Weiss

DAC204-MK2

Name: DAC204-MK2
Brand: Weiss
SKU: WEISS-DAC204-MK2

Multi-format DAC and format converter

Dare we call the DAC204-MK2 a Swiss army knife? It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering’s product offering.

At a glance

All specifications

Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5 inches
Width: 10.5 cm / 4.2 inches
Height: 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches

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Features5
Downloads1
Awards and press3

Overview

Dare we call the DAC204-MK2 a Swiss army knife? It is certainly the most versatile digital-to-analogue converter in Weiss Engineering’s product offering.

Use the DAC204-MK2 for easy switching between multiple digital sources — including a computer or mobile with USB out — and enjoy pristine, low-jitter conversion to analogue audio from the unit’s outputs. The MK2 version features a newly upgraded DAC board with an ES9028PRO chip and a near-zero-ohm output stage, further enhancing performance with difficult cables or low-impedance headphones. The unit can also convert DSD audio to PCM and offers a digital output in AES/EBU format.

Features

Cover all your bases
The DAC204-MK2 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 now employs a redesigned DAC section: a new ES9028PRO chip featuring an advanced jitter-elimination circuit, plus an optimized output stage. The distortion figures and reconstruction filters have been fine-tuned by ear for an optimal sonic experience.
Digital accepted here
The DAC204-MK2 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-MK2 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-MK2 can convert that to PCM.
Stay connected
The DAC204-MK2 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-MK2 is the bigger sibling to the DAC205-MK2. The two units offer the same conversion quality, but the DAC204-MK2 has a USB input and can convert DSD to PCM audio. Both the DAC204-MK2 and DAC205-MK2 remain affordable alternatives to higher-grade units such as the DAC501 and HELIOS. They do not have the onboard digital processing capabilities of those units, nor do they include headphone outputs or remote controls.

Specifications

Digital Inputs

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

Analog Outputs: Line out unbalanced on RCA connector. Line out balanced on XLR connector.

Front Panel Controls

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

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

Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5 inches
Width: 10.5 cm / 4.2 inches
Height: 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches

Power Supply

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.

Downloads

DAC204 ManualManual · English · PDF, 792 KB
Download

Awards and press

This is the finest DAC at this price point that we have heard. It lacks some of the features of its big brothers, the 501 and 502, but it does not lack in its ability to offer up great sound. I give the DAC 204 a big thumbs up – I’ll give two because I’ve got two thumbs ¬– and recommend it for anyone searching for natural and realistic reproduction and accuracy from their DAC.
TTVJAudio
That wide, deep, and expansive sound stage gives so much air around instruments. For a digital device to bring all this, it’s not surprising that Weiss is still at the top of their game.
Tannoyista
The attributes of the Weiss DAC204 by far exceed what we can expect from its modest presentation. Its ability to translate zeros and ones into high-quality music with such pleasant and wide presentation makes it, for me, a reference equipment in this price range.
Et Sona