Merason DAC 1 Mk II D/A Converter, Cider

The Merason DAC 1 Mk II is a fully balanced reference D/A converter that turns digital sources into music with the highest resolution and naturalness.

It's the fine-tuned step up from the Reuss and has been a favourite of the specialist press for years. Handbuilt in Switzerland – here in the warm champagne tone Cider, available with gold-plated or pure-silver RCA jacks.

Why the DAC 1 Mk II?

Technically it shares the Reuss's DNA: two Burr-Brown 1794A (one per channel), discrete I/V stage, fully balanced Class-A output, every input galvanically isolated, twelve dedicated linear power supplies. The difference lies in the fine-tuning – a tighter frequency response (±0.3 dB), lower distortion (< 0.01%) and more signal-to-noise headroom (> 120 dB). You hear it as even more calm, resolution and body. Not for nothing did Part-Time Audiophile recommend it in its 2024 Buyer's Guide, and pt.audio gave it a "Highly recommended" in early 2024.

What you hear

A soundstage that puts you right in the middle of the concert, and a resolution that reveals the finest shadings – without ever turning hard or analytical. The DAC 1 Mk II stays honest rather than flattering; it's the converter that's no longer the bottleneck in a good chain.

Who's the DAC 1 Mk II for?

For the genuinely good system that deserves the right converter. Plain talk: it too is a pure D/A converter – no volume control, no remote, no DSD (PCM up to 192 kHz/24 bit). You need an amplifier or preamp with a line-level input. And honestly: visually and in construction it resembles the more affordable Reuss – if you don't need that last increment, the Reuss already serves you excellently. If you want it, you get it here.

Standard or pure-silver RCA?

Standard means gold-plated RCA output jacks – the classic DAC 1 Mk II. For a surcharge (+CHF 363) you can get the RCA jacks in pure silver, for a minimally lower contact resistance. Honestly, not a night-and-day difference, but the fine finishing touch for completists. We're happy to advise you on whether it's worth it.

Our verdict

For most systems, the DAC 1 Mk II is already reference level – beyond that, only those who want the absolute last word, uncompromisingly, with the DAC 2 or Mountain need go further. Listen to it at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil on your own chain.

Technical data

• Type: D/A converter, fully balanced
• Converter: 2× Burr-Brown 1794A, discrete I/V stage
• Channels: 4 independent, Class-A output
• Inputs: USB (Amanero), AES/EBU, Toslink (optical), S/PDIF coaxial (RCA)
• Input formats: PCM up to 192 kHz / 24 bit
• Outputs: XLR balanced max. 3 V RMS, RCA unbalanced max. 1.5 V RMS (standard gold-plated, optional pure silver)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.3 dB
• Distortion (THD+N): < 0.01%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 120 dB
• Power supply: 12 separate linear power supplies, 230 V / 50–60 Hz, approx. 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 45 × 10 × 29 cm
• Weight: 5.5 kg
• Finish: Cider (standard or with pure-silver RCA jacks)
• Origin: Made in Switzerland
• Scope of delivery: Merason DAC 1 Mk II D/A converter (Cider), power cable, user manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the DAC 1 Mk II, the Reuss and the DAC 2?

The Reuss is the entry point into the same converter philosophy, the DAC 1 Mk II follows up with better measurements and more fine-tuning – the specialist press's reference favourite. The DAC 2 goes one step further still, with true dual-mono and Class A without feedback.

What does the pure-silver RCA jack get you?

Instead of the gold-plated standard jacks, the RCA output carries jacks made of pure silver with minimally lower contact resistance. It's the final fine touch for purists – no giant leap, but the option to capture even this detail.

Do I need a preamp, and does it play DSD?

You need an amplifier or preamp with a line-level input, because the DAC 1 Mk II has a fixed output level with no volume control. It doesn't play DSD – it's designed for PCM up to 192 kHz/24 bit, which is enough for the vast majority of sources.

Why buy the Merason DAC 1 Mk II from HD Zürisee?

Because a reference converter needs a chain that's on equal footing. As an authorised Merason dealer in Wädenswil, we'll demonstrate the DAC 1 Mk II on your own components, advise you on sources and cabling, and deliver and install it. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or reach us on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

For the DAC 1 Mk II to show what it can do, it needs a clean source and a chain on equal footing: Streamer · CD Players · Preamplifiers · Cables · Merason