T+A DAC 200 The T+A DAC 200 is the latest member of an extended family of High-End converters and pre-amplifiers. Every aspect of its design symbolises our uncompromising commitment to science and music. The ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files and its complete galvanic separation are just two highlights which underline the potential of the DAC 200 in impressive style. The DAC 200 is designed to convert a large number of digital formats into natural-sounding analogue signals and to pass them on via the integral headphone or analogue outputs. A masterpiece of technological design, innovation and sound quality, the DAC 200 includes the following key features; DAC Technology from the HV Range SDV 3100 Reference DAC, with completely separate PCM / DSD signal paths. PCM: Double-Differential-Quadruple Converter up to 32 Bit/768 kHz. DSD: T+A True 1-Bit Converter, native Bitstream up to DSD 1024. Discreetly designed Pre-Amp circuit from the HV range Class A, volume control by encapsulated gold contact relays. Complete galvanic separation between digital and analogue section. Discreetly designed High Performance headphone output stage, up to 200 mA Class A. One Analogue Input. Optional HDMI module with two inputs and one ARC throughput. De-Jitter Masterclock Our belief in totally pure music required an enormous effort on our part to eliminate the most minuscule of interfering influences. The T+A De-Jitter Masterclock was developed with the goal of freeing all T+A DACs from such interference signals, and in particular those which result from the use of computers. This type of interference – known as jitter – is caused by minimal timing errors, which still manage to exert a harmful influence on the sound experience unless they are removed before the conversion into analogue signals. The De-Jitter Masterclock was developed here in Herford, and constitutes a consistent audiophile response to jitter: in a multi-stage process the incoming signals are examined, and even the largest of jitter artefacts are removed. In the first stage the incoming signal delivers a raw clock pulse which is analysed very closely by micro-processors: the signal is then switched to the Masterclock – but only if its frequency and stability fulfil strict minimum criteria. If those criteria are not met, the signals are cleaned again through a further PLL stage in a specially constructed second jitterbug; this process reduces the residual jitter by a factor of 4. Signals which fulfil the purity requirements are de-coupled completely from the input jitter by switching to the Masterclock. They are then further processed by two high-precision quartz oscillators. Each oscillator is reserved for a single clock family; the Masterclock covers both the odd 44.1 kHz clock to 354.8 kHz as well as the even 48 kHz clock to 762 kHz. Connectors No restrictions of any kind – this maxim was our guide in determining the DAC 200’s connections: its inputs are as universal as they are high in quality: the USB-B inputs are based on the new high-resolution Thesycon chip, which processes signals up to DSD 1024. AES/EBU and BNC are also present, as is SP/DIF in optical and coaxial forms. The T+A SYS Link completes the high-speed signal connection within the Series 200 via the SYS IN input. Two stereo HDMI inputs are available as an option. As a specialised pre-amplifier, the DAC 200 features a discreet Class A pre-amplifier section as well as double mono “State of the Art” outputstage, whilst also providing several outputs designed to cope with any requirement. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs transfer the analogue signals to the output stages, while headphones are connected via a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output, which draws its signal from a special high-performance headphone amplifier. In contrast to conventional chip solutions, this is of fully discreet construction, and is specially designed for the requirements of headphones. An HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) for HDMI signal pass-through is available on the optional HDMI board.
