Merason Reuss D/A Converter, Grey

The Merason Reuss is a fully balanced D/A converter that reproduces digital sources neutrally, energetically, and with great spatial depth.

Handmade at niedal audio lab in Switzerland, it sits between source and amplifier and extracts the maximum from zeros and ones. The consistent entry point into Merason's flagship converters.

Why the Reuss?

Two Burr-Brown 1794A chips — one per channel — provide around 5 dB more dynamics than a shared design. The current signal is converted to voltage discretely, buffered in Class A, and carried fully balanced across four channels. Every input is galvanically isolated (USB via Amanero with two clock generators), and twelve dedicated linear power supplies with oversized transformers feed each stage individually.

What you hear

Studio-grade neutrality instead of flattery. The Reuss shows you what's really on the recording — with calm, structure, and a soundstage that makes plenty of pricier devices look old. If you want the truth of the recording, this is exactly right.

Who is the Reuss for?

For anyone who wants an honest, neutral converter in a good system. Straight talk: the Reuss is a pure D/A converter — no volume control, no display, no remote. You need an amplifier or preamp with a line-level input. It plays PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit, but no DSD — got a large DSD collection? Then the Mountain DAC is the better fit. Tonally, it doesn't sweeten anything; if you're after warmth, look elsewhere. And in operation, the case gets noticeably warm, so don't lock it in a closed cabinet.

Our verdict

The Reuss delivers the Merason converter philosophy at the fairest price. If you want more polish, step up to the DAC 1 Mk II; if you're after neutrality and honesty, this is an excellent fit. Which combination suits your speakers is something we'll work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

What the trade press says

"A DAC for purists and everyone for whom smooth, musical reproduction combined with high detail resolution is the top priority." — HIFISTATEMENT, 2024. fairaudio honoured the Reuss with the "favourite Award" in 2025.

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
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
• Distortion (THD+N): < 0.015 %
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 115 dB
• Power supply: 12 separate linear power supplies, 230 V / 50–60 Hz, approx. 30 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 45 × 5 × 29 cm
• Weight: 4.2 kg
• Finish: Grey
• Origin: Made in Switzerland
• Included: Merason Reuss D/A converter (Grey), power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What devices can I connect to the Reuss?

Anything digital: a streamer or computer via USB, a CD transport via coax, the TV optically via Toslink, studio and high-end sources balanced via AES/EBU. You connect the analogue output to your amplifier either balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (RCA).

Does the Reuss play DSD or hi-res above 192 kHz?

No. The Reuss is designed for PCM up to 192 kHz/24-bit and deliberately does without DSD. That's more than enough for CD, Qobuz, Tidal, and the vast majority of hi-res files. If you need native DSD, the Merason Mountain DAC is the right address.

Do I need a preamplifier as well?

Yes. The Reuss has a fixed output level with no volume control of its own. You run it into an integrated amplifier with a line-level input or into a preamp. We'll work out together which combination fits.

Why buy the Merason Reuss from HD Zürisee?

Because a converter is only as good as its integration. As an authorized Merason dealer in Wädenswil, we tune the Reuss to your sources, amplifier, and speakers, deliver, install, and remain your contact for service. Call us (044 680 22 00), write to us, or use WhatsApp (076 534 22 00, text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You integrate the Reuss cleanly into your system — source in, amplifier out: Streamers · CD players · Preamplifiers · Cables · Merason