Bluebird Music, a distributor of high-performance audio products since 2000, is announcing the availability of the DAC204 DAC from Switzerland-based Weiss Engineering. To kick off its availability in North America, Bluebird Music is showing the DAC204 at the 2023 Axpona (Audio Expo North America) from April 14th-16th which is being held just outside of Chicago.
The names of Daniel Weiss and his company Weiss Engineering may be somewhat unfamiliar to audiophiles in North America, but in the pro world, the company has provided state of the art digital processors to recording and mastering studios since 1985. Early users of Weiss converters included the Harmonia Mundi and Sony Classical labels, both renowned for their technical prowess and the excellence of their recordings.
Since 2000, Weiss has manufactured digital audio products for the high-end consumer market. Their first products were a DAC and a CD transport; since then, a full range of converters and interfaces have been marketed.
Related reading: WTF is a DAC?
The DAC204 is designed to deliver a clean, neutral audio listening experience with musical integrity with precise detail and separation.
Features
Source Inputs: The DAC204 has three digital inputs (USB, Toslink, and S/PDIF).
Outputs: Analog (balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA) and Digital (AES/EBU) via stereo XLR, RCA, and BNC connection.
Input Selection: The DAC204 can be permanently connected to multiple digital sources. Users can switch between sources using the front-mounted Input Selector switch.
Input Signal Compatibility: The DAC204 accepts sampling frequencies from PCM 44.1kHz up to 384kHz plus DSD 64x and 128x, and it can convert DSD to PCM and provides a digital AES/EBU output.
D/A Conversion: The DAC204 incorporates four oversampling sigma-delta D/A converters per channel, operated in parallel to optimize signal-to-noise performance. Several signal reclocking schemes are combined for high jitter attenuation.
External Power Supply: An external power supply is included. All sensitive voltages have their own linear regulators. This is designed to support analog audio output free of “digital noise” and channel crosstalk.
Color Scheme: The DAC204 is housed in a black chassis with a silver faceplate.
Dimensions (DWH): 6.5 x 4.2 x 3.8 inches.
Pricing and Availability
The retail price for the DAC204 is $2,895 ($3,795 Canadian) and is now shipping in USA and Canada via Bluebird Music and its dealers.
Tip: Weiss Engineering DAC204 Main Website
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ORT
April 15, 2023 at 12:07 am
Hail and well met!
There is no reason other than not giving a poo, to NOT make something like this DAC pleasing to the eyes.
Especially since it costs what it costs and does nothing but convert digital bitses to (in my case) Francis A. & Edward K.
This is nothing and I do mean reeeeeally nothing to look at.”Sigh”…This thing looks like some guy named “Art” made it and it still ain’t no work of art.
Yes, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but fugly is out there for all to see. This ain’t quite fugly but again, this is reeeeeally nothing to WANT to look at.
One can not help but wonder if some where out there is a gorgeous DAC sporting informative readouts and PLLs (Pretty Little Lights!) and this thing is its personal Picture of DACian Gray. It is well..
…Release the DACan! Damn straight. It is that unattractive.
ORT O’Fon
Alexander Stuehr
May 25, 2023 at 9:25 pm
Ditto to ORT’s comments. I know Weiss is a respected name. At least they utilized chassis mounted RCA’s on the unit. But really, another delta sigma Altoids box dac for just under $3k. What $50 in parts in $5 extruded aluminum box. Come on Weiss, do better.