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DACs — PS Audio GainCell DAC
Description, images, technical data and specifications
PS Audio GainCell DAC
Image source - (c) PS Audio
The PS Audio GainCell DAC combines a D/A converter and a variable-gain analogue stage, with wide format support. Its level is set by an all-analogue gain control rather than a conventional digital volume attenuator, so one chassis works as both a DAC and a preamplifier.
Key specs that matter
The GainCell DAC decodes PCM to 32-bit/384 kHz plus DSD128. Rated bandwidth is 10 Hz to 100 kHz and gain is 12 dB. Input impedance is 100,000 ohms balanced and 47,000 ohms single-ended, while output impedance is 200 ohms balanced and 100 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise is better than 110 dB, with distortion under 0.05% at 22 kHz. The case measures 432 x 76 x 305 mm and weighs 6.1 kg.
Pairing
Thanks to the variable output level, the GainCell DAC can drive a power amplifier directly or go through a conventional preamplifier.
Alternatives
PS Audio's DirectStream DAC MK2 is another converter from the brand with a different feature set and price.
Key specs that matter
The GainCell DAC decodes PCM to 32-bit/384 kHz plus DSD128. Rated bandwidth is 10 Hz to 100 kHz and gain is 12 dB. Input impedance is 100,000 ohms balanced and 47,000 ohms single-ended, while output impedance is 200 ohms balanced and 100 ohms single-ended. Signal-to-noise is better than 110 dB, with distortion under 0.05% at 22 kHz. The case measures 432 x 76 x 305 mm and weighs 6.1 kg.
Pairing
Thanks to the variable output level, the GainCell DAC can drive a power amplifier directly or go through a conventional preamplifier.
Alternatives
PS Audio's DirectStream DAC MK2 is another converter from the brand with a different feature set and price.
Specifications
Model name
GainCell DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD128
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
10
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
100 000
Gain (dBu)
12
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
100 000
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
47 000
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
200
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
100
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.05
Dimensions (mm)
432 × 76 × 305
Weight (kg)
6.1
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