The Weiss DAC 501 Mk2 is available with a headphone amplifier and 1/4" headphone jack included. Also available in Black or Silver.DAC 501 Mk2 and DAC 502 Mk2The Mk2 versions use the latest DAC chips with stellar technical specifications, making for an enhanced two-channel DAC with improved transparency and openness. Both line output stages and headphone output stages are built with Weiss' proprietary discrete electronics.Both units incorporate a stainless steel chassis with a robust 10mm aluminum faceplate. Digital processing is performed by a pair of 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips per channel, providing superb channel separation and noise-rejection in both two and four channel applications.An internal high-precision clock generator clocks the DACs at approximately 195kHz; PCM signals up to 384kHz and DSD x64 and x128 are re-clocked to 195kHz. Power supplies are linear, incorporating dual toroidal transformers and separate regulators for each channel, minimizing noise and crosstalk.Most significant is the analog stage, whose new discrete operational amplifiers (called OP2-BP, designed and produced by Weiss) far exceed commonly available monolithic op-amp chips. They contribute to the extraordinary sound quality and an unmatched signal-to-noise ratio of 128 dB.The DAC 501 Mk2 and DAC 502 Mk2 share the same circuitry and componentry, differing primarily in form factor: the DAC 501 Mk2 is a compact, half-width unit offering placement flexibility in desktop, studio, and home applications. The DAC 502 Mk2 features a standard full-width chassis and adds a four-pin balanced headphone connector on the rear panel.There are five digital inputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF via XLR, Toslink, or RCA; UPnP/DLNA via Ethernet; and USB. Outputs are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. Both units have a front-panel 1/4" headphone jack; the DAC 502 Mk2 adds a 4-pin XLR output on the back panel. Line and headphone outputs are separate and discrete.Both units feature a touch screen display for intuitive setup and operation, and can also be controlled via the included full-function remote or a web interface. Both the DAC 501 Mk2 and DAC 502 Mk2 are networkable and Roon Ready.Older DAC 50x models can be upgraded to Mk2 for $2,495 ($3,195 in Canada). Call us to arrange the upgrade: 406-285-3910.
