I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the perfectly sized Weiss DAC501 back in 2021 and now there’s a new one. Could it be the one?
We’re told in the press release, included below in its entirety, that the most significant update/upgrade in new MK2 versions of the DAC501 and DAC502 resides in the analog output stage:
What’s most significant, however, is the unit’s analog stage, whose new discrete operational amplifiers are of the utmost importance. These “discrete operational amplifiers” are called OP2-BP, and are designed and produced by Weiss. Their performance far exceeds commonly-available monolithic op-amp chips, and contribute to Helios’ extraordinary sound quality and unmatched signal to noise ratio of 128 dB.
Yes readers, a DAC is more than the sum of its D/A chips (32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips per channel).
The main difference between the DAC501 and DAC502 is size plus the DAC502 adds a four-pin balanced headphone connector around back. I like the littler Weiss’ form factor.
Both Weiss DACs are Roon and UPnP/DLNA capable streaming DACs while also offering 4 digital inputs (AES/EBU, Coax S/PDIF, Toslink, and USB) with single-ended RCA and balanced XLR out. I recommend reading my review of the DAC501 and/or going to Weiss website to get the full story on their inner workings that include a host of DSP-driven options not typically found in a DAC.
The new MK2 Weiss DACs are available now for $11,995 for the DAC501 MK2 and $12,995 the DAC502 MK2.
Here’s the complete press release from Bluebird Music:
UPGRADED WEISS DAC501/502 MK2 NOW IN STOCK FOR USA AND CANADA
Buffalo, NY, October 18, 2024 — Bluebird Music, distributor of high-performance audio products since 2000, is pleased to announce the availability of the new Weiss DAC501 MK2 and DAC502 MK2.
Weiss Engineering has been a leader in digital audio technology for nearly 40 years; founder Daniel Weiss’ contributions to the field were recognized with a Technical GRAMMY in 2021. Weiss is one of several brands distributed by Bluebird, along with Canton loudspeakers, Jadis vacuum tube electronics, and Fezz Audio vacuum tube electronics.
In their ongoing journey to achieve live-like music reproduction Weiss introduces the updated DAC501 MK2 and DAC502 MK2. The new MK2 versions deliver a higher level of sonic performance than the older DAC501 and DAC502 they replace.
The MK2 versions use the latest DAC chips with stellar technical specifications, making for an enhanced two channel DAC with improved transparency and openness. Both line output stages and headphone output stages are built with Weiss’ proprietary discrete electronics.
Both units incorporate a stainless steel chassis with a robust 10mm aluminum faceplate. Digital processing is performed by a pair of 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips per channel, providing superb channel separation and noise-rejection in both two and four channel applications.
An internal high-precision clock generator clocks the DACs at a frequency of about 195kHz; PCM signals up to 384 kHz and DSD x64 and x128 are re-clocked to 195kHz. Power supplies are linear, incorporating dual toroidal transformers and separate regulators for each channel, minimizing noise and crosstalk.
What’s most significant, however, is the unit’s analog stage, whose new discrete operational amplifiers are of the utmost importance. These “discrete operational amplifiers” are called OP2-BP, and are designed and produced by Weiss. Their performance far exceeds commonly-available monolithic op-amp chips, and contribute to Helios’ extraordinary sound quality and unmatched signal to noise ratio of 128 dB.
The Weiss DAC 501/502 MK2 share the same circuitry and componentry, and differ primarily in form-factor: the DAC501 MK2 is a compact, half-width unit, allowing placement flexibility in desktop and studio applications, as well as in home systems of any size. The DAC502 MK2 features a standard, full-width chassis; it also differs from the 501 by including a four-pin balanced headphone connector on the back of the enclosure.
There are five digital inputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF via XLR, Toslink, or RCA; UPnP/DLNA via Ethernet; and USB. Outputs are by balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA; both units have front panel ¼” headphone jacks, and the DAC502 has an additional 4-pin XLR output on its back panel. Line and headphone outputs are separate, and discrete.
With their touch screen display both units are extremely intuitive and easy to set up and easy to use. Both Weiss DAC 501/502 MK2 can also be controlled by the provided full-function remote control, or by a web interface. Both units are networkable and Roon Ready.
Pricing, Finishes and Availability
US MSRP for the DAC501 MK2 is $11,995 and the DAC502 MK2 is $12,995.
Older DAC50x models can be upgraded to MK2 for $2,495, ($3,195 in Canada).
Bluebird Music is now stocking both models in black and silver finish.
About Bluebird Music: Founded in 2000 and led by Founder and President Jay Rein, Bluebird Music is a full service, value-added distributor of hi-fi products of the highest quality. Bluebird believes in fully supporting highly-skilled retailers who are passionate about great sound. Products distributed by Bluebird can be found at over 100 select dealerships in the US and Canada.
Company Website: Bluebird Music
About Weiss Engineering: Weiss products are precision-built in Switzerland to the most rigorous professional standards, designed to deliver flawless performance over years of constant use. Weiss DACs and DSP units are found in recording and mastering studios worldwide, and previous Weiss consumer audio DACs have won numerous awards and placement on “best of” lists.
Company Website: Weiss Engineering