DAC1 Mk II by Merason

DAC1 Mk II by Merason

$9,200.00

The Merason DAC1 Mk II is a high-end digital-to-analog converter featuring Burr Brown 1794A modules and a fully balanced design. With advanced input processing, multiple dedicated power supplies, and Swiss craftsmanship, it delivers a relaxed yet detailed sound, perfect for audiophiles who value musicality and precision in their listening experience.

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Description

Merason DAC1 Mk II: Precision Swiss Engineering for Pure Musicality

The Merason DAC1 Mk II is a testament to Swiss precision and a deep commitment to audio excellence. As the flagship model in Merason’s lineup, this digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is designed to deliver an immersive listening experience, combining advanced technology with fine craftsmanship. The DAC1 Mk II employs two Burr Brown 1794A converter modules, each dedicated to its own channel, ensuring a fully balanced design with four independent channels. This setup provides a 5 dB improvement in dynamic range, offering a more expansive and detailed soundstage.

Advanced Signal Processing

The DAC1 Mk II features a comprehensive input array, including USB, RCA, Toslink, and AES, with the USB input utilizing Amanero technology. This ensures a low-jitter music signal, further enhanced by precise oscillators and galvanic isolation across all inputs. The design effectively shields the sensitive digital signals from external interference, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate audio output. The digital signals are then converted into analog by the Burr Brown 1794A converters, and the resulting analog signal is processed through a discrete Class A output stage, which buffers the signal before it reaches your audio system.

Power Supply and Construction

The power supply design of the DAC1 Mk II is a highlight, with each functional unit receiving its own dedicated power supply, totaling twelve in all. This includes separate linear power supplies with oversized transformers for the two output channels, ensuring stable and noise-free operation. The meticulous attention to power management contributes to the DAC’s ability to produce a sound that is both dynamic and finely detailed. The DAC1 Mk II’s structure has been thoroughly tested and refined, with extensive listening sessions guiding the selection of components, from capacitors and voltage regulators to I/V converters and output stages.

Swiss Craftsmanship

Every aspect of the DAC1 Mk II reflects its Swiss heritage, from the manufacturing of the housing and control knobs to the placement of components and final assembly. The result is a device that not only performs at the highest level but also embodies the precision and quality for which Swiss engineering is renowned. The DAC1 Mk II is available in black, silver, and gold finishes, with a minimalist design that complements any high-end audio setup.

Conclusion: A New Standard in Digital Audio Conversion

The Merason DAC1 Mk II sets a new benchmark for digital-to-analog conversion, delivering music with a calm, detailed, and highly transparent sound. It excels in rendering complex musical passages with a natural flow and deep, controlled bass, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking to extract the utmost fidelity from their digital music collections.

Additional information

Weight 5.5 kg
Dimensions 29 × 45 × 10 cm
Finish

Black, Champaign, Silver
Output Max

3 V RMS (balanced), max.
1.5 V RMS (unbalanced)
Frequency Response

20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.3 dB
THD+N

< 0.006 %
Signal-to-noise Ratio

> 120 dB
DAC

Twice BurrBrown 1794A, discrete I/V stage
Power Supply

230 V or 115V (one of them) AC / 50 to 60 Hz, 30 W.
Ambient Temperature

10°C to 30°C, 50°F to 86°F
Humidity Max

80 %, non-condensing
Input Format

44.1 kHz@16 bit, 44.1 kHz@24 bit
48 kHz@16 bit, 48 kHz@24 bit
88.2 kHz@24 bit
96 kHz@24 bit
176.4 kHz@24 bit (USB)
192 kHz@24 bit

About Merason

Merason Audio, a Swiss-based company, is recognized for its high-end digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that focus on delivering an exceptionally musical and natural sound. Rooted in Swiss precision engineering, Merason is known for designing DACs that prioritize the essence of music over technical complexity, creating products that resonate emotionally with listeners. The brand’s philosophy revolves around transparency, detail, and warmth, aiming to reproduce the purity of sound without coloring the audio signal.

Merason’s flagship product, the DAC1 Mk II, exemplifies this approach. Utilizing Burr-Brown PCM1794A DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration, the DAC1 is designed to provide highly detailed sound while maintaining warmth and fluidity. The DAC1 is noted for its transparent sound and immediacy, delivering an experience that feels alive and immersive. Despite its high resolution, it avoids sounding overly analytical, allowing the music to retain its natural, analog-like charm. Merason’s decision to focus solely on PCM and omit DSD support reflects their commitment to optimizing performance for one format, rather than complicating the design with multi-format processing​.

For those seeking a more accessible entry point, Merason offers the Frérot, a compact DAC that maintains the company’s core principles of musicality. Although more affordable than the DAC1, the Frérot still delivers a rich, emotionally engaging sound, especially when paired with Merason’s optional POW1 linear power supply. The Frérot, like the DAC1, emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness, avoiding unnecessary features and focusing on delivering the best possible sound at its price point​.

Merason’s dedication to sound quality and minimalist design has earned them a reputation among audiophiles who prioritize musical engagement and warmth over technical embellishment. Each of their products is carefully crafted to bring out the emotional depth in music, ensuring a listening experience that is both transparent and deeply satisfying.

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