SPL Audio Diamond DAC and Preamplifier

The SPL Diamond is a premium, reference-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and preamplifier designed for audiophile home listening and studio environments. Manufactured in Germany by Sound Performance Labs, it features SPL’s proprietary 120V VOLTAiR technology and an analog volume control for uncompromised, dynamic sound quality. Reviews Read review here More review below “Richness of sound, flawless performance and dynamics are also included – together with a features set that should leave hardly any wishes unfulfilled: an almost irresistible offer.” Hifistatement - Klaus Schrätz “Diamond scores with HiRes capability up to PCM 768 and DSD256. Thanks to its VOLTAiR technology, it operates with extremely low noise and distortion as well as rich in dynamics and with high resolution.” lite-Magazin - Volker Frech “Music lovers who exclusively use digital sources and are looking for a DAC/preamplifier that is as easy-to-use as it is versatile and, above all, has a powerful sound, have come to exactly the right place with the new SPL Diamond.” Lowbeats - Frank Borowski Under Control The volume is adjusted with a solid, milled aluminium, rotary knob. The Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer gives a pleasant rotary feel. Source of Joy Up to 6 digital stereo sources can be connected to Diamond. Diamond offers each a stereo USB and AES input as well as each two optical and coaxial stereo inputs. Via USB, both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted. PCM audio is received in S/PDIF format, both coaxial (RCA), optical (Toslink F06) and balanced (AES/EBU). The source selection is done via the selection control on the front. The selected input is also shown in the dot matrix LED display: USB, COA1, COA2, OPT1, OPT2 or AES. After approximately two seconds, the display shows the type of clock source and the detected sampling rate. Always in time Diamond can not only synchronise to the clock integrated in the digitally fed source signal. As a specialist for digital players Diamond offers a word clock input. The source of the clock signal can be selected via the CLOCK switch. Source = Diamond synchronises to the digital clock in the source signal. Word = Diamond synchronises to the digital clock present at WORD IN. Well Informed The DAC automatically picks up the sampling rate and resolution of the digital playback source. No matter if a streamer, computer, CD player or an external word clock is connected. The detected sampling rate and the selected clock source are shown in the dot matrix LED display. For example, U768 is an acronym for a clock signal in the USB stream with a sampling rate of 768 kHz. SPL DIAMOND – Premium DAC with VOLTAIR Technology The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In our Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology. The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage. The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers. The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience. By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed. The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device. All Variable Or Slave Thru Diamond provides two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. One pair of outputs with XLR, the other with RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the volume control on the front panel. The volume control for both outputs can be individually switched out of the signal path via DIP switch on the back of the device. For example, a headphone amplifier with its own volume control can be connected to one of the outputs. The DAC768 The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital-to-analogue converter, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256. In contrast to the DAC 768xs, the DAC768 not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the SPL DLP120 with VOLTAiR technology. The DLP120 (DUAL LOW-PASS) The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. Phonitor xe has two of them: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. Sound Good With all devices of the Professional Fidelity series we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.