Micro

About the Micro

The HeadRoom Micro DAC is a small, high-quality digital-to-analog converter that supports USB, optical (Toslink), and coaxial S/PDIF digital inputs. It uses the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC chip, known for its excellent performance with a 120dB dynamic range and -107dB THD+Noise. The device includes independent power supply regulators for analog and digital sections, a CS8416 digital receiver chip for decoding, and a TI PCM2902 chip for USB to S/PDIF conversion. It features low-noise, low-drift 0.1% metal film resistors and ultra-low ESR film capacitors for superior audio quality. The Micro DAC is housed in a robust extruded aluminum case and is designed to be paired with the HeadRoom Micro Amp, forming a compact 'Micro Stack'. It runs on dual 9V batteries or an external power supply and offers about eight hours of battery life. The unit is hand-built in Montana, USA, and is praised for its transparency, detail, and low jitter performance. The Micro DAC does not include interconnect cables, requiring users to provide optical, coaxial, or mini 1/8" cables as needed. It was discontinued but remains a highly regarded product for audiophiles seeking a portable yet high-quality DAC solution.