rating goes to 1.5A for both outputs combined. The outputs are short-circuit proof.

Digital Inputs
The DAC204 has a total of three digital stereo inputs:

• USB
• Two AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Toslink or RCA connectors.

Accepted formats: PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz, DSD 64x / 128x.

Analog Outputs

• Line out unbalanced on RCA connector.
• Line out balanced on XLR connector.

Front Panel Controls

• An Input Selector switch, to select the active input (USB, Toslink, or RCA).
• Two switches for DSD to PCM conversion settings.
• Power on/off switch.

Back Panel Elements

• Digital inputs on USB, RCA, and Toslink connectors.
• Analog outputs on XLR and RCA connectors.
• Digital outputs (AES/EBU) on stereo XLR, RCA, and BNC connectors.
• Two toggle switches for output level setting.
• External power supply connector.

Dimensions
DAC204

• Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5 inches
• Width: 10.5 cm / 4.2 inches
• Height: 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches

Power Supply
An external power supply is included with the unit. All sensitive voltages have their own linear regulators. The result is an analog output free of “digital noise” and channel crosstalk.

Mains Power

• Mains Voltage: 100-120 / 200-240 Volt.
• Fuse rating: 500 mA slow blow at the 115V setting and 250 mA slow blow at the 230V setting.
• Power consumption: 30VA max.

Outputs
Two Fischer brand two-pin sockets, wired in parallel. The corresponding Fischer plugs are S 102 A051-130+ with the E3 102.5/3.5 cable clamp.

Output Voltage and Current

• Output voltages selectable: 5V, 6V, 9V, 12V.
• Output current: Up to 1.5A with the two sockets combined.

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