T+A Elektroakustik DAC 200 Preamplifier / DAC

Dedicated DSD and PCM processing, plenty of inputs including one analog.

Remember the T+A DAC 8? That feature-laden Preamp/DAC was renowned for its directness and purity of sound, proving beyond doubt that this German loudspeaker and electronics manufacturer could absolutely nail digital processing. At a far higher pricepoint, the T+A HV Series DACs prove they can play with ease in the ultra-high-end market too.

The DAC 200 sits in between, the latest member of an extended family of high-end converters and preamplifiers. Built into the T+A name, (Theory + Application) is a belief in good science and engineering, but also an unwavering commitment to music. From its ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files to its complete galvanic separation, the DAC 200 is an utterly natural-sounding DAC with a range of applications in your system.

Focus on De-Jitter

Great DAC manufacturers all know that reducing jitter is key to getting beautiful digital sound. However, audible artefacts are caused by even vanishingly low levels of jitter, and reducing it is extremely difficult. The DAC 200 uses a special de-jitter masterclock and jitter filter circuit developed by T+A. Special femtoclock oscillators are then used to cleanly transfer the signal.

Separating Formats

The DAC 200 processes DSD and PCM signals in separate convertors that are designed specifically for each signal type. T+A calls this Path Separation Technology, and it is a big part of how the DAC 200 is able to get the very best of each format. For PCM signals, the DAC 200 uses T+A’s quadruple converter, and DSD files are processed using the T+A True 1-bit converter.

The T+A True 1-bit converter is special in that it does not process DSD signals by converting them into PCM, as so many convertors do. It instead processes DSD in a true 1-bit circuit for total purity in reproduction.

The PCM Quadruple Converter features a double symmetrical circuit design comprising an amazing eight 32-bit Burr-Brown converters. This ensures great linearity, and reduces the already minimal background noise by a further 6 dB. There are six digital filter options, two of which are NOS (non-oversampling) stages for ultimate directness of sound.

Separating Digital and Analog

T+A’s Digital Analogue Separation System uses ultra-fast digital isolators from Silicon Labs to provide galvanic separation between the analog and digital sections. This separation leads back to the power supply, with the power sections for the analog and digital signal paths also completely separated galvanically.

Rich Feature Set

T+A thought the DAC 200 connections through the maxim of “no restrictions of any kind.” This means that every input is given the highest level of quality. The USB-B inputs, for example, are based on the new high-resolution Thesycon chip, which processes signals up to DSD 1024. There is also AES/EBU, BNC, and SPDIF, both optical and coax. One analog input is provided and two HDMI inputs are available as an option.

The preamp section is a class-A gain stage with a dual mono output stage. XLR and RCA is available and there is a 4.4 mm headphone out via a fully discrete head amp circuit.

In the Box

• Remote control FM200
• Power cord
• USB cable

Specifications

Dimensions: 4″ x 12.6″ x 13.4″ (10 × 32 × 34 cm)

Weight: 13.7 lb (6.2 kg)