The Merason DAC 2 is a high-end digital-to-analog converter and the evolution of the DAC 1 Mk II. It is designed with a strong focus on musicality, natural reproduction, and emotional engagement, while maintaining the precision and transparency expected from a reference-level digital source component.
At its core, the DAC 2 uses two BurrBrown PCM1794A converter chips in a true dual-mono configuration, with one converter dedicated to each channel. This architecture improves channel separation and dynamics, while contributing to a wide and stable soundstage.
Following the conversion stage, the signal passes through a fully discrete, fully balanced Class A output stage without feedback. Merason has also redesigned the multilayer PCB architecture and improved the power supply for the converter chips, with the goal of minimizing signal losses, interference, and distortion while preserving fine musical detail.
The DAC 2 provides USB, coaxial RCA, Toslink, and AES/EBU digital inputs, all with galvanic isolation, together with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. Its purist design deliberately omits features such as volume control and a headphone amplifier, keeping the unit focused exclusively on high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Development, assembly, and final inspection are carried out in Switzerland.
- Component type: High-end digital-to-analog converter
- DAC architecture: 2 × BurrBrown PCM1794A converters in true dual-mono configuration
- Analog stage: Fully discrete, balanced Class A output stage without feedback
- Digital inputs: USB, coaxial RCA, Toslink, AES/EBU
- Analog outputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
- Maximum output level: 3.5 V RMS balanced / 1.75 V RMS unbalanced
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB
- THD+N: <0.006%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: >120 dB
- Supported formats: Up to 192 kHz / 24-bit; 176.4 kHz / 24-bit via USB
- Power supply: 12 independent power supplies with oversized transformers
- Dimensions: 450 × 100 × 290 mm
- Weight: 5.5 kg