In Barn for Review: Weiss DAC204 D/A Converter

Cute as a button!

The subtitle for new Weiss DAC204 reads: Multi-format DAC and Format Converter.

We all get the DAC bit—digital in/analog out—but the little Weiss DAC204 has a few other tricks up its convertor.

From Weiss:

The DAC204 accepts incoming digital audio streams straight from any USB-equipped computer, tablet, or mobile phone. It can also receive S/PDIF and AES/EBU audio via its S/PDIF or Toslink connectors.

The DAC204 converts the incoming digital streams to analogue audio, which simultaneously appears on its balanced XLR connectors and unbalanced RCA connectors.

It can also perform digital-to-digital conversion and output digital audio in AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats through the corresponding connectors and a BNC output connector.

Should the incoming audio be in DSD format, the DAC204 can convert that to PCM.

Those DSD conversion toggle switches do what they say, converting incoming DSD to either 176.4 or 88.2 PCM in 16- or 24-bit format: “These selection switches may make sense if an external D/A Converter is connected to the digital outputs of the DAC204. If only the internal D/A Converter is used we recommend to set the switches to 176.4 kHz and 24 Bit.” You can connect multiple devices to the DAC204—RCA and XLR analog out as well as digital out—and select between the digital inputs with the front toggle Input selector switch (the analog outputs are always live). Inside reside several signal reclocking schemes…combined for a high jitter attenuation and 4 oversampling sigma delta D/A converters per channel …operated in parallel for enhanced signal to noise performance, while the power supply is external, the result is an analog output free of “digital noise” and channel crosstalk.

Kinda quirky, very cute if you like toggle switches (I do), and the least expensive DAC from Daniel Weiss. I’m not sure whether to put it in my system or take it for a walk. Stay tuned!

Weiss DAC204 D/A ConverterPrice: $2895Company Website: Weiss EngineeringNorth American Distributor: Bluebird Music

Technical Info

The DAC204 has a total of three digital stereo inputs: 1x USB, 2x AES/EBU or S/PDIF on Toslink or RCA connectorsAccepted formats: PCM 44.1kHz up to 384 kHz, DSD 64x / 128xAnalog Outputs: XLR, RCADigital Outputs (AES/EBU): XLR, RCA, BNCTwo toggle switches for output level settingExternal power supply connectorAn external power supply is included. All sensitive voltages have their own linear regulators.

Dimensions

Depth: 16.5 cm / 6.5 inchesWidth: 10.5 cm / 4.2 inchesHeight: 9.5 cm / 3.8 inches