Weiss DAC 204

Dare we call the DAC204 a Swiss army knife It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering's product offering.

Use the DAC204 for easy switching between multiple units with digital outputs - including a computer or mobile with USB out - and enjoy the pristine and low-jitter conversion to analogue audio from the unit's outputs. The DAC204 can also convert DSD audio to PCM and offers a digital output in the AES/EBU format.

COVER ALL YOUR BASES:

The DAC204 is a multi-format digital-to-analogue and digital-to-digital converter. Its many input and output options make it equally useful for use in a professional mixing or mastering studio as for an audiophile-grade listening room.

It employs no less than four oversampling sigma-delta D/A converters per channel, operated in parallel for enhanced signal-to-noise performance.

DIGITAL ACCEPTED HERE:

The DAC204 accepts incoming digital audio streams straight from any USB-equipped computer, tablet, or mobile phone. It can also receive S/PDIF and AES/EBU audio via its S/PDIF or Toslink connectors.

OUTGOING AUDIO:

The DAC204 converts the incoming digital streams to analogue audio, which simultaneously appears on its balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced RCA connectors.

It can also perform digital-to-digital conversion and output digital audio in AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats through the corresponding connectors and a BNC output connector.

Should the incoming audio be in DSD format, the DAC204 can convert that to PCM.

STAY CONNECTED:

The DAC204 can be permanently connected to multiple digital units, and the user can easily switch between them with the front-mounted Input Selector switch.

PRODUCT COMPARISON:

The DAC204 is a relatively affordable option to Weiss Engineering's higher-grade units. It has a reduced feature set but offers conversion quality far above competing products in the same price bracket.

It does not have the on-board digital processing capabilities of the DAC501 or the HELIOS. Nor does it include a headphone output or remote control.

DIGITAL INPUTS:

The DAC204 has a total of three digital stereo inputs:

• USB

• Two AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Toslink or RCA connectors.

Accepted formats: PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz, DSD 64x / 128x.

ANALOG OUTPUTS:

• Line out unbalanced on RCA connector.

• Line out balanced on XLR connector.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:

• An Input Selector switch, to select the active input (USB, Toslink, or RCA).

• Two switches for DSD to PCM conversion settings.

• Power on/off switch.

BACK PANEL ELEMENTS:

• Digital inputs on USB, RCA, and Toslink connectors.

• Analog outputs on XLR and RCA connectors.

• Digital outputs (AES/EBU) on stereo XLR, RCA, and BNC connectors.

• Two toggle switches for output level setting.

• External power supply connector.

DIMENSIONS:

DAC204

• Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5 inches

• Width: 10.5 cm / 4.2 inches

• Height: 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches

POWER SUPPLY:

• An external power supply is included with the unit. All sensitive voltages have their own linear regulators. The result is an analog output free of "digital noise" and channel crosstalk.