Weiss Helios Reference DAC

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Key Features Elite Weiss technology - Brings tech developed for the world's top studios right to your living room 8 DAC chips, each with 4 conversion channels - Provides the power of 32-channel DAC processing Sophisticated DSP algorithms - fine-tune both room and headphone acoustics for optimal listening Flexible Connectivity - Numerous digital input formats, balanced and unbalanced analog outputs High Sampling Frequencies - Up to 384 kHz plus DSD x64 and x128 Volume Control - Also functions as a preamp, headphone amp, and a streamer (UPnP & ROON Ready) Product Description The Weiss Helios DAC is designed without compromise, ensuring you experience music just as the mastering engineers do in their studios. This remarkable piece of technology incorporates an eight-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter chip. It enhances audio quality by using four parallel conversion channels for each audio channel. The Helios prides itself on using the Weiss OBP2-BP discrete operational amplifier modules for all analog processing, widely regarded as one of the finest audio operational amplifiers available today. Helios ensures the digital-to-analog conversion process is meticulously accurate, thanks to its internal high-precision, low-jitter clock generator. But Helios is more than a DAC. It doubles as a preamplifier and a UPnP/Roon streamer, incorporating professional-grade DSP algorithms that played a pivotal role in mixing and mastering original recordings. With the addition of an optional headphones adapter, the Helios transforms into an unparalleled headphone amplifier/DAC. Experience the latest breakthrough in DAC technology with the new Helios. Originating in Weiss Engineering’s product line for professional mastering studios, the HELIOS is truly a zero-compromise DAC. For those seeking the same representation of their music as mastering engineers hear when fine-tuning the audio in the studio, the HELIOS is the unit to get. Professional Level at Home Weiss Engineering’s professional clients work in the world’s top-tier studios, fine-tuning the sound of the biggest artists on the planet. It is not an option for them to use anything but the best monitoring chains in existence. This is why they use Weiss Engineering’s professional DACs. The HELIOS maintains that same quality level, with design and features that better suit the high-end hi-fi market. With the HELIOS, you are hearing what the professionals are hearing. High Connectivity The HELIOS comes with digital inputs in numerous formats and has both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. All standard sampling frequencies up to 384 kHz plus DSD x64 and x128 are supported. Furthermore, the unit functions as a preamp, headphone amp, and a streamer (UPnP/ROON). HELIOS Product Comparison The HELIOS and its siblings DAC501 and DAC502 are based on the same digital audio platform, but the HELIOS sports a different D/A Converter and analog output section. The HELIOS’ XLR and RCA outputs can be used to drive amplifier line inputs as well as headphones directly or via a dedicated headphone amplifier. The DSP processing can be switched to speaker or headphone mode as required. The HELIOS housing is made of a dual frame scheme with a stainless steel internal frame and a thick aluminum outer frame. Purist Signal Path To achieve its exceptional performance specifications, the HELIOS uses an eight-channel 32-bit D/A converter chip, with four paralleled conversion channels per audio channel. All analog processing is done with our own discrete operational amplifier modules, the Weiss OP2-BP — arguably the best audio operational amplifier currently available. It also uses an internal high-precision/low jitter clock generator for ultra-stable clocking of the D/A converter section. Professional Processing The built-in digital audio processing is based on the same trailblazing algorithms that are used in Weiss Engineering’s professional audio tools. So with the HELIOS you can adjust the audio using the same professional-grade algorithms that were used to mix and master the original recordings. Ease of Use The HELIOS comes with an IR remote control which can be used to select the active input and output, the DSP audio processing presets, and switch power on and off. Furthermore, it is possible to control and configure the HELIOS via a web browser, which adds detailed control of the DSP processing and preset management. Digital Signal Processing The HELIOS 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 Front Panel Controls: A rotary encoder knob for changing parameters and for powering the unit on/off. A touch screen color LCD display. An IR receiver. Back Panel Elements: Analog outputs on XLR and RCA connectors. Digital inputs on XLR, RCA, TOSLINK, USB, and Ethernet connectors. USB type-A connector for various applications. Mains connector with fuses. General: Inputs (1) XLR connector (1) RCA connector (1) TOSLINK connector (optical) (1) USB type B connector (1) RJ45 Ethernet connector All inputs accept professional or consumer standard, i.e. accept AES/EBU or S/PDIF signals Outputs (2) XLR connectors (hot on pin 2), short circuit proof output circuitry, DC coupled, low output impedance (2) RCA connectors, short circuit proof output circuitry, DC coupled, low output impedance The output level is selectable via the LCD menu or the web interface. Formats Sampling Frequencies AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz USB and RJ45 Ethernet inputs: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, DSD64, DSD128 TOSLINK input: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz D/A Converter Chip Over-sampling multi-bit sigma-delta converter - Four converters per audio channel. THD+N -116 dBr at -3 dBFS input level -128 dBr at -40 dBFS input level -128 dBr at -70 dBFS input level Frequency Response Fs = 44.1 kHz, 0 Hz...20 kHz: within ± 0.25 dB Fs = 88.2 kHz, 0 Hz...20 kHz: within ± 0.25 dB Fs = 88.2 kHz, 0 Hz...40 kHz: within ± 1 dB Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0 Hz...20 kHz: within ± 0.25 dB Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0 Hz...40 kHz: within ± 1 dB Fs = 176.4 kHz, 0 Hz...80 kHz: within ± 4 dB Linearity At 0 dBFS to -120 dBFS input level: less than ±0.2 dB deviation from ideal Spurious Components (Including Harmonics) At 0 dBFS input level, maximum output level, 1 kHz, all components at less than -120 dB At 0 dBFS input level, maximum output level, 4 kHz, all components at less than -120 dB Crosstalk Better than 110 dB, 20 Hz...20 kHz Inter channel Phase Response ±0.1 ◦ 20 Hz...20 kHz ±0.25◦ 20 Hz...40 kHz Power Mains voltage: 100...120 V or 200...240 V, automatic voltage selection Fuse rating: 500 mA slow blow Power consumption: 25 VA max. Power consumption in standby: 2.2 VA max Dimensions and Weight Overall - 30 x 45 x 6.6 cm (D x W x H) With Feet - 30 x 45 x 7.4 cm (D x W x H) Product Weight - 9.4 kg Show more