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DAC502-MK2
DAC502-MK2
DAC502-MK2
DAC502-MK2
DAC502-MK2
DAC502-MK2
Weiss

DAC502-MK2

DAC, audio processor, and network renderer

Series Series 5

Unveil the true sound of the audio material with the DAC502-MK2 digital-to-analog converter.

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At a glance

All specifications
Depth
30 cm / 11.8 inches
Width
45 cm / 17.7 inches
Height
6.6 cm / 2.6 inches
Height with feet
7.4 cm / 2.9 inches
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Overview

Unveil the true sound of the audio material with the DAC502-MK2 digital-to-analog converter. The DAC502-MK2 goes beyond simply reproducing your sound — it also lets you correct frequency imbalances in your room and adjust the sound to better suit your preference.

Features

6

  • Accurate and adjustable

    The DAC502-MK2 is not only one of the best digital-to-analog converter available on the market today, offering an accurate and soulful presentation of the audio. It also includes user-configurable settings, from room EQ and de-essing to crosstalk cancellation, dynamics compensation, loudness control, and even vinyl emulation.

  • High connectivity

    The DAC502-MK2 comes with digital inputs in numerous formats and has both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. All standard sampling frequencies up to 384 kHz plus DSD x64 and x128 are supported. Furthermore, the unit functions as a preamp, headphone amp, and a streamer (UPnP/ROON). The DAC502-MK2 also seamlessly integrates with the JPLAY iOS app – you can enjoy your favorite tracks from Qobuz, Tidal, and your local collection, all in one unified library. The standard two-channel unit can be upgraded to the MK2 version. The MK2 has in its 2 channel mode a superior performance compared to the standard DAC502. A description of the MK2 version can be downloaded from here.

  • DAC502 product comparison

    The DAC502-MK2 and its compact sibling DAC501-MK2 are identical, apart from the latter using a larger enclosure and an additional 4-pin headphone socket at the back of the unit. Both models are offered in aluminum or black finishes. The DAC502-MK2 includes all the audio processing features of the DSP502 — so one could view the latter unit as a DAC502-MK2 without the D/A conversion.

  • Purist signal path

    To achieve its exceptional performance specifications, the DAC502-MK2 uses dual 32-bit D/A converter chips, with two conversion channels per audio channel. It also uses an internal high-precision/low jitter clock generator for ultra-stable clocking of the D/A converter section.

  • Professional processing

    The built-in audio processing is based on the same trailblazing algorithms that are used in Weiss Engineering’s professional audio tools. So with the DAC502-MK2, you can adjust the audio using the same professional-grade algorithms that were used to mix and master the original recording.

  • Ease of use

    The DAC502-MK2 comes with an IR remote control which can be used to select the active input and output, the DSP audio processing presets, and switch power on and off. Furthermore, it is possible to control and configure the DAC502-MK2 via a web browser, which adds detailed control of the DSP processing and preset management.

Specifications

Digital Inputs

Digital Inputs
There are a total of five inputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF via XLR, Toslink and RCA sockets. UPnP/DLNA via Ethernet. USB. Roon Ready.
Accepted formats
PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz, DSD 64x / 128x. Future formats can be accommodated via software updates.

Analog Outputs

Analog Outputs
Line out unbalanced on RCA connector. Line out balanced on XLR connector. Headphone out on 1/4″ jack. Headphone out on 4-pin XLR connector. Discrete output stages for both line and headphone outputs are employed. The output levels can be set in a coarse manner with four steps to adapt for the amplifier or headphone connected. The levels can be set independently for line and headphone outputs. No sound degrading servo mechanisms are used.

Digital Signal Processing

Digital Signal Processing
The DAC502 uses a built-in digital signal processing (DSP) chip for its audio processing. These algorithms are included:
Room Equalizer
to suppress room modes for more accurate bass reproduction.
Creative Equalizer
a tone control with low boost/cut, high boost/cut, and mid boost/cut. Very useful to correct those recordings which do not quite sound right.
De-Essing
the automatic removal of overly bright sibilances from human voices. The sibilance effect can be more or less pronounced depending on your speakers or room acoustics.
Constant Volume
adjusts the audio volume (loudness) to a constant value across all tracks played. Useful for “party mode” when the volume control should stay untouched.
Vinyl Emulation
get that special sonic character of a record player based playback chain. We also employ an emulation of the DMM-CD procedure offered by the Stockfisch label.
Crosstalk Cancelling (XTC)
for the playback of dummy head recordings or live recordings via speakers for an incredible live sensation. Dummy head recordings usually are listened to via headphones because they only work properly if the left channel goes to the left ear only and the right channel to the right ear only. With speakers this is difficult to achive as the left channel goes to the left and the right ear. But with some clever signal processing of the speaker channels is is possible to suppress the crosstalk, i.e. the audio going from the left speaker to the right ear and vice versa. If that works properly then the recording sounds as if one would be in the space where the recording has taken place. All the reverberation and 3D representation of the sound sources is there.(For speaker based playback only.)
Loudness Control
a listening volume dependent equalization of the audio.
Headphone Equalizer
to adapt any headphone to the listener’s ears in terms of frequency response.
Crossfeed
to emulate a speaker based playback impression on headphones.

Front Panel Controls

Front Panel Controls
A rotary encoder knob for changing parameters and for powering the unit on/off. A touch screen colour LCD display. An 1/4 inch headphone socket. An IR receiver.

Back Panel Elements

Back Panel Elements
Analog outputs on XLR and RCA connectors. Digital inputs on XLR, RCA, TOSLINK, USB, and Ethernet connectors. USB type-A connector for various applications. Mains connector with fuses.

Dimensions

Depth
30 cm / 11.8 inches
Width
45 cm / 17.7 inches
Height
6.6 cm / 2.6 inches
Height with feet
7.4 cm / 2.9 inches

IR Remote Control

Depth
2.1 cm / 0.83 inches
Width
4.5 cm / 1.78 inches
Height
16.6 cm / 6.53 inches

Power Supply

Power Supply
A powerful non-switching power supply is used. All sensitive voltages have their own regulators which are separated between left and right channels. The result is an analog output free of “digital noise” and channel crosstalk. The power switch activates a semiconductor relay which only switches on or off at zero crossings of the mains voltage. This assures a glitch-free power switching. The two mains transformers are toroidal types. Mains voltage selection is done automatically by measuring the mains voltage before power is applied to the rest of the electronics.

Downloads

4

Awards and press

3

  • Whenever world-renowned audio expert Daniel Weiss releases a new converter, sound connoisseurs are guaranteed a real treat. His DAC 502 is setting yet another benchmark for a new class of devices.

    Fidelity Magazine

  • The DAC502 is an absolute reviewer’s dream.

    Hifi Advice

  • The Weiss DAC502 retreives more information from the digits than any other DAC I have auditioned…

    Stereophile

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