Weiss DAC501 Mk2 4-Ch D/A Converter

Weiss DAC501 Mk2 4-Ch D/A Converter Key Features: 

• Updated 4-Ch design with the latest DAC chips for enhanced 2-Channel playback, with 4-Channel simultaneous playback introduced via future software update
• ARM processor for Network and USB interfacing and general control of the unit
• SHARC Signal Processor chip for various signal processing tasks including sampling frequency conversion and high precision volume control
• Extensive power supply with separate power transformers and many high precision voltage regulators
• Local, very low jitter clock generator for the D/A converter
• Very low impedance outputs
• Analog output level selection to accommodate for amplifiers and headphones 
• Roon Ready

Product Description: 

Weiss’s new -4ch versions utilize one of the latest DAC chips, featuring exceptional technical specifications. This advancement transforms the -4ch models into superior 2-channel DACs, equipped with the same features found in the DAC501 and DAC502 units. The sonic performance of the -4ch versions is significantly elevated, delivering remarkable transparency and openness.

Both the line output stages and headphone output stages are crafted with discrete electronics, similar to those in the standard DAC50x series. Furthermore, all standard DAC50x units can be upgraded to the -4ch version by installing a new analog section module and loading updated software. This upgradeability reflects the commitment to long-term investment protection for users.

The standard DAC501 and DAC502 units remain in production, while the -4ch versions will soon be capable of simultaneous 4-channel playback, thanks to forthcoming software updates. This enhancement aims to achieve a more lifelike reproduction in home settings, catering to the emerging 3D audio productions within high-end HiFi setups, where limited speaker channels are often a reality. This advancement represents the future of high-end audio reproduction.

Digital Signal Processing

The DAC501 uses a built-in digital signal processing (DSP) chip for its audio processing. These algorithms are included:

• Room Equalizer – to suppress room modes for more accurate bass reproduction.
• Creative Equalizer – a tone control with low boost/cut, high boost/cut, and mid boost/cut. Very useful to correct those recordings which do not quite sound right.

• De-Essing – the automatic removal of overly bright sibilances from human voices. The sibilance effect can be more or less pronounced depending on your speakers or room acoustics.
• Constant Volume – adjusts the audio volume (loudness) to a constant value across all tracks played. Useful for “party mode” when the volume control should stay untouched.
• Vinyl Emulation – get that special sonic character of a record player based playback chain. We also employ an emulation of the DMM-CD procedure offered by the Stockfisch label.
• Crosstalk Canceling (XTC) – for the playback of dummy head recordings or live recordings via speakers for an incredible live sensation. Dummy head recordings usually are listened to via headphones because they only work properly if the left channel goes to the left ear only and the right channel to the right ear only. With speakers this is difficult to achieve as the left channel goes to the left and the right ear. But with some clever signal processing of the speaker channels is is possible to suppress the crosstalk, i.e. the audio going from the left speaker to the right ear and vice versa. If that works properly then the recording sounds as if one would be in the space where the recording has taken place. All the reverberation and 3D representation of the sound sources is there.(For speaker based playback only.)

• Loudness Control – a listening volume dependent equalization of the audio.
• Headphone Equalizer – to adapt any headphone to the listener’s ears in terms of frequency response.

• Crossfeed – to emulate a speaker based playback impression on headphones.

Specifications: 

Power Supply

Dimensions and Weight: 

Overall - 18.8 x 30 x 7.2 cm (W x D x H, with feet)

Warranty Information:

Warranty - 1 year limited warranty from date of purchase.

Downloads: 

Weiss 50x Series User Manual

White paper on the DAC501-4ch and DAC502-4ch