Electrical Disclaimer Further Information
Your New Year's gift to yourself for those of you who want one of the best value for money reference upscaling DACs. The technology within the striking casework is on the same level as Rockna. I'm only selling this as I heard the WaveDream Ref Sig at CanJam and you can't unhear it! Here are some reviews for you to enjoy:
The CEN.GRAND DSDAC 1.0 is a cutting-edge DSD audio DAC, developed over five years of dedicated R&D. It is available in three models: the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model, and the Deluxe Model. The DSDAC 1.0 incorporates three advanced technologies to minimize jitter and ensure precise digital-to-analog conversion:
High-Precision Algorithm for DSD Frequency Raising
Synchronous Direct Clock
Clock-Blocking Technology
Unlike conventional DACs, the DSDAC 1.0 is built on advanced DSD principles and features numerous proprietary innovations. It abandons traditional D/A conversion chips, using FPGA and discrete components for digital processing instead. The DSDAC 1.0 can upscale all input signals, whether PCM or DSD64, to DSD1024 before D/A conversion. For input data exceeding DSD128, it also offers the option to bypass upscaling for direct output.
The Deluxe Model builds on the Standard Model with an optimized clock system and significant circuit upgrades. This refined design takes sound performance to an entirely new level, setting it apart from traditional DACs.
R&D Background
DSD audio coding offers near-perfect performance but comes with significant technical challenges. Its unique sound quality has captivated music lovers worldwide, sparking a surge of enthusiasm for DSD over the past decade. To date, more than 10,000 SACD albums have been released globally, representing an invaluable cultural resource.
However, SACD's reliance on the DSD64 format—a lower-frequency version of DSD—limits its potential due to disc storage constraints. DSD64 suffers from lower D/A conversion accuracy and produces out-of-band noise (above 23kHz) during the process. To address these issues, many SACD players convert DSD64 to PCM for D/A conversion, undermining the advantages of DSD. This limitation significantly contributed to SACD's struggle against CDs in the market.
Recent advances in DSD coding and FPGA technology have enabled the development of algorithms that raise DSD frequency from 2.8224 MHz to much higher rates. This innovation improves D/A accuracy and shifts out-of-band noise to higher frequencies, making it easier to filter. With these advancements in mind, we embarked on the development of a high-precision DSD frequency-raising algorithm.
R&D History
DSD technology, being proprietary, offers little public documentation. Through years of research, we developed a unique algorithm for high-precision frequency raising, complemented by two groundbreaking clock technologies: Synchronous Direct Clock and Clock Blocking.
The analog circuit plays a critical role in DAC performance, as any deviation in its design can offset even the most advanced digital features. Our R&D team spent nearly a year refining the analog circuit architecture, iterating through over 20 designs. After extensive testing and fine-tuning, the DSDAC 1.0 achieved reference-level performance.
Core Technologies
High-Precision Frequency-Raising Algorithm
This innovative algorithm, a complex mathematical solution, elevates DSD playback by raising its frequency. It enhances D/A accuracy, broadens DSD’s application potential, and positions the DSDAC 1.0 as a leader in audio DAC technology.
Synchronous Direct Clock Technology
Unlike traditional clock systems, this technology transmits the built-in femtosecond clock directly to the shift register without intermediate conversion. This approach ensures that the clock's femtosecond precision is fully reflected in the analog output, avoiding the additive jitter typically introduced by frequency dividers.
Clock Blocking Technology
By discarding the clock from external pre-devices, DSDAC 1.0 exclusively relies on its internal clock. This isolation ensures consistent performance, regardless of the digital source, as long as the data is accurate. Unlike ASRC systems, which negatively affect sound quality, this synchronization process eliminates a longstanding issue in digital audio.
Advanced USB Interface
The DSDAC 1.0 supports native DSD playback, a critical feature for modern DSD DACs. It accepts DSD64 via SPDIF (DOP mode) and DSD512 via USB (native mode). The XMOS XU208 chipset, with ground isolation, minimizes interference from the source device. A custom XMOS driver allows seamless native-mode DSD512 playback.
Functional Parameters
SPDIF Sampling Rate: PCM 192 kHz / DOP64 (AES, Optical, Coaxial, BNC)
USB Sampling Rate: PCM 384 kHz / DSD512 (Native)
Output Interface: XLR (1 pair) and RCA (1 pair)
Output Level: 6.2V RMS (XLR), 3.51V RMS (RCA)
Volume Control Range: -65 dB to +4 dB
Dimensions: 430 × 360 × 100 mm
Net Weight: 11.5 kg
Gross Weight: 13.8 kg
The item being advertised is sold "as is", and no warranty should be assumed unless otherwise indicated and agreed between the Buyer and the Seller. Photos representing the item being advertised form part of the description unless otherwise specified.
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