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DACs — Gryphon Audio DAC3
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Gryphon Audio DAC3
Image source — © Gryphon Audio
The DAC3 is a digital-to-analogue converter module from Gryphon Audio Designs of Denmark, made to be installed inside the Diablo 333 integrated amplifier rather than sold as a separate box. It adds five digital inputs to the four analogue inputs already present on the Diablo 333. The optional module is priced at USD 7,600.
Key specs that matter
A single ESS Sabre ES9039PRO chip performs the conversion. Inputs are one balanced 110 ohm AES/EBU on XLR, two 75 ohm S/PDIF on BNC, one TOSLINK optical and USB. Over USB the module accepts PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz at up to 32 bits, plus DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512. The XLR and BNC inputs take PCM at 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz at up to 32 bits, while TOSLINK covers the same rates up to 96 kHz at up to 24 bits. The analogue signal leaves the module through a gold-plated Neutrik XLR socket. Seven PCM roll-off filters can be selected by the user.
Engineering and use context
After the converter chip, the analogue section is built as a true dual-mono, discrete Class A circuit with zero global negative feedback, following the same principle Gryphon uses in its amplifiers. A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator with ultra-low jitter keeps timing accuracy better than 5 parts per million. The USB receiver draws its power from a 12.5 farad super-capacitor supply rather than from the 5 V bus of the computer, which keeps noise from the computer off the data lines. The circuit boards use six layers. Because the DAC3 lives inside the amplifier, it shares the Diablo 333 chassis, and mains supply, so no extra interconnect or separate power cord is needed between converter and amplifier. The module slot means a Diablo 333 owner can buy the amplifier first and add digital inputs later, and the module is fitted in the same way as the PS3 phono module for the same host.
Pairing
The Diablo 333 is the only host named by Gryphon for this module. Sources can be a CD transport feeding AES/EBU or S/PDIF, a network streamer, a television on the optical input or a computer on USB for DSD and high sample rate PCM files. With the DAC3 and PS3 modules installed, a single Diablo 333 chassis covers digital, vinyl and analogue line sources.
Alternatives
The Gryphon Kalliope is the brand's standalone converter, using one ESS Sabre ES9018 chip per channel in a fully dual-mono chassis.
Key specs that matter
A single ESS Sabre ES9039PRO chip performs the conversion. Inputs are one balanced 110 ohm AES/EBU on XLR, two 75 ohm S/PDIF on BNC, one TOSLINK optical and USB. Over USB the module accepts PCM at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz at up to 32 bits, plus DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512. The XLR and BNC inputs take PCM at 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz at up to 32 bits, while TOSLINK covers the same rates up to 96 kHz at up to 24 bits. The analogue signal leaves the module through a gold-plated Neutrik XLR socket. Seven PCM roll-off filters can be selected by the user.
Engineering and use context
After the converter chip, the analogue section is built as a true dual-mono, discrete Class A circuit with zero global negative feedback, following the same principle Gryphon uses in its amplifiers. A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator with ultra-low jitter keeps timing accuracy better than 5 parts per million. The USB receiver draws its power from a 12.5 farad super-capacitor supply rather than from the 5 V bus of the computer, which keeps noise from the computer off the data lines. The circuit boards use six layers. Because the DAC3 lives inside the amplifier, it shares the Diablo 333 chassis, and mains supply, so no extra interconnect or separate power cord is needed between converter and amplifier. The module slot means a Diablo 333 owner can buy the amplifier first and add digital inputs later, and the module is fitted in the same way as the PS3 phono module for the same host.
Pairing
The Diablo 333 is the only host named by Gryphon for this module. Sources can be a CD transport feeding AES/EBU or S/PDIF, a network streamer, a television on the optical input or a computer on USB for DSD and high sample rate PCM files. With the DAC3 and PS3 modules installed, a single Diablo 333 chassis covers digital, vinyl and analogue line sources.
Alternatives
The Gryphon Kalliope is the brand's standalone converter, using one ESS Sabre ES9018 chip per channel in a fully dual-mono chassis.
Specifications
Model name
DAC3
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9039PRO
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
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)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link
