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DACs — PS Audio PMG Signature 512 DAC
Description, images, technical data and specifications
PS Audio PMG Signature 512 DAC
Image source — © PS Audio
The PMG Signature 512 DAC belongs to the PMG Signature range of PS Audio and converts digital signals to analogue with a DSD-only engine. It sells for USD 8,999 in the US and AUD 15,990 in Australia, includes a network streamer and an analogue volume control, and is built in a black or silver case.
Key specs that matter
Inputs are two I2S over HDMI, two coaxial S/PDIF, two balanced XLR digital, one optical and one asynchronous USB type B, plus Ethernet and WiFi for streaming. PCM is accepted up to 768 kHz at 32 bit and DSD up to DSD512, with DoP supported across the inputs. Analogue outputs are balanced XLR at up to 4 V RMS and single-ended RCA at up to 2 V RMS, with output impedance given as under 100 ohm balanced and 200 ohm single-ended. PS Audio lists THD+N below 0.001% at 1 kHz, SINAD better than -100 dB, dynamic range of about 99 dB and a response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.25 dB. The case measures 375 x 445 x 112 mm including feet and weighs 13.6 kg. Power draw is 30 W, and the supply switches automatically between 120 and 230 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz.
Engineering and use context
At its centre sits the PureStream DSD512 engine, which converts every incoming format into a single 8x DSD stream at about 22 MHz. PCM data is not converted in the usual way and no decimation takes place, so the analogue stage always receives the same kind of signal. A SpectraWave 64-tap sequencer handles filtering and removes jitter before conversion. Every digital input is galvanically isolated, so ground noise from connected sources does not reach the conversion stage. The volume control works in the analogue domain, and the unit can be set to fixed output for use with a preamplifier or to variable output for driving a power amplifier directly. The built-in streamer is Roon Ready and supports Tidal, Qobuz Connect, Spotify, DLNA and UPnP, and AirPlay through ShairPort.
Pairing
The two I2S inputs accept a PS Audio disc transport such as the PMG Signature SACD Transport, which delivers native DSD from SACD over this link. In variable mode the XLR outputs can drive a stereo power amplifier without a separate preamplifier, and a computer can use the USB input for files up to DSD512.
Alternatives
The PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2 is an earlier converter from the brand, priced at USD 7,999, which accepts PCM up to 705.6 kHz and DSD256 and processes everything in an FPGA.
Key specs that matter
Inputs are two I2S over HDMI, two coaxial S/PDIF, two balanced XLR digital, one optical and one asynchronous USB type B, plus Ethernet and WiFi for streaming. PCM is accepted up to 768 kHz at 32 bit and DSD up to DSD512, with DoP supported across the inputs. Analogue outputs are balanced XLR at up to 4 V RMS and single-ended RCA at up to 2 V RMS, with output impedance given as under 100 ohm balanced and 200 ohm single-ended. PS Audio lists THD+N below 0.001% at 1 kHz, SINAD better than -100 dB, dynamic range of about 99 dB and a response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.25 dB. The case measures 375 x 445 x 112 mm including feet and weighs 13.6 kg. Power draw is 30 W, and the supply switches automatically between 120 and 230 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz.
Engineering and use context
At its centre sits the PureStream DSD512 engine, which converts every incoming format into a single 8x DSD stream at about 22 MHz. PCM data is not converted in the usual way and no decimation takes place, so the analogue stage always receives the same kind of signal. A SpectraWave 64-tap sequencer handles filtering and removes jitter before conversion. Every digital input is galvanically isolated, so ground noise from connected sources does not reach the conversion stage. The volume control works in the analogue domain, and the unit can be set to fixed output for use with a preamplifier or to variable output for driving a power amplifier directly. The built-in streamer is Roon Ready and supports Tidal, Qobuz Connect, Spotify, DLNA and UPnP, and AirPlay through ShairPort.
Pairing
The two I2S inputs accept a PS Audio disc transport such as the PMG Signature SACD Transport, which delivers native DSD from SACD over this link. In variable mode the XLR outputs can drive a stereo power amplifier without a separate preamplifier, and a computer can use the USB input for files up to DSD512.
Alternatives
The PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2 is an earlier converter from the brand, priced at USD 7,999, which accepts PCM up to 705.6 kHz and DSD256 and processes everything in an FPGA.
Specifications
Model name
PMG Signature 512 DAC
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
PureStream DSD
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 24 bit / 352.8 kHz and DSD256
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)
200
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
100
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
<0.1
Dimensions (mm)
360 x 430 x 100
Weight (kg)
13.6
Official link
