I’ve only had the pleasure of listening through Merason’s DACs at hifi shows but they’re always an important piece of a very good sounding system.
The new Ruess DAC, named after the famous river in Switzerland, incorporates trickle down tech from the company’s DAC1 MMK II including a pair of BurrBrown PCM1794A for each channel’s D to A conversion. There are three separate transformers providing power to the digital and analog sections, four digital inputs (1x Coax, 1x Toslink, 1x AES, and 1x USB), and a hand-finished solid aluminum front panel in silver or black.
The Merison Reuss DAC is available now for $5500.
Here’s the compete press release:
October 17, 2023
Worb, Switzerland
SWISS MADE MERASON REVEALS ITS NEW “REUSS” TO MUSIC AFICIONADOS WORLDWIDE IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Swiss producer niedal audio lab announced today the launch of its long awaited Reuss DAC which will join Merason’s award winning converter line. CEO and brand owner Daniel Frauchiger states “I am excited about the Reuss. Our passion for music drives us each day and our new Reuss provides the purist musical quality and experience at an impressive price. A ‘must have’ for all Audiophiles”.
The new Reuss’ namesake is inspired by the famous river in Switzerland where it’s fluidity of sound merges with Merason’s DNA of “less is more” and where “the main focus is on music quality”.
Following the successful DAC1 Mk II release, niedal audio lab has once again succeeded in producing a sonically outstanding digital-to-analog model at an affordable price. The Reuss’ clean and neutral timbres, rich and energetic sound, distinctively deep and wide stage with precise localization and defined bass are just some of its outstanding qualities. Available in black and silver, the Reuss has an elegant, sleek, and slim aluminum housing with a solid front panel grinded by hand. Made in Switzerland at their manufacture in Burgdorf in accordance with strict quality processes and controls.
SMD components are primarily used as in the Merason DAC1 Mk II. The printed circuit board responsible for conversion and buffering has a 6-layer construction to prevent interference from occurring in the first place. All power elements are cooled directly via the chassis and thus remain thermally stable. Components have been meticulously selected based on their sound characteristics and measured performance with listening being the final arbiter. The proven BurrBrown PCM1794A, one per channel, is responsible for the conversion to achieve the highest dynamic range.
As with all Merason products, the circuit topology is symmetrical, i.e. there are a total of 4 independent channels. The individual power supplies have a linear structure, with three transformers responsible for supplying power to the analog and digital circuits. The switching power supply, which is necessary for the standby mode, is completely deactivated during operation to eliminate possible interferences from the start. Available inputs are one SPDIF in RCA and in Toslink, one AES and one USB Audio Class 2.0. The dimensions are 454 x 275 x 50 mm³ and weighs 6 kg.
Suggested Retail Price: 4900 EUR
Availability: Now
Company Website: Merason
US Distributor Website: Well Pleased Audio Vida
More about Merason
Since 2012, Merason’s digital-to-analog converters have been distinguished by their exceptionally high sound quality while enjoying the highest recognition among connoisseur circles and music aficionados worldwide. Manufactured in Switzerland and available in over 20 countries, Merason regularly receives awards and top marks in industry and consumer test reports. The current portfolio includes 3 digital-to-analog converters: the top model DAC1 Mk II, the entry-level converter frérot, and now the mid-price segment with the Reuss.
The Merason brand is owned and produced by the independent Swiss company niedal audio lab based in Worb with its manufacture in Burgdorf. Sole owner and CEO, Daniel Frauchiger, found his passion, dedication and commitment to music which are the pillars behind the success story of Merason. Niedal audio lab is constantly researching, developing, and investing in innovative manufacturing technologies with the goal of making good things even better!
