{"product_id":"merason-dac-2-silber","title":"Merason DAC 2 D\/A Converter, Silver","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Merason DAC 2 is a fully balanced High-End D\/A converter in true dual-mono – Merason's most uncompromising statement on pure PCM conversion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt's the evolution of the DAC 1 Mk II: two complete converters, a Class-A output without feedback, and an effort on circuit board, power supply and mechanics that leaves nothing to be desired. Hand-built in Switzerland, here in silver.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy the DAC 2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips work in true dual-mono – one complete chip per channel, for around 5 dB more dynamics and a wider, more stable soundstage. The discrete, fully balanced Class-A output stage runs entirely without feedback, twelve dedicated power supplies feed each section individually, and a new multilayer board with precision SMD keeps signal paths short. Belleville washers on the output transistors and damped feet keep heat and vibration in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEverything the DAC 1 Mk II already does well – one step more consistent. A bigger stage, even more calm, more body, the last layer of the recording. Distortion below 0.006%, signal-to-noise ratio above 120 dB: the DAC 2 leaves hardly any question open, on the bench or in the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the DAC 2 for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the resolving top-tier system that wants to get the maximum out of PCM. Plain talk: the DAC 2 is also a pure converter – no volume control, no headphone amp, no DSD (PCM up to 192 kHz\/24 bit). You need a preamp or integrated amp with a high-level input. And the premium over the DAC 1 Mk II is significant: for most people, the Mk II is already the reference. The DAC 2 is for those who want the absolute last word, uncompromisingly – and can hear it in a direct comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe DAC 2 is the crown of Merason's PCM converters. Whether the step up from the DAC 1 Mk II is worth it, you'll hear most honestly in a direct comparison at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – that's exactly what our listening room is for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e D\/A converter, true dual-mono, fully balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConverter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2× Burr-Brown PCM1794A (one chip per channel), discrete I\/V stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput stage:\u003c\/strong\u003e discrete, Class A, without feedback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB, AES\/EBU, Toslink (optical), S\/PDIF coaxial (RCA) – all galvanically isolated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput formats:\u003c\/strong\u003e PCM up to 192 kHz \/ 24 bit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e XLR balanced max. 3.5 V RMS, RCA unbalanced max. 1.75 V RMS\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.3 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistortion (THD+N):\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt; 0.006%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026gt; 120 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 separate power supplies, 230 V \/ 50–60 Hz, approx. 30 W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W × H × D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 45 × 10 × 29 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Switzerland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e Merason DAC 2 D\/A converter (Silver), power cable, user manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat sets the DAC 2 apart from the DAC 1 Mk II?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrue dual-mono with one complete chip per channel, a Class-A output stage without feedback, a new multilayer board with more precision SMD, plus improved thermal and vibration management. In numbers: less distortion (\u0026lt; 0.006%) and a higher output level (3.5 V balanced).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the DAC 2 play DSD, and do I need a preamp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt doesn't play DSD – the DAC 2 is designed for PCM up to 192 kHz\/24 bit. Since it deliberately does without volume control, you run it into a preamp or integrated amp with a high-level input.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the premium over the DAC 1 Mk II worth it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor most systems, the DAC 1 Mk II is already reference level. The DAC 2 is worth it if you have a correspondingly resolving chain and want the uncompromising maximum. The most honest answer comes from a direct comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Merason DAC 2 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause a converter of this class deserves advice at eye level. In Wädenswil, we compare the DAC 2 and DAC 1 Mk II on your own chain, match sources and cables, and deliver and install on site. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or reach us on WhatsApp (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/41765342200\"\u003e076 534 22 00\u003c\/a\u003e, text only, no calls).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA converter of this class wants an equally capable environment – a clean source, a good preamp, good cables: \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/streamer\"\u003eStreamers\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/vorverstarker\"\u003ePreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003eCables\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/merason\"\u003eMerason\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merason","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53101843808592,"sku":null,"price":11375.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/merason-dac-2-d-a-wandler-silber-frontansicht.png?v=1786525101","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/merason-dac-2-silber","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}