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DACs — Sugden Audio MASTERCLASS DAC-4
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Sugden Audio MASTERCLASS DAC-4
Image source — © Sugden Audio
The MASTERCLASS DAC-4 is a digital-to-analogue converter from Sugden Audio, a British manufacturer known for distinctive Class A amplifier engineering, extending that considered approach into digital conversion. The DAC-4 brings Sugden's engineering philosophy to a comparatively modest-resolution but considered digital source component.
Key specs that matter
Format support reaches up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM, a modest specification by current standards, reflecting a design philosophy prioritising careful implementation of core formats over chasing the latest ultra-high-resolution figures. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 80dB. At 90 x 250 x 330mm and 5.0kg, the DAC-4 maintains Sugden's characteristically compact chassis height.
Sound and use context
Expect the considered, musically engaging character Sugden Audio's broader Class A engineering philosophy is known for, applied here to digital conversion with a deliberately measured format-support approach.
Pairing
Sugden Audio's own Class A amplifier catalogue, sharing the brand's characteristic compact chassis design, forms a natural, coherently engineered partner for this DAC.
Alternatives
Sugden Audio's broader electronics catalogue offers natural companion components for buyers building a coherently voiced, entirely Sugden-based system, while buyers wanting higher-resolution format support should consider alternatives from other manufacturers.
Key specs that matter
Format support reaches up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM, a modest specification by current standards, reflecting a design philosophy prioritising careful implementation of core formats over chasing the latest ultra-high-resolution figures. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 80dB. At 90 x 250 x 330mm and 5.0kg, the DAC-4 maintains Sugden's characteristically compact chassis height.
Sound and use context
Expect the considered, musically engaging character Sugden Audio's broader Class A engineering philosophy is known for, applied here to digital conversion with a deliberately measured format-support approach.
Pairing
Sugden Audio's own Class A amplifier catalogue, sharing the brand's characteristic compact chassis design, forms a natural, coherently engineered partner for this DAC.
Alternatives
Sugden Audio's broader electronics catalogue offers natural companion components for buyers building a coherently voiced, entirely Sugden-based system, while buyers wanting higher-resolution format support should consider alternatives from other manufacturers.
Specifications
Model name
MASTERCLASS DAC-4
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
up to 24 bit / 96 kHz
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>80
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
90 x 250 x 330
Weight (kg)
5.0
Official link