How about an R-2R DAC for under a grand? In Barn!
The new µDAC from LAiV Audio (pronounced ‘live’) comes jam packed with LAiV tech including their R-2R Ladder Network, Discrete Class A Output Buffer, Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO Oscillator, and Galvanic Isolation all wrapped in a compact (less than 7″ wide) Unibody Aluminum Chassis. For under a grand. Nice.
Four digital inputs (I2S, Coax, Toslink, and USB), a pair of balanced XLR outputs, and 15V DC in for power. Simple.
Like the LAiV Harmony DAC I reviewed last summer, the µDAC can be run in NOS (non-oversampling) or OS (oversampling) mode via the front panel controls.
I’m going to let LAiV explain the insides:
That was nice (and easy).
Based on my experience with the LAiV Harmony DAC, I’m expecting big things from the little µDAC. Stay tuned!
LAiV Audio Harmony µDAC
Price: $994
Company Website: LAiV Audio
Specifications
Chip: Intel Altera Cyclone FPGA
Clock: Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO Oscillator
Digital Inputs: 1 x USB, 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial, 1 x I2S
Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR, maximum at 4 Vrms, approx. 82 Ω
Supported Formats (Input dependent)
USB: PCM:44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256
Optical: PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP only
Coaxial: PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHz
DSD: DSD64 via DoP only
I2S: PCM: 44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz, within ± 0.25 dB
THD+N: 0.006 %
Crosstalk: ≤ -120 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥ 125 dB
Dynamic Range: ≥ 110 dB
Features
Sleek & Compact design
NOS / OS Mode
Positive / negative phase
Display brightness, delay dim, and delay off
8 x I2S Mode with Laiv product auto-configured
I2S clock supported
Galvanic isolation for enhanced signal purity
LAiV Harmony R-2R ladder network architecture
Discrete class A output buffer.
Controls: Remote control | Front panel
Power: 15VDC / 2A, DC 5.5/2.5 mm female.
In the Box
Welcome card with Quick Start guide
Harmony µDAC
Power adapter with interchangeable plugs
Warranty: 24-month limited warranty.