Looking at this DAC make me think of a line from a sci-fi TV series of yesteryear i.e. “BY YOUR COMMAND”.  If you don’t recall where the line comes from – look it up – I’m sure you’ll agree.

NuForce is now shipping their previously announced DAC-9 Digital-to-Analog Converter, Preamplifier and Headphone Amplifier. The DAC-9 provides six digital inputs, each feeding a pair of high-performance, non-over-sampling DACs (up to 24-bit/96kHz). The output of the two DACs’ is combined to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, which is claimed to be reach near theoretical limits. The signal is then channelled through to a proprietary Passive IV digital output filter. With the intention of maximizing the response smoothness, the high-frequency phase coherence of which is maintained consistently. Helping to provide some future-proofing, a USB plug-in module / interface is incorporated to allow for the future upgrade to a higher bit-rate performance.

Once the DAC-09 converts the digital signal to analogue, it is passed through to a a minimalist preamplifier stage that does not use negative feedback. The shortest possible signal paths, lowest-noise components and circuit layouts obtain throughout. When the user selects the Fixed Mode Output, a mechanical relay bypasses the DAC-9’s digitally controlled volume attenuator, further enhancing straight-wire-with-gain performance characteristics.

The DAC-9 provides a fully independent headphone stage with its own analog volume control and both 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks for added convenience as well as to ensure greater signal purity.

The NuForce DAC-9 is now available worldwide ins both silver and black for $1,695 U.S.

Look for more details at: http://www.nuforce.com

About the Author: George de Sa

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