DAC-19

About the DAC-19

The Audio-GD DAC-19 is a multibit R2R digital-to-analog converter built around two Burr-Brown PCM1704UK chips, one per channel, with a fully discrete, DC-coupled analog output stage that avoids op-amps and coupling capacitors in the signal path. It uses Audio-GD's ACSS current-mode technology alongside a standard RCA voltage output, providing two analog output types for flexible system integration. Digital inputs include USB, coaxial (RCA and often BNC), and optical, with USB supporting up to 32-bit/192kHz (or higher sample rates such as 384kHz on some later USB/Amanero/USB32 variants), while coaxial and optical are limited to 24-bit/96kHz. A built-in DSP (Altera Cyclone-based) digital filter is employed for high-performance signal processing, jitter reduction, and selectable sound tuning in the DAC-19/10th Anniversary and later DSP versions. The unit features ACSS and RCA outputs, front-panel controls including power and a phase-inversion/setting button, and is housed in a black anodized aluminum chassis with an aluminum selector knob. Power is supplied by an R-core transformer with multi-stage regulation; some versions use dual R-core transformers and extensive local regulation to reduce noise and jitter. Across its revisions (classic, DSP, and 10th Anniversary/2016), the DAC-19 is consistently characterized by a neutral, detailed sound, strong dynamics, excellent instrument separation, and low listening fatigue, and the ACSS output is optimized for direct connection to compatible Audio-GD amplifiers.