Description
A 2-channel preamplifier and DAC built around an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, replacing the original Burr-Brown chip and extending USB decoding to DSD and 384kHz/32-bit PCM. Refined cosmetics with sandblasted metal end caps and subtle gold highlights mark this as the successor to Parasound's P 5.
Features
- ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M) with asynchronous USB 2.0 supporting native DSD64/128/256 and DoP
- Burr Brown analog resistor ladder volume control with ball-bearing supported solid aluminum knob
- Dimmable front-panel volume display and programmable default turn-on volume
- Favorite volume memory recallable via remote
- Increased phono stage gain for lower-output cartridges, with improved L/R channel separation and balance tracking
- Analog bass management with high/low pass crossovers and front-panel subwoofer level control
- Home theater bypass input for surround sound integration
- Dedicated high-current headphone amplifier (TI TPA6120)
- Front-panel Aux input with automatic +12dB gain stage to match other sources
- Bass and treble controls with relay bypass from remote or front panel
- Back-lit remote control with discrete buttons
Specifications
DAC
ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M
USB Input
Up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM, native DSD64/128/256, DoP
Coax/Optical Inputs
Up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM (2 optical inputs)
Phono Input
MM, MC, MI with 100Ω or 47kΩ load
Analog Inputs
5 pairs RCA line-level, 1 pair XLR balanced
Outputs
Balanced XLR and RCA preamp outputs; 1 balanced XLR + 2 RCA subwoofer outputs
Control
12V trigger output, rear IR input/loop output
Power Consumption
5W standby (Energy Star & EU compliant)