The original Weiss DAC204 was praised by many including me:
Sometimes things do work out fabulously and the Weiss DAC204 doesn’t sacrifice one iota of performance in its stripped down form. The DAC204 positively leaps onto my Favorite DAC List and I wouldn’t let its price fool you into thinking its limited in any significant way. Bravo!
Yet now comes news of new DAC204 in MK2 attire sporting a number of updates including a new upgraded DAC board housing an ESS ES9028PRO DAC chip (the original DAC204 relied on an ES9018), an optimized output stage while “distortion figures and reconstruction filters have been fine-tuned by ear for an optimal sonic experience”.
Everything else including the casework, dimensions, inputs, outputs, and file format support remain the same. The DAC204 can also be used as DDC, converting USB to either S/PDIF or AES out. The price of the new Weiss DAC204-MK2 also remains the same at $3990 and is available through authorized dealers. Current DAC 204 owners can opt for the distributor or dealer installed upgrade for $1395.
I could have easily lived with the original DAC204 on my desktop where it fit like a glove so you can call me more than curious about how Weiss improved on that sound.
Here’s the press release:
WEISS DAC204-MK2 NOW AVAILABLE IN USA AND CANADA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The new MK2 version builds on the success of the DAC204 with upgraded digital conversion, improved jitter performance, and a more refined analog output stage.
Buffalo, NY – June 17, 2026 — Bluebird Music is pleased to introduce the new Weiss Engineering DAC204-MK2, the latest evolution of its acclaimed high-end digital-to-analog converter.
The original DAC204 earned its reputation by bringing Weiss’s world-renowned mastering technology into an elegant and accessible high-end design. Combining studio precision with an unusually natural and emotionally engaging presentation, it proved that exceptional digital playback is not defined by complexity, but by the quality of engineering behind it.
The new DAC204-MK2 advances this platform with significant improvements throughout the digital and analog sections, including a redesigned DAC stage, enhanced jitter suppression, and a near-zero-ohm output stage. These upgrades deliver greater transparency, improved low-level resolution, and an even stronger sense of space, dimensionality, and musical realism.
Designed by legendary digital engineer Daniel Weiss, the DAC204-MK2 continues the company’s philosophy that great digital playback should deliver more than technical accuracy. It should preserve the body, flow, and emotional expression of the original performance.
Most DACs at this price point tend to favor either hyper-detailed analytical sound or a warmer presentation that sacrifices precision. The DAC204-MK2 avoids both extremes, delivering a sound that is clean, open, tonally rich, and remarkably free from digital glare. Rather than emphasizing hi-fi effects, the Weiss preserves the structure, texture, and presence of the music itself.
Drawing from Weiss Engineering’s professional mastering heritage, the DAC204-MK2 incorporates precision clocking, advanced filtering, low-jitter architecture, and carefully optimized analog circuitry. Every element is refined through both objective measurement and extensive listening to ensure the final result serves the music.
One of the defining strengths of the DAC204-MK2 is its ability to reproduce acoustic space and low-level information with exceptional realism. Voices and instruments emerge with natural weight and dimensionality, while depth, air, and ambience unfold effortlessly around the performers.
The DAC204-MK2 also reflects a refreshingly focused design philosophy. Rather than emphasizing excessive features or unnecessary complexity, Weiss concentrates on what matters most: exceptional digital conversion in a beautifully engineered component.
Features include:
- USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Toslink digital inputs
- Balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs
- PCM and DSD playback support
- Precision-machined chassis
- Professional-grade digital architecture derived from Weiss mastering expertise
Price and Availability
The Weiss DAC204-MK2 has a suggested US retail price of $3,990, ($4,895 in Canada), and is available now from Bluebird Music and authorized Weiss dealers throughout the United States and Canada.
The Weiss DAC204-MK2 combines Swiss studio precision with an unusually organic, human, and emotionally convincing presentation — a DAC designed for listeners who want digital music to sound natural, dimensional, and alive.
About Weiss Engineering
Founded in Switzerland in 1985 by Technical GRAMMY Award recipient Daniel Weiss, Weiss Engineering is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities in digital audio technology. Awarded to innovators whose contributions have shaped the recording industry, the Technical GRAMMY places Daniel Weiss among a select group of audio pioneers recognized for advancing how music is created and experienced.
About Bluebird Music
Bluebird Music is a leading North American distributor of high-performance audio products. For more than 26 years, Bluebird Music has represented a portfolio of world-class brands known for their exceptional musical expression. With a strong focus on dealer support, customer satisfaction, and long-term partnerships, Bluebird Music is dedicated to delivering exceptional audio experiences to enthusiasts across the United States and Canada.
Company Website: Weiss Engineering
North American Distributor: Bluebird Music