Digital to Analog Conversion: ESS ES9038Q2M SABRE32 Reference DAC

(32 bit Stereo DAC with Hyperstream® II DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator).

Analog Signal Path Active Electronics: OPA1656 and OPA1678

(ultra-low-noise, low-distortion, audio operational amplifiers).

USB Interface: Comtrue CT7601 32 bit 768 kHz USB Audio Bridge

(supports PCM up to 32/768k; DoP up to DoP256; native-DSD up to DSD512).

The DRD-1 is a high performance two channel PCM audio DAC, with a variety of digital inputs, including a very high performance USB input, and an HDMI-ARC digital audio input. The USB digital audio input supports sample rates up to 768k, DoP up to DoP256, and Native DSD up to DSD512 with appropriate drivers. The DRD-1 features a fully balanced differential analog signal path, both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, and a fixed output level, for superb audio performance with a wide variety of preamps.

Balanced (XLR; at 0 dB in): 4.2 VRMS .

Unbalanced (RCA; at 0 dB in): 2.1 VRMS.

Frequency Response and Distortion

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/-0.2 dB (44.1k and above sample rates).

Broadband Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-3 dB

Signal to Noise (S/N Ratio): > 120 dB.

Crosstalk: < 100 dB.

THD: < 0.0008%.

IMD: < 0.0025%.

Note: The frequency response with digital input signals at lower sample rates is determined by the sample rate of the incoming digital signal.

•Stereo PCM digital audio via USB at all standard sample rates and bit depths up to 32/768k (no drivers required for Windows, Apple, and most Linux computers).

• Stereo DoP (DSD-over-PCM-over-USB) via USB at DoP64, DoP128, and DoP256 (ASIO driver or support required).

• Native DSD via USB at DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512 (ASIO driver and additional software support required).

• Stereo digital audio via S/PDIF (optical and electrical) at all standard sample rates and bit depths up to 24/192k.

• Stereo digital audio via HDMI-ARC (sample rates and bit depths determined by source).

Coax electrical S/PDIF digital audio input (1)

Toslink optical S/PDIF digital audio input (1)

HDMI-ARC digital audio input (1)

High performance USB digital audio input (1; USB-C).

Main Outputs (balanced, XLR), fixed level (1 stereo pair).

Main Outputs (unbalanced, RCA), fixed level (1 stereo pair).

Trigger Input; Trigger Output (output +12V DC; input 5-12 V AC/DC).

High visibility blue OLED (fully dimmable).

All metal; full function; included.

Note: The DRD-1 Differential Reference DAC and DRP-1 Differential Reference Preamp use the same remote control - so the same remote control can be used to control both.

Power Requirements: 90 - 250 VAC; 50/60 Hz.

Low Power Standby Consumption: Meets latest international standby low-power requirements.

Power Supply: Internal (detachable IEC power cord; no wall wart).

Weight (unboxed): 5 pounds.

Dimensions: 10-1/2 “W x 10-1/4”D x 2-1/4”H (unboxed; including feet)