DAC204 & DAC205 – Plain HQ DACs for high-end hi-fi & pro audio
The DAC204 and the DAC205 are our newly introduced digital-to-analogue converters. Although sometimes referred to as our “plain vanilla” units they are still of very high quality with hands-on control, support for both PCM and DSD, plus an output sampling frequency of up to 192 kHz.
The essence of these two DACs is a straightforward user experience, but there are some differences between the two regarding connectivity. The actual D/A converter part is the same in both products/units, with digital input via S/PDIF.
DAC204 USB interface features
The DAC204 also incorporates a USB interface, making it ideal for both high end and pro audio users.
The USB part of the DAC204 is based on Weiss’ own-developed INT204 interface, which is also available separately for users wishing to bridge the gap between their computers and DACs. The internal signal processing handles both DSD to PCM and PCM to PCM conversions plus also the output signal formatting to AES/EBU and S/PDIF. Accepted formats: PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz, DSD 64x / 128x. The DAC204 supports sampling frequencies of 44.1 to 192 kHz.
When the USB input is used you may easily keep track of the current sampling frequency via the LEDs on the front panel.
Signal chain options
The USB interface it totally independent of the digital to analogue converter part of the DAC204. This opens up for connecting external digital sound processors to the signal chain, e.g. a room equalizer.
Inputs and outputs
On the top of the back panel, on both the DAC204 and the DAC205, we find the analogue outputs, both RCA and XLR. Below them there are two switches for analogue attenuation, giving you the option to accomodate for your amplifier in four steps: 0, 10, 20 and 30 dB. There are two different S/PDIF inputs, an RCA and a Toslink (optical).
On the DAC204 we then have the extra USB connectors at the very bottom of the unit, the USB in, the S/PDIF and the AES/EBU outs.
The DAC204 and the DAC205 are both powered with an external power supply. Optionally there is also the Weiss low noise power supply available, the PSU102.
Headphones connection
While there are no conventional headphone sockets on neither the DAC204 nor the DAC205 the CHIRON-Adapter1 and the CHIRON-Adapter2 cables makes it possible to connect your headphones, either via an RCA to a jack type connector or the XLR outputs to a 4-pin balanced connector headphone connector.
Simple operation
The front panel delivers streamlined and simple operation and there is no remote control or any web-based way of controlling these units. Everything is directly controlled via sturdy switches directly on the DAC204 or the DAC205.
To get your DAC204 or DAC205, please contact your local dealer.
Click the image to watch Daniel Weiss’s presentation of the DAC204 and the DAC205.