AVM Ovation S-DAC DAC Module for Retrofitting

The AVM Ovation S-DAC is a retrofit D/A converter module that replaces the factory converter module in the CS, SD and MP models of the Ovation line.

It's not a standalone device and can't be placed next to your system. It lives inside your Ovation's chassis and brings exactly one part of it up to date: the digital-to-analog conversion. AVM itself calls it the reference DAC module of the Ovation line. Depending on the document, it goes by two names – „OVATION S-DAC“ in the product announcement and in specialist retail, „OVATION D/A-Converter S“ in the installation manual. Both refer to the same module.

Why the S-DAC?

At its core, the ESS9038PRO runs in bi-quad configuration – eight balanced converter channels, four of them connected in parallel per audio channel. Add to that highly precise, temperature-stable clocks against jitter, tightly toleranced capacitors and precision metal-film resistors. A solid heat sink keeps the temperature stable and dampens microphonics. AVM states over 124 dB of dynamic range and under 0.003 percent distortion, with PCM up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256 a given.

What you get

An upgrade instead of a new purchase. The old converter module is pulled out, the S-DAC takes its place – with no further adjustment needed on the .3 models, with an additional software update on the older .2 units. Afterwards you operate your unit exactly as before, with the same remote and the same menu, just one converter class higher. AVM asks for the serial number when ordering, so that version and firmware match up.

Who is the S-DAC suited to – and who isn't it for?

Bottom line: the S-DAC is only worth it if you own an AVM Ovation CS, SD or MP. AVM explicitly lists these three series – for the pure integrated amplifiers Ovation A 6.3 and A 8.3 it's not intended, based on current information, and certainly not for devices from other brands. If you stream a lot or listen to files, this gets you the biggest audible step up. If you almost exclusively play records, you're better advised putting your money into a better cartridge and a stronger phono stage – we'd rather tell you that upfront than afterwards.

Our verdict

The most elegant way to bring an Ovation up to date without replacing it. Upgrading a device instead of getting rid of it deserves to happen more often. The only thing that matters is that someone checks the serial number first – and that's exactly what we do at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, before anything gets ordered.

Technical specifications

• Type: retrofit D/A converter module, not a standalone device
• Manufacturer designations: OVATION S-DAC (product announcement, distribution, specialist retail), OVATION D/A-Converter S (AVM installation manual), OVATION D/A Converter (AVM product page)
• Form factor: plug-in module, replaces the factory converter module inside the Ovation unit
• Converter: ESS9038PRO in bi-quad configuration
• Converter channels: 8 balanced channels, 4 per audio channel in parallel
• PCM resolution: up to 384 kHz / max. 32-bit
• DSD resolution: up to DSD256 (4x DSD, 11.3 MHz)
• Dynamic range: > 124 dB
• Distortion: < 0.003 %
• Clocking: highly precise, temperature-stabilized oscillators, low jitter
• Compatible per AVM product page: all CS, SD and MP models of the Ovation .3 generation
• Additionally per AVM product announcement and specialist press: CS, SD and MP models of the Ovation .2 series, there with an additional software update
• Not listed: integrated amplifiers AVM Ovation A 6.3 and A 8.3, as well as devices from other manufacturers
• Ordering: state the serial number of the target unit
• Installation: per AVM's installation manual, by authorized personnel only – the unit has to be opened
• Output level: not applicable – the module works internally, level and control are handled by the Ovation unit
• Headphone output: not available – the module has no connections of its own
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 63 × 65 × 22 mm
• Weight: 91 g
• Included: S-DAC module, installation manual (DE/EN)

Frequently asked questions

Which AVM units is the Ovation S-DAC intended for?

AVM describes it as the reference DAC module for all CS, SD and MP models of the Ovation .3 generation. For the older .2 series, AVM's product announcement and the specialist press name the same retrofit path, there with an additional software update. For the pure integrated amplifiers Ovation A 6.3 and A 8.3, the module is not listed.

Is the module called S-DAC or DAC S?

Both refer to the same module. AVM calls it „OVATION S-DAC“ in the product announcement and towards specialist retailers, and „OVATION D/A-Converter S“ in the installation manual – which is where the short form “DAC S” came from in the trade. You always order via your Ovation's serial number, so there's no mix-up.

Does the S-DAC fit into an AVM Ovation A 8.3 or A 6.3?

Not according to current information. AVM lists exclusively the CS, SD and MP models for the S-DAC, i.e. units with a modular digital source section. The pure integrated amplifiers A 6.3 and A 8.3 don't appear there. Ask us before buying, with your serial number to hand.

Can the S-DAC be installed after the fact?

Yes, that's exactly what it's designed for. The Ovation units are built modularly, the factory converter module is swapped for the new one, and operation and connections remain unchanged. On .2 units, a software update comes along with it. AVM asks for the serial number when ordering, so that version and firmware match up.

Am I allowed to install the S-DAC myself?

No. AVM's installation manual explicitly states that the unit may only be opened, and the module only installed, by authorized personnel – keyword electric shock hazard. Our technician Mauri takes care of removal, installation, firmware and function testing, either here in Wädenswil or at your home.

What does the S-DAC bring sonically?

Here the ESS9038PRO runs in bi-quad configuration with eight balanced converter channels, four per audio channel in parallel, flanked by low-jitter clocking. AVM states over 124 dB of dynamic range and under 0.003 percent distortion. This becomes audible above all in quiet details, spatial information and long decays.

Why buy the AVM Ovation S-DAC from HD Zürisee?

Because a module is only as good as its installation. We're an authorized AVM specialist retailer, we check using your serial number whether your unit even qualifies, and we handle installation, firmware and warranty through our own technician. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00 or message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

The S-DAC lives inside your Ovation – you'll find the relevant target units among our streaming preamplifiers (SD models), our streamers & network players (MP models) and our streaming amplifiers (CS models). If you'd rather have a standalone converter alongside your system, take a look at our DACs & D/A converters.