Merason frérot D/A Converter, Grey

The Merason frérot is a compact D/A converter that turns digital sources like streamers, computers, CD transports, or TVs into natural, finely resolved sound.

It's the entry point into the world of Merason — handmade in Switzerland, with the characteristically calm, effortless converter sound the brand is known for. Small in the case, grown-up in tone.

Why the frérot?

At its heart works a Burr-Brown 1794A with a discrete I/V stage and fully balanced Class A output — the same converter chip type as in the big DAC-1, though there it's used twice over in mono operation. Ten separate power supplies feed each stage individually, and all inputs (USB via Amanero, 2× coax, 2× Toslink) are galvanically isolated and de-jittered. The result is a surprisingly large, calm sound that goes well beyond what the price class suggests. The trade press agrees: High Fidelity named the frérot "Best Product" in 2021, and LowBeats awarded it 4.6 out of 5 stars and the rating "outstanding" in 2020.

What you hear

Naturalness without digital harshness. Voices and instruments stand tangibly in the room, dynamic swings arrive cleanly, and even after hours, the sound stays relaxed rather than fatiguing. The frérot doesn't artificially warm anything up — it lets the recording breathe. Honestly, that's exactly what you want from a good converter.

Who is the frérot for?

Ideal if you finally want real hi-fi sound out of your streamer, laptop, TV, or CD transport without spending a fortune. Straight talk: the frérot is a pure D/A converter — no streamer, no headphone amp, no app hub. If you maintain a large DSD collection, you're better served by the Mountain DAC; the frérot plays PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit. And if you only feed it compressed files over Bluetooth, you're buying a racing bike to wait for the tram — its potential wants audibly better sources.

Our verdict

For what it can do, the frérot is almost too cheap. If you want even more silence and fine dynamics, add the optional pow1 linear power supply — that takes the little one up a full class. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll advise you on whether the frérot suits your system solo or with the pow1.

Technical data

• Converter: Burr-Brown 1794A (stereo), discrete I/V stage, fully balanced Class A output
• Outputs: max. 4 V RMS (balanced/XLR), max. 2 V RMS (unbalanced/RCA)
• Inputs: 1× USB (Amanero), 2× coaxial (RCA), 2× Toslink – all galvanically isolated
• Supported formats: PCM up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.2 dB
• Distortion (THD+N): < 0.006 % · Signal-to-noise ratio > 120 dB
• Power supply: 10 separate power supplies, external 9 V DC plug-in adapter (upgradable with Merason pow1)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 22.5 × 5 × 18 cm
• Weight: 995 g
• Finish: Grey
• Manufacturing: Swiss Made · 3-year warranty
• Included: Merason frérot D/A converter (Grey), external plug-in power supply, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Is the frérot a streamer?

No, the frérot is a pure D/A converter. You connect your streamer, computer, CD transport, or TV via USB, coax, or Toslink — the frérot turns it into first-class sound. It doesn't come with a network streamer or a playback app.

What resolution does the frérot play?

The frérot processes PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit across all inputs. That covers CD, Qobuz, Tidal, and nearly all hi-res files. It doesn't play native DSD — if you need that, take a look at the Merason Mountain DAC.

What does the pow1 power supply add?

The optional pow1 linear power supply replaces the included plug-in adapter and delivers a calmer background, more dynamics, and body. Several magazines credit the duo with a jump to the next class. It can be added at any time.

Why buy the Merason frérot from HD Zürisee?

Because we know which converter really blossoms with which system. As an experienced team in Wädenswil, we advise you on sources, cables, and the pow1 question, handle delivery and installation, and take care of service. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or use WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

The frérot is best fed with a clean source and connected properly: Streamers · CD players · Cables · Merason (pow1 & more)