Weiss DAC2
We have received many inquires about the excellent performance Weiss DAC2. This firewire based digital audio converter includes all usual digital connections such as AES/EBU, SPDIF, TOSLINK. The firewire features high resolution connection with computer (works with both Mac/Windows) allows ultra fidelity native 24bit/192kHz playback. It has won Ultra Audio Product Of the Year Award and Blue Moon Award by 6 Moons.com
Analogue Output Level control:
We have been waited months to release the new edition of Weiss DAC2/Minerva. They delay are due to newly added features. Selectable Analogue output level matches well with different preamp/poweramp input sensitivities. Selectable by a rotary switch on the back, 4 settings, same level at both RCA and XLR outputs:
- DC coupled, short circuit proofed output circuitry, Output impedance: 50 Ohm
- +17 dBu (5.48Vrms) with a 0dBFS sinewave input
- +11 dBu (2.74Vrms) with a 0dBFS sinewave input
- +7.2 dBu (1.78Vrms) with a 0dBFS sinewave input
- +4.8 dBu (1.35Vrms) with a 0dBFS sinewave input
Insert Signal Path: This mode enable DAC2 takes either Firewire or SPDIF/Toslink input as source, send the signal out to external processor and decode the loop back processed signal. This mode is perfectly mate with Weiss Linear Phase digital EQ1-MK2-LP.
Sampling Rates indicators: 4 LEDs on the front panel shows the current locking sampling rate. This is especially useful for firewire connection.
Further Reading:
- Weiss DAC2/Minerva Review
- Ultra Audio – 2008 Product of The Year
- Blue Moon Award – 6 moons.com
- Weiss CES 2009 Setup
V Chan – I think that studios use AES by default due to hardware design and not by choice. From what I know, until very recently studio equipment such as mixers, effects processors etc. all come with AES only which is why it is still the industry standard. Firewire in comparison is a relatively new standard and developed for computers and used by a different segment of the audio market. In theory audio quality is affected more by how you transfer the data rather than what medium of transfer you use so there should be no difference.
In consumer PCs Firewire is more common compared to AES, and so I have not had the chance to use an AES system because I haven’t come across a PC motherboard with native AES output. I think it’s possible to do this via a soundcard, but then you would be running the signal through the soundcard and potentially more processes before the signal hits the DAC. My preference is always better to keep it simple and output the signal directly from the computer motherboard to the DAC. Perhaps someone can come up with an audiophile motherboard (perhaps with AES, TOSlink, firewire and USB etc.). Kent??
From our tests of the different systems, using the DAC as the Master Clock (as opposed to the PC) made the most difference, and this it what distinguishes Weiss / Wavelength from Ayre / Benchmark.
I haven’t tried the Linn (or the dcs for that matter) and would welcome any views.
I love open source and will always root for the computer-DAC systems, but but I would be interested to see whether a dedicated music server/player like Linn/McIntosh can outperform a properly configured computer-DAC system.
Hello Kent,
If my notebook doesn’t come with firewire port, pls recommend specific brand of ExpressCard/34 for firewire that compatile with Weiss DAC2 OR I could get any brand is Okay.
V Chan
Hi Kent,
my friend maybe interested to buy the DAC2, how is the queue look like now. Is it possible to bring him up to your studio?
Best
Hey Herman, thanks for your contact. I just came back from Bangkok. I emailed you the details. Thanks.
Hi,
I would like to have an audition of the DAC 2. Where can I do that?
Thank you.
@V Chan
Here is a nice card for your laptop which i have tried to work with my dac2.
” 2 Port IEEE 1394 firewire expresscard” model: DC-1394 e cARD MADE BY DAWICONTROL.
Hope this helps.
Best regards and a happy new year from Athens Greece
Stelios
Dear Kent,
Just want to know your comment, DAC 2 Vs Amarra model 4, I know the price is different, but what is your comment on their performance/
Tommy
@Stelios Angelidis
Thanks for your sharing Stelios! Happy New Year to you too!
@nghk
Mine is not Amarra model 4 but soon will be upgraded. ULN8 is a multichannel device and added so much more functions (DSP, Mixing, AD, DA, DD) Those added feature will not be use by normal audiophiles. If we focus on the performances, I do prefer the DAC2 in stereo setup.
Dear Kent,
Since you are the dealer of amarra, is it possible to get model 4 through you and what is the price?
Hi Kent,
I am HiFiTrack member and I enjoyed the FM2009 Seminar a lot. I just bought a Mac Mini as music server. I wish to buy one unit of Weiss DAC2 as well as Amarra software. Do you have stock?
PS. Would you provide or recommend a Firewire cable to me please?
Thank you.
@Alfred
Hello Alfred, I send you some info by email. Thanks
Dear kent,
already receive the DAC 2, after connection notice the driver CD is missing. I will try to search in the packing. Can I download that somewhere since I know you are in CES now.
Yes, download it from the Weiss website. If you need username/password, it should be in your paperwork.
Thanks Ted for the help! Happy new year to you! We found out nghk shipment is missing a manual. We will provide him a replacement asap and also already provided him the download login name/password.
Best wishes from San Francisco airport, waiting for my flight to LAX
Hi Kent,
I’m interested to buy a DAC2, would it be possible to have a demo, please advise
Regards
Michael
Hi Kent
Sorry to miss the seminar but I am going ahead with a set up anyway.
I am setting up with a Mac Mini, amp is a Jeff Rowland integrated, speakers B&W 802 matrix 3. Current source is a Naim CD. Do you think the Weiss would be a good match (especially to my preference for neutral, “English” sound)?
Please let me know the price and possible wait list time.
BTW is it possible to have a listen of the DAC anywhere?
Dear Waiyee, The new shipment of Weiss DAC2 is just arrived. Please feel free to contact with us. Thanks.
Dear Kent,
I wish to set up a simple system without a preamp, in your opinion, how practical the DAC2 really is without a preamp? I am not talking about sound quality here, just practicality, ie, the control of volume, whether it alllows fine adjustment, whether it would be too loud without a preamp even with the 4 different attenuation setting, etc. Many thanks.
Dear breadvan,
We have DAC202 works like that with an Active speaker on Switzerland hifi show. Nothing get more simpler than this: http://www.asiaweiss.com/main/?p=1595
We have few DAC2 users driving active speakers directly using DAC2 as volume control preamp. The lowest setting is 1.35V which will never too loud. For fine adjustment, it is 0.5dB step with 120 steps, very practical design.
Thanks Kent, I think I read somewhere that Weiss product prefers certain Firewire chipset and my notebook happens to use other 1394 chipset, I think Samsung or something, would that be something to be mindful of, and why would certain chipset be preferred, would it be the drivers, etc.? Thanks.
@admin
by the way Kent, please email me the updated price. thanks.