Weiss DAC502 MK2 4-Ch D/A Converter

The DAC502 MK2 (DAC502-4ch) is an extremely versatile and pleasantly sounding D/A converter. Available for close to six years, it continues to deliver outstanding performance. As part of the ongoing pursuit of live-like music reproduction, the Mark II version-called DAC502-4ch-has been introduced. Compared to the former DAC section, the -4ch version achieves another level of sonic performance.

What is the purpose of the -4ch version?

All standard DAC502 units can be upgraded to the -4ch version. This upgrade consists of a new analog section module installed in the unit along with updated software. The DAC502 continues to be manufactured, ensuring long-term usability and upgrade flexibility.

Additionally, the DAC502-4ch will be capable of playing four channels simultaneously once the required software is introduced. This enables a more live-like listening experience at home and supports upcoming 3D audio productions in high-end Hi-Fi systems, where available speaker channels are often limited. This represents the future of high-end audio reproduction.

Planned 4-channel applications

The following 4-channel features are under consideration. Implementation may vary.

Audio sources may consist of two or more channels. Input channels are automatically rendered to fit the four output channels.

• 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel rear speakers for surround playback
• 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel front speakers at a different angle (inspired by Pawel Acoustics)
• 2-channel front speakers + 1 front center speaker + 1 subwoofer
• 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel subwoofers for stereo subwoofer operation
• 2-channel front speakers with crosstalk cancellation + 2-channel rear speakers with crosstalk cancellation
• 2-channel headphones (Type A) + 2-channel headphones (Type B) for simultaneous listening by two users

Additional experimental concepts

• 2-channel front speakers + 2 elevated front speakers for extended vertical soundstage
• 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel headphones for simultaneous speaker and headphone listening

Further setup variants are under consideration.

Technology used

The DAC502-4ch is based on the following hardware architecture:

• ARM processor for network and USB interfacing and overall system control
• SHARC signal processor for sampling frequency conversion and high-precision volume control
• Extensive power supply with separate transformers and high-precision voltage regulators
• Local, ultra-low-jitter clock generator for D/A conversion
• State-of-the-art D/A conversion stage
• Discrete analog output sections
• Very low-impedance outputs
• Selectable analog output levels for amplifiers and headphones

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 128 dB
• Signal-to-Distortion + Noise Ratio: Better than 115 dB
• Linearity: Within a 120 dB range, less than ±0.2 dB deviation from ideal
• Spurious components (including harmonics): Less than -120 dB
• Channel crosstalk: Less than -110 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)