263

About the 263

The Meridian 263 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that uses Delta-Sigma conversion with an 8x-interpolation filter and a 64x Delta-Sigma DAC. It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.2dB and distortion less than 0.004%. The unit accepts a single coaxial digital input via an RCA jack and outputs analog audio through a single-ended stereo pair of RCA jacks. The 263 features a unique design with a single printed circuit board and a power supply consisting of a bridge rectifier and three regulation stages supplying ±5V rails, which is lower than the typical ±12V or ±15V used in output stages. It uses high-quality components such as large Nichicon Muse capacitors and Solen polypropylene bypass capacitors for power filtering. The output stage includes an NE5534 op-amp followed by a discrete class-A stage driving the outputs, with metal-film resistors and primarily polystyrene capacitors. An active de-emphasis circuit is integrated and switched by JFETs. The DAC employs a clever muting technique by holding the DAC in reset mode until the PLL achieves lock, preventing noise or clicks when connecting or disconnecting digital inputs. The front panel has LEDs indicating power, de-emphasis, lock status, and a unique '44.1kHz' indicator that lights only when double-locked to the digital data stream. The unit measures 6.25" W by 3.9" H by 12.9" D and weighs 8 lbs. Originally The 263 was designed and manufactured by Meridian Audio Ltd. in the UK.