Weiss DAC 501

The Weiss DAC 501 and DAC 502 are the new state-of-the-art DACs from Weiss, offering an unprecedented level of sophistication and versatility. The DAC501 comes in the compact chassis format familiar to users of the DAC202, while the DAC502 offers a full width chassis and an additional 4 pin headphone socket at the back of the unit; otherwise, the units are identical.
 
With the DAC50x Weiss is creating a new paradigm for a digital replay device. As well as offering one of the best conventional DACs available on the market, these components include a class-leading discrete headphone amplifier, exceptionally capable UPnP ethernet streaming capability, high precision USB interface and a wide range of powerful DSP features.
 
The digital signal chain is optimised at every point for accuracy and minimal jitter, with the built-in streaming interface in particular offering an exceptionally low jitter feed. A wide range of data formats is accepted, covering PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz and DSD 64x / 128x. Two of the latest 32-bit DAC chips are used with two D/A conversion channels per audio channel, resulting in exceptional performance specifications.
 
The analogue signal chain benefits from Daniel’s expertise in audio design, using the renowned Weiss discrete amplifier expertise. Overall technical performance is truly exceptional, with THD+N of better than -125dBr and spurious components at less than -120dBr.
Viewed by itself, the headphone output outperforms almost every dedicated headphone amplifier on the market, capable of driving even the most demanding headphones and offering an end-to-end THD+N of better than -122dBr!
 
Meanwhile, the UPnP streamer works effortlessly for network audio, offering track information display on the front screen as well as full network volume control.
 
Everything is controlled from the elegant touch screen interface on the front of the device, where inputs can be selected and settings controlled. Usefully, output levels can be set in -10dB steps between 0dB and -30dB from this screen, making it ideal for implementations where the DAC drives power amplifiers directly, without an intervening preamp.
 
Finally, the DSP features include room equalisation as well as headphone crosstalk cancellation and other specialist listening modes. Mode advanced aspects of these settings are controlled from a website offered by the device, which also supports firmware updates over the Internet.